GCC Activated Carbon Market Size Forecasted at USD 374.1 Mn by 2032 | Strong Growth Driven by Oil & Gas Applications

The GCC activated carbon market is entering a high-growth phase, backed by expanding industrial activity and environmental sustainability initiatives across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. As of 2025, the market is projected to be valued at US$195.7 million and is expected to nearly double, reaching US$374.1 million by 2032, fueled by a robust CAGR of 9.7%. This marks a significant acceleration from the 7.1% CAGR observed between 2019 and 2024. Demand is primarily driven by increasing utilization of activated carbon in gas purification, water treatment, and air filtration applications, especially within oil-rich economies.

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Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) represent the leading markets in the GCC, thanks to their flourishing oil and gas sectors, industrial expansion, and focus on clean energy processes. Activated carbon is extensively used in amine treatment units within these industries for removing hydrogen sulfide and CO2 from hydrocarbon streams, which makes it an indispensable component of environmental safety and process efficiency. These drivers are prompting leading manufacturers to strengthen their regional distribution networks and increase investment in the GCC.

Key Highlights from the Report

• The GCC activated carbon market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.7% from 2025 to 2032.
• Market value will rise from US$195.7 Mn in 2025 to US$374.1 Mn by 2032.
• Saudi Arabia and UAE are the leading contributors due to their expansive oil and gas industries.
• Activated carbon is widely used for adsorption in hydrocarbon purification and gas treatment.
• Rising environmental concerns are promoting the use of activated carbon in water and air purification.
• Key manufacturers are increasing their presence and sales networks across GCC countries.

Market Segmentation

The GCC activated carbon market is segmented based on product type, phase, and application. Key product types include powdered activated carbon (PAC) and granular activated carbon (GAC), with GAC holding the dominant share owing to its reusability and higher adsorption capacity in continuous systems. PAC, however, is preferred for short-term and emergency applications, especially in water treatment plants.

In terms of application, the market serves sectors such as oil and gas, water treatment, air purification, pharmaceuticals, and food & beverage processing. Among these, the oil and gas industry dominates due to the essential role activated carbon plays in desulfurization and gas purification. The water treatment segment is also witnessing increasing demand amid growing government initiatives focused on sustainable water management and environmental compliance.

Regional Insights

Saudi Arabia, as the GCC's largest economy, leads the activated carbon market due to the scale and complexity of its oil and gas infrastructure. The country has made significant investments in environmental technology, creating opportunities for the deployment of activated carbon in waste treatment and emission control systems.

Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates is quickly becoming a regional innovation hub, with growing applications of activated carbon in air quality management, desalination, and healthcare. The UAE's strong focus on sustainability, coupled with large-scale industrial diversification, is making it a key growth region in the market.

Market Drivers

A major driver of the GCC activated carbon market is the expansion of oil and gas operations, where activated carbon is vital for adsorption and purification processes. Additionally, the region's increasing environmental regulations are compelling industries to adopt cleaner, more efficient filtration technologies. Water scarcity challenges in the GCC also necessitate the use of activated carbon in desalination and water recycling projects.

Market Restraints

The market, however, is not without its restraints. Fluctuating raw material prices, especially for carbonaceous feedstocks like coconut shell and coal, can create volatility in production costs. Furthermore, the high cost of advanced production technologies and dependency on imports for specialized equipment may limit market entry for small and medium enterprises in the region.

Market Opportunities

There is substantial growth potential in emerging applications such as renewable energy storage, advanced healthcare, and pharmaceutical processing. As the GCC countries diversify their economies beyond oil, sectors like environmental monitoring, smart city development, and clean water initiatives will continue to boost demand. Government-driven infrastructure programs aimed at achieving Vision 2030 (Saudi Arabia) and UAE's Net Zero 2050 goals present additional market-expanding opportunities.

Reasons to Buy the Report

✔ Detailed analysis of market trends and projected growth through 2032.
✔ Insights into high-growth segments including oil & gas and water treatment.
✔ Comprehensive regional breakdown with focus on key economies like Saudi Arabia and UAE.
✔ Competitive analysis of leading players and regional supply chains.
✔ Strategic recommendations for market entry, expansion, and investment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How big is the GCC activated carbon market in 2025?
Who are the key players in the GCC activated carbon market?
What is the projected growth rate of the GCC activated carbon market through 2032?
What is the market forecast for activated carbon in GCC countries by 2032?
Which region is estimated to dominate the activated carbon industry during the forecast period?

Company Insights

1. Cabot Corporation
2. Kuraray Co., Ltd.
3. Haycarb PLC
4. Jacobi Carbons AB (AquaShield)
5. Carbon Activated Corporation
6. Calgon Carbon Corporation
7. Desotec Activated Carbon
8. Donau Carbon GmbH
9. Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
10. Ingevity Corporation

Recent Developments:

• In 2024, Haycarb PLC announced a partnership with a Middle Eastern distributor to expand its presence in GCC markets.
• Cabot Corporation introduced a new line of high-efficiency activated carbon products aimed at industrial gas purification in early 2025.

The GCC activated carbon market offers high potential for companies aligning with sustainability, industrial growth, and advanced purification needs. With robust demand emerging across multiple sectors, businesses that invest in innovation, regional partnerships, and regulatory compliance stand to benefit significantly in the coming years.

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