By Dr. Sadik Omairey | Founder of NmeX Non-metallic Engineers Exchange

After closing out 19th Middle East Corrosion Conference (MECC19) in Dhahran and spending time in Jeddah and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) , my NmeX journey took me back to Dammam for the Composite and Non Metallic Expo 2025, held from the 17th to the 19th. The shift from corrosion-focused discussions at MECC to an exhibition almost entirely centred on composite and non-metallic applications gave this event a very distinct identity. It felt more specialised, more product-driven, and perhaps even more reflective of the industrial direction the region is taking. In this event, NmeX was invited to participate as a supporting partner, and I served on the Scientific Committee, delivered a technical presentation, and joined one of the core panel sessions.

A Complete Non-Metallic Ecosystem Under One Roof

From the moment I stepped into the venue, it was clear how broad the ecosystem has become. Within a few steps, you could move from manufacturers of RTR and TCP systems, to companies producing FRP tanks and structural components, to suppliers of resin systems and pultrusion products, to FRP rebar developers, to providers of composite manhole covers and access systems, to digital-materials innovators. In contrast to broader industry events, this Expo brought almost the entire non-metallic supply chain into a single space. The density and diversity of exhibitors made the event feel like a comprehensive snapshot of where composite and polymer technologies are headed in the region.

Industry Highlights and Technical Conversations

Pipeline Systems and Composite Infrastructure

Among the companies with a strong presence was Amiantit, and it was good to reconnect with Yousef Al Yousef, whom I had met previously, and to catch up with Majed Al-Otaibi. They shared updates on their ongoing developments, reinforcing Amiantit’s long-standing role across FRP pipeline systems. A particularly interesting topic this year was their GRP jacking pipes, presented by Syed Habeeb Ahmed. The manufacturing capability stood out: producing pipes up to four metres in diameter, with flexibility in length depending on project requirements.

The weight savings were especially striking. A three-metre-long GRP jacking pipe at three metres diameter comes in at around seven tons, whereas the concrete equivalent is approximately twenty-three tons. This is not a small difference; it directly impacts transport logistics, installation efficiency, environmental impact, and the jacking force required. Reduced jacking loads were also emphasised. Amiantit’s stand reflected a mature, expanding product family well aligned with regional infrastructure needs.

Right next to them, Future Pipe Industries (FPI) showcased an extensive portfolio. It was a pleasure to reconnect with Mazen Al Mawla, George Issa and meet Adil AlMahasna again, who provided updates on FPI’s ongoing activities across the region. Their presence underscored their role as one of the region’s major suppliers of composite pipeline solutions. FPI remains deeply embedded in RTR applications across industrial water, energy and municipal sectors, continuing to support large-scale deployments.

At the CPI booth, the conversation shifted towards life cycle thinking and national carbon-reduction strategies. Said Ali Al Mughairi delivered a presentation focused on the life cycle of GRE systems, industrial efficiency and the contribution of composite pipes to national carbon-reduction targets. His narrative was intentionally aligned with the COE’s pillars: industrial efficiency, local value creation and emissions reduction.

Mr. Said discussed how GRE systems support circular carbon economy principles, and how crude-to-chemicals transformation positions polymers as key contributors to Saudi Arabia’s downstream diversification. The economic model he outlined highlighted the impact of strengthening local supply chains, minimising waste and improving material efficiency. CPI’s catalogue, including conductive RTR options, reflected both maturity and ongoing expansion of local manufacturing. It was also a pleasure to finally meet Hosain M., CPI’s Plant General Manager, in person and discuss a range of technical and non-technical topics.

Advanced Composite Technologies

Another strong technical presence at the Expo came from Novel Non-Metallic Solutions. Their sessions were consistent with the themes presented at MECC19 but expanded into additional product domains.

Ahmed AlAdawy, PhD presented developments in spoolable downhole TCP tubing, focusing on high-temperature, high-pressure envelopes, long-term reliability, and the emissions advantages over metallic alternatives. The potential for a twenty-year service life and dramatically reduced deployment times was emphasised again.

Nadeem Qureshi delivered a session on non-metallic heat exchanger applications, demonstrating NOVEL’s growing portfolio beyond pipelines and into process equipment. Their booth highlighted several innovations that helped contextualise the presentations. It was also a pleasure to reconnect briefly with Ahmed Hafiz , MBA, NOVEL’s COO.

Structural Performance, Forensics and Long-Life Assets

Fiberglass Structural Engineering (FSE) offered a compelling technical case study presented by Steve Booth on FRP service life assessment for a cooling water line installed in the 1970s. The session covered their approach to diagnosing degradation mechanisms, categorising damage by severity, quantifying reduction in material properties and modelling future asset behaviour. It demonstrated how FRP systems can deliver decades of service when properly assessed and maintained, and highlighted the essential role of forensic engineering for ageing composite infrastructure.

Another notable technical contribution came from Al Mustaqbal Fiberglass Ind LLC . Their session, delivered by Youssef Badri i, covered large FRP tanks with specialised joining methods designed to prevent metallic fasteners from contacting stored fluids, and a GRP offshore intake tower system they continue to monitor.

They also showcased a range of FRP doors, waterproof, hygienic, chemically resistant and with a service life of up to thirty years. Compared to steel doors, which are heavier, maintenance-intensive and prone to corrosion in wet environments, the advantages were clear. The FRP partition wall systems they displayed added another level of diversity to their offering. Collectively, their examples demonstrated how composites continue to displace metals and concrete across industrial, structural and architectural applications.

Composites in Architecture and Building Systems

The architectural sector was strongly represented by BFG International. Samer Aljishi examined the use of CFRP and GFRP in façade systems and building components, presenting comparative data on carbon emissions and weight. His examples illustrated the practical drivers behind the shift to composites. One case study showed GFRP panels limiting the spread of fire while adjacent aluminium cladding had completely failed, a real-world demonstration of performance advantages in a critical scenario. It was also a pleasure to meet Husain Sahwan, who leads Composites Engineering at BFG International.

Global Suppliers, RTP/TCP Expansions and Industrial Composites

A strong international presence was evident, particularly from Chinese manufacturers such as ZYfire Hose Corporation, who showcased extensive catalogues of RTP, TCP, flexible risers and multi-layer composite systems. Their participation reflected the rapid expansion of international suppliers entering the Middle Eastern market, bringing competitive alternatives and broader choice to operators.

Chemical Process Piping Pvt.Ltd. also contributed to the industrial composite equipment and piping segment, adding further depth to the exhibition.

Rebars, Manholes and Emerging Civil Products

Throughout the exhibition, FRP rebars were increasingly prominent. Multiple manufacturers showcased glass rebars intended to replace steel in corrosive or chloride-rich environments. Exhibitor discussions made it clear that regional demand is accelerating quickly. With their corrosion immunity, reduced weight and long service life, composite rebars are increasingly positioned to become mainstream materials in infrastructure projects, especially in coastal and industrial regions.

Another recurring theme was the adoption of composite manhole covers and access systems. Companies such as Techno Group and Smithline Reinforced Composites (SRC) showcased solutions designed to replace ductile iron alternatives. Composite covers provide key advantages, lightweight handling, corrosion resistance, resistance to theft, and the number of exhibitors signalled that the region is preparing for broader deployment.

Digital Engineering, AI and the Next Wave of Innovation

A standout technical contribution came from Dr. Mariam Jaber, MBA, whose presentation on AI-driven digital prototyping explored how machine learning can accelerate the design and optimisation of composite structures. By training models on FE simulation input–output relationships, her approach significantly reduces computation time and enables faster design cycles. While her examples were rooted in oil and gas applications, the methodology has broad relevance across aerospace, automotive, infrastructure and renewable energy sectors. It illustrated the growing convergence between digital technologies and composite engineering.

The event also provided an opportunity to meet Dr. Ghayth Abed from LAB7 by aramco and to learn more about the innovative work being done to support emerging technologies and startup-led development. Ghayth’s hospitality and openness, along with his dual UK–MENA experience, made the discussion particularly enjoyable. LAB7 plays a pivotal role in nurturing early-stage material and digital solutions, and hearing more about their activities helped frame how innovation ecosystems are forming around non-metallics in the Kingdom.

Panel Session: Academia–Industry Collaborative Models

The Expo hosted a panel discussion focused on collaborative innovation models through academia–industry partnerships. The session was moderated by Dr Farshad Salamat-Zadeh, and included:

Basheer A. A ( King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) ), suhail hyder vattathurvalappil ( King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals – KFUPM ), Mohamed Jaber (Borouge), Ahmed Wagih ( KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology) ), Mjed Hashem, MSc, PMP® ( NEOM ), and myself Dr. Sadik Omairey ( NmeX Non-metallic Engineers Exchange )

The diversity of the panel brought together perspectives across basic research, industrial R&D, mega-project integration and technology qualification. The discussion was productive and grounded, underscoring the importance of coordinated pathways for development and adoption of non-metallic technologies.

It was also a pleasure to catch up with Dr Farshad both as a colleague and as a friend whose guidance has shaped much of my work in the non-metallics field. Beyond moderating, he played a central role throughout the event, introducing speakers, recognising exhibitors and presenting awards to contributors.

NmeX Technical Contribution: Redefining Pipe Lifecycle Strategies

As part of NmeX’s contribution to the Expo, I delivered a technical presentation titled “Redefining Pipe Lifecycle Strategies Through Non-Metallic Adoption.” The talk highlighted how non-metallic systems, when selected and deployed correctly, fundamentally change the lifecycle curve by reducing corrosion risk, simplifying operation and improving long-term reliability.

A significant part of the talk addressed the challenges limiting broader adoption:

• limited awareness of product envelopes,
• uncertainty around qualification pathways,
• and fragmentation of available data.

To address this, I introduced the NmeX Non-Metallic Pipe Selector Tool as a practical resource to close knowledge gaps and support correct material selection. The feedback during and after the session reflected a strong appetite across the region for decision-support tools that accelerate understanding and adoption of non-metallic systems.

Closing Reflections

Finally, the organisers, led by Michael and Aqeel Ossen and the wider team, deserve recognition. Their professionalism, communication and hospitality created an event environment that was cohesive, technically rich and easy to navigate.

The Composite & Non-Metallic Expo 2025 demonstrated a rapidly maturing ecosystem: expanding local manufacturing, increasingly sophisticated design and testing practices, diversified product portfolios, and strong integration between academic research, industrial development and digital tools. It offered a clear picture of where the region is heading and reaffirmed the growing strategic role of composites and non-metallics in future infrastructure.