GCC Activated Carbon Market to Expand Significantly to US$ 374.1 Mn by 2032 - Persistence Market Research

Market Overview

The GCC Activated Carbon Market is witnessing rapid growth, driven by increasing demand across industries like oil & gas, water treatment, and manufacturing. As of 2025, the market is valued at US$ 195.7 million and is projected to reach US$ 374.1 million by 2032, reflecting a strong CAGR of 9.7% during the forecast period. This surge is a significant jump from the historical CAGR of 7.1% recorded between 2019 and 2024, showcasing renewed momentum in regional industrial activities post-pandemic.

Among the GCC nations, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates dominate the activated carbon market. This dominance is due to their expansive oil and gas sectors, where activated carbon is extensively used as an adsorbent in amine units for hydrogen sulfide and CO2 removal. The water treatment segment also plays a pivotal role in driving demand, supported by government-led initiatives to expand desalination and wastewater management infrastructure.

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Key Highlights from the Report

➤ GCC activated carbon market is set to grow at a 9.7% CAGR between 2025 and 2032.
➤ Market size projected to increase from US$ 195.7 Mn in 2025 to US$ 374.1 Mn by 2032.
➤ Water treatment remains the leading application in terms of volume and value.
➤ Saudi Arabia and UAE are the top-performing countries due to strong industrial bases.
➤ Demand for activated carbon rebounded after a dip in 2024 due to the pandemic.
➤ Oil & gas industry is a major end-user, especially in gas purification applications.

Market Segmentation

The GCC activated carbon market is segmented based on product type, which includes powdered activated carbon (PAC), granular activated carbon (GAC), and extruded activated carbon. PAC holds a significant share due to its widespread application in water purification and air filtration systems. GAC, on the other hand, is favored for industrial liquid-phase applications, especially in the petrochemical and chemical processing industries.

From an end-use perspective, the key segments include water treatment, air purification, food & beverage processing, and industrial processing, including oil & gas. Water treatment continues to be the leading segment due to its critical role in desalination, a necessity in arid GCC countries. The oil and gas sector also holds a substantial share due to activated carbon's effectiveness in removing impurities during hydrocarbon processing.

Regional Insights

Saudi Arabia leads the regional activated carbon market owing to its large-scale oil and gas infrastructure, which necessitates high volumes of activated carbon for purification and treatment processes. The country's aggressive investments in wastewater treatment and industrial expansion further bolster market growth.

The United Arab Emirates follows closely, propelled by its focus on sustainability and smart city initiatives. The UAE government's investments in water treatment plants and environmental regulations have contributed to the rising adoption of activated carbon solutions in municipal and industrial sectors.

Market Drivers

The most significant driver behind the GCC activated carbon market growth is the rising demand from the oil and gas industry. Activated carbon is crucial in gas purification processes, particularly in amine gas treating units where it helps in removing CO2 and hydrogen sulfide. With global oil dynamics shifting and the region assuming greater importance due to geopolitical events, the need for cleaner processing solutions is accelerating.

Another growth catalyst is the growing emphasis on water treatment and desalination. Countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are investing in advanced water infrastructure to meet rising urban and industrial water demands. Activated carbon is integral to these systems for removing organic contaminants and chlorine compounds.

Market Restraints

Despite its growth potential, the GCC activated carbon market faces certain challenges. One of the primary restraints is the fluctuation in raw material prices such as coconut shells, wood, and coal. These raw materials are often imported, leading to cost instability due to global supply chain disruptions or trade restrictions.

Additionally, regulatory challenges and the lack of local production facilities may hinder market expansion. Environmental regulations related to the disposal of spent activated carbon and the high energy cost involved in its regeneration further add to the operating costs of end-users.

Market Opportunities

There are ample opportunities in the GCC market, particularly in the local manufacturing of activated carbon. With the current reliance on imports, regional production facilities could reduce costs, improve supply chain reliability, and enhance customization for local industries.

Furthermore, technological advancements in activated carbon production and innovations like bio-based activated carbon are likely to open new avenues. These sustainable alternatives could cater to the rising demand in green and circular economy initiatives across the GCC.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

➤ How Big is the GCC Activated Carbon Market in 2025?
➤ What is the Projected Growth Rate of the GCC Activated Carbon Market from 2025 to 2032?
➤ Who are the Key Players in the Global Market for Activated Carbon?
➤ What is the Market Forecast for GCC Activated Carbon for 2032?
➤ Which Region is Estimated to Dominate the Industry through the Forecast Period?

Company Insights

✦ Cabot Corporation
✦ Jacobi Carbons (Osaka Gas Chemicals)
✦ Haycarb PLC
✦ Calgon Carbon Corporation (Kuraray)
✦ Donau Carbon GmbH
✦ Carbon Activated Corporation
✦ Silcarbon Aktivkohle GmbH
✦ DESOTEC Activated Carbon

■ In 2024, Jacobi Carbons expanded its activated carbon production capacity in Asia to meet growing global demand, including supply to the GCC.

■ Cabot Corporation announced a strategic partnership with a Middle Eastern distributor to enhance product availability across GCC countries.

Conclusion

The GCC Activated Carbon Market is on an upward trajectory, fueled by industrial expansion, sustainability goals, and the essential nature of water treatment and purification processes. As key economies like Saudi Arabia and the UAE continue investing in infrastructure and environmental technologies, the role of activated carbon as a critical adsorbent material will only grow.

However, stakeholders must navigate challenges like raw material cost volatility and regulatory complexities to fully harness the market's potential. With innovation, local manufacturing opportunities, and increasing government support, the GCC region is well-positioned to become a pivotal hub for activated carbon applications in the near future.

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This release was published on openPR.