US-based Albemarle, a leading chemical company, plans to construct a fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalysts and additives manufacturing facility in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Albemarle has entered into discussions with its Middle East partner Ali & Sons Oilfield Supplies & Services Co (ASOS) in order to construct the facility, according to reports in the IHS Chemical Week.

Abu Dhabi represents the ideal site for the proposed facility because it would allow Albemarle to meet rapidly growing regional demand for refinery catalyst solutions and would provide an unmatched security of supply for existing customers in the Mideast, the company was quoted as saying.

The facility will manufacture Albemarle's AFX catalysts, which promote increased propylene yield from resid feedstocks, the reports said.