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Saudi Arabia Produces First Locally-Manufactured N95 Mask

First Saudi manufactured mask produced with the support of SABIC’s polymer portfolio. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
First Saudi manufactured mask produced with the support of SABIC’s polymer portfolio. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Produces First Locally-Manufactured N95 Mask

First Saudi manufactured mask produced with the support of SABIC’s polymer portfolio. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
First Saudi manufactured mask produced with the support of SABIC’s polymer portfolio. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Mais Company for Medical Products (SMMP) has announced producing the kingdom’s first fully manufactures N95 masks from polypropylene manufactured in SABIC, in cooperation with the Dimas Nonwoven Fabrics Company.

This announcement takes the kingdom a step closer towards localizing medical personal protective equipment.

The product has obtained the necessary approvals after meeting the requirements of the Food and Drug Authority.

SABIC’s polymers portfolio is organized largely around the automotive, foam/lightweight and pipe segments, helping find the right alternatives to replace traditional materials, such as wood, cotton or glass, used in a vast array of consumer and industrial products.

Yousef al-Benyan, SABIC Vice Chairman and CEO, underscored the company’s keenness to support national industry and achieve objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030 to maximize local content and empower strategic industries through its national initiative “Nusaned.”

The company works in an integrated manner with industrial institutions throughout the kingdom to provide innovative and sustainable solutions by developing raw materials that are used in the manufacture of highly used products and raising their quality and efficiency, he explained.

“The local production of these masks represents a key step in the field of localizing medical products, which would contribute to enhancing prevention and raising levels of public health.”

He pointed out that the “Nusaned initiative works with a wide base of local entrepreneurs and manufacturers in the field of localizing strategic industries and transferring the technologies necessary for these industries.”

A team from SABIC visited Dimas and Mais plants and shed light on the initiatives’ efforts to produce the first raw materials to manufacture the N95 mask from local materials.

The success of this step reflects the importance of joint cooperation between the private and public sectors to support local products and localize industries in the field of personal and health protection equipment.

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Unprecedented Participation Expected at International Mining Conference in Riyadh on Tuesday

Ali Al-Mutairi, general supervisor of the conference (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Ali Al-Mutairi, general supervisor of the conference (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Unprecedented Participation Expected at International Mining Conference in Riyadh on Tuesday

Ali Al-Mutairi, general supervisor of the conference (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Ali Al-Mutairi, general supervisor of the conference (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Riyadh is preparing to host the fourth edition of the International Mining Conference on Tuesday under the patronage of King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz.
This year’s event has drawn an unprecedented number of participants, with over 20,000 registrations. It will feature the attendance of global CEOs, industry leaders, and executives from related sectors, who will gather to tackle the mining sector’s key challenges and offer innovative, sustainable solutions to advance the industry’s future.
Ali Al-Mutairi, general supervisor of the conference, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the conference, running from January 14 to 16, will kick off with the fourth International Ministerial Meeting on Mining Affairs. The meeting will host senior government representatives from 85 countries, along with 50 leaders from multilateral organizations, NGOs, and business associations.
This year’s edition introduces several groundbreaking initiatives, including a “Knowledge Exchange Day,” which will serve as a platform to share the latest advancements in geology, technology, and sustainability.
Al-Mutairi also revealed that the event will host the first “Centers of Excellence and Technology Meeting,” designed to establish a regional network to develop expertise and accelerate innovation in mining.
Additionally, the second meeting of leaders from international geological survey organizations will take place, featuring prominent institutions such as the US Geological Survey, the British Geological Survey, the French Geological Survey, and the Finnish Geological Survey. This meeting aims to enhance global collaboration and leverage advanced technologies to drive sector development.
The conference is expected to see the signing of several agreements and memorandums of understanding between local and international stakeholders, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to establishing itself as a global mining hub. The event further supports efforts to foster international cooperation and sustainable development in this vital sector.
Over 250 prominent speakers, including senior executives and experts, will participate in this year’s conference. Their contributions will open avenues for international partnerships and help explore strategic investment opportunities in mining.
Under the theme “Achieving Impact,” the conference continues the international dialogue on the future of mining and minerals, with the aim to strengthen global cooperation to meet energy transition goals and advance modern industries.
Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s vision to position mining as a cornerstone of its national economy, the event will address critical topics such as exploration, technological innovation, sustainability, and value-added chains. The event highlights the country’s ongoing efforts to empower the mining sector and ensure it serves as a key pillar of economic growth and diversification.