Dubai recently hosted the launch of K 2025, the world’s largest trade fair dedicated to the plastics, rubber, and recycling industries. This significant event is scheduled to take place in Düsseldorf, Germany, from October 8 to 15, 2025.

K 2025 will feature over 3 000 exhibitors from around the globe, including more than 10 specialized companies from the UAE, such as EnerPlastics, SRG Global, and Multi Trade Group. Additionally, over 10 major Saudi companies, including the petrochemical leader SABIC, are expected to participate. The event anticipates drawing more than 180 000 visitors from 167 countries, building on the impressive attendance recorded at the previous edition, which solidified K’s status as a leading platform for industrial technology and innovation.

According to MSN, Petra Cullmann, Executive Director of Messe Düsseldorf, expressed her pride in the strong partnership with Dubai. She noted that choosing Dubai as a key stop in the K 2025 promotional tour underscores the international trust in the UAE’s industrial and commercial prominence. She stated, “We are pleased to continue our collaboration with Dubai, a leading industrial and commercial centre in the Middle East. Selecting it as a stop in K 2025’s global roadshow reflects the international confidence in the UAE’s dynamic role in industrial advancement.”

Cullmann further emphasized that their participation at Dubai’s ArabPlast, alongside significant contributions from Europe and other regions, enhances ties with the area. This proactive engagement is aimed at fostering impactful international cooperation.

According to the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA), Gulf countries produce over 35 million tons of plastic each year, which accounts for 15% of global output, with approximately 85% being exported to international markets. The sector’s annual revenue surpasses US$100 billion and directly employs over 160 000 individuals. Furthermore, recycling rates in the region are expected to rise by 9.3% in the coming year, positioning the Gulf as a pivotal player in promoting sustainable industries worldwide.

This year’s K event will operate under the theme “The Power of Plastics! Green – Smart – Responsible,” concentrating on three main pillars: the circular economy, digital transformation, and social responsibility. The fair will feature interactive platforms, including the VDMA Forum and the special exhibition “Plastics Shape the Future,” offering an optimal venue for industry leaders to exchange knowledge, forge meaningful partnerships, and explore groundbreaking global innovations.

K 2025 also aims to serve as a strategic platform to showcase both Gulf and global leadership in essential industrial sectors, while reinforcing the region’s role in strengthening global supply chains and promoting the transition to a sustainable circular economy.