Maximising regional business opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa for the lubricants industry
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) presents many exciting opportunities for the lubricant and grease supply chain. The market is predicted to reach $16.1 billion by 2031 with key sectors such as automotive and construction showing promising growth.
The Lubricant Expo team will bring the highly successful brand to the Middle East in January 2026. This article will explore some of the regional opportunities that make MENA, and specifically the United Arab Emirates (UAE), an excellent location for a dedicated free-to-attend lubricant exhibition and technical conference.
Automotive
The automotive sector presents plenty of opportunity for the Middle East. The region favours automotive imports from places such as Europe and Japan creating an important aftermarket. As vehicle imports are so popular lubricant producers have also had to adjust to the ever increasing requirements of European and Japanese vehicles. Ever-improving engine efficiency as well as adherence to regulatory standards has created increased demand for high quality lubricants and engine oils. Electric vehicles (EVs) also require high performance lubricants, and whilst traditional vehicles are still dominant, there has been an upsurge in adoption in recent years. For example, Lucid Group opened a car manufacturing facility in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) last year. Not to mention the launch of CEER motors, the first Saudi Arabian electric vehicle brand, which was founded in 2022.
“Saudi Arabia is the fast-growing economy for base oils, additives and lubricants because of growth in the automotive and construction sectors which are rapidly expanding.”
Marwan Ramadan, Business Development Manager, Rock Petroleum
KSA is not only beginning to increase their domestic automotive production but is also one of the strongest regional markets for the growing demand for lubricants. According to Marwan Ramadan, Business Development Manager of Rock Petroleum, “Saudi Arabia is the fast-growing economy for base oils, additives and lubricants because of growth in the automotive and construction sectors which are rapidly expanding”. Marwan also points to other countries such as Egypt as showing promising growth.
Construction
The construction sector for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) continues to grow due to rapid urbanisation, investment in energy and public infrastructure as well as the need for affordable housing. With an increasing population and the need to diversify regional economies to lessen dependency on fossil fuels, the construction sector shows strong signs of steady growth now and in the near future.
For the lubricant supply chain, the construction sector is an exciting prospect. Lubricants are required for all sorts of applications such as metal working, heavy machinery, mobility and logistics and shipping to name a few.
Why the UAE?
The UAE is the ideal location for an exhibition and conference devoted to the lubricant supply chain and its end users. According to Loutfi El Sayed, Managing Director of Oscar Lubricants FZE, “The UAE has positioned itself as a key location for the lubricants industry, with more than 50 lubricants blenders”. He explains that the UAE benefits from “easy to access raw materials, an environment conducive for business (low taxes, low cost of production), a strategic location for export as well as very modern and sophisticated facilities.” The UAE does indeed have excellent access to raw materials; in fact, the region has the highest global crude oil production rates.
“The UAE has positioned itself as a key location for the lubricants industry, with more than 50
lubricants blenders”
Loutfi El Sayed, Managing Director, Oscar Lubricants FZE
There are challenges for the UEA, as Loutfi explains, the market is “highly competitive” which is positive for customers but does mean tighter profit margins for the supply chain. However, a competitive market does come with opportunity and encourages innovation. Competitors must work to offset cost efficiency with quality to meet the needs of their customers.
A challenge for the whole MENA region relates to the diverse climate conditions. Desert environments can have high temperatures during the day and then drastically drop at night, meaning lubricants created for use in the region must be able to withstand significant temperature fluctuations to function effectively. Lubricant manufacturers have the opportunity to provide specialised formulations for optimal performance, but must be able to keep their prices competitive.
“Other than being excellent hosts, we know how to put up a show. You will find the latest solutions to your business here. Also, you will experience the melting pot of investors and businessmen that make this place a unique one.”
Not only does MENA present a wealth of opportunity, it is also known for its excellent hospitality and friendly people. Loutfi, who is based in UAE, says “Other than being excellent hosts, we know how to put up a show. You will find the latest solutions to your business here. Also, you will experience the melting pot of investors and businessmen that make this place a unique one.” We at the Lubricant Expo team look forward to this experience.
Lubricant Expo Middle East will provide a meeting place for the lubricant supply chain. A mixture of end customers, lubricant blenders, base oil, additive and service providers will come together to network and foster innovation. The show is designed to attract lubricant buyers from a range of markets including, but not limited to, automotive, industrial, marine, metalworking, energy, heavy equipment, pharmaceutical and food and beverages. It is a place to stay up to date with the competition and learn about the latest trends and challenges at our technical conference.
Join us in January 2026! You can register your interest here.
Callum Gibson
Event Director – Lubricant Expo Middle East
callum.gibson@blueprinteventcompany.com
+44 (0)1273 442 340