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Where We Come From

Since 1990, we've been contributing to the polymer industry while learning, adapting and growing around the world.

In just 3 decades, with an entrepreneurial approach and a superior service culture, RAI has grown from an independent local distributor to a world-class, globally successful polymer distribution specialist, offering a wide product portfolio. Over time, RAI has acquired other companies and expanded into multiple product areas. Through the decades, we have adapted to keep pace with evolving markets and the needs of our customers.

1998

PIC signs distribution agreement with RAI

Following the contract with Equate, RAI also became the authorized distributor of PIC – Petrochemical Industry Company, a Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) subsidiary, covering UAE and Oman.

1997

Equate selects RAI as strategic partner for UAE and Oman

RAI entered a distribution contract with Equate Petrochemical from Kuwait, a cornerstone contract that has endured the test of time and is in place until today.

1996

ISO 9001/2000 Certified

RAI shows its commitment to quality and the ability to consistently provide products and services to its customers.

1996

Oman Distribution

RAI started distribution in Oman market.

1991

Celebrated its first Distribution Agreement

SABIC signs RAI as its distributor for the UAE, a testament to our capabilities and motivation.

1990

RAI is founded

Rakha Al Khaleej International LLC, founded in Dubai, UAE to support distribution of Polymer products in GCC and Yemen.

2009

Establishes Polydist America Latina

In partnership with some local businessmen in Brazil, Polydist starts its journey in Latin America.

2008

Resin Trade buys office in Burton-on-Trent

This acquisition demonstrates to the market that the company was there to stay, fully committed to its customers, suppliers, and long-term growth.

2008

Opens company in Jordan

RAI continues to add infrastructure in the Middle East to offer alternative to its core suppliers.

2008

Starts operations in China

RAI opens office in Shanghai to further expand its business in China.

2006

Registers the trade name Polydist®

RAI chooses Polydist®, an easy name that clearly expresses its core activity, polymer distribution, as the brand to grow its operation internationally.

2006

Opens company in Pakistan

Further strengthening its presence in that country.

2006

Resin Trade Limited Acquisition

RAI acquires 50% of Resin Trade, a well-established polymer distributor in the UK, starting its journey in the European market.

2005

Sales +100 MM USD

RAI surpasses over 100 million dollars in sales and reaffirms its commitment to continued growth.

2003

Risk Management Policy is formally implemented

RAI was the 1st Polymer Distributor in the Middle East to use credit insurance, now a common practice in the industry.

2003

First international subsidiary – India

RAI expands its reach outside of the GCC with its first full-fledged subsidiary in India.

2000

10 Years Anniversary

RAI celebrated its first decade.

2000

JAFZA Free Zone entity is established

Marks the start of RAI’s international growth journey and the establishment of own warehouse.

2019

RAI moves to a new HQ in Jebel Ali Free Zone

Modern facility adjacent to its main warehouse. More comfort and efficiency for its team member

2019

Signed Contract with OPAL

Opal is a multibillion joint venture between Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), the largest E&P company in India.

2019

Selected by Borouge as its local distributor partner in the UAE

Borouge is the world’s largest integrated polyolefin complexes in Al Ruwais Industrial City, UAE. Becoming Borouge distributor in its local market is a validation of RAI’s value addition to suppliers.

2018

Sabic Innovations signs contract with Polydist UK for its specialty polymers

The SABIC polymer portfolio is known for its outstanding physical properties. Strength, durability, and heat resistance, making it suitable for demanding applications. A major step into RAI’s strategic growth into engineering polymers and specialties.

2016

RAI obtains SASO Certification

SASO Certificate of Conformity complying with all the specifications outlined in the Saudi markets.

2015

RAI signs distribution contract with Gulf Polymers

Chevron JV in KSA, Saudi Polymers

2015

Polydist UK appointed as SABIC distributor

PE produced in the Wilton, UK as well as imported from other Sabic sites becomes part of the distribution portfolio.

2015

Sales reaches 450MM USD

2015

Polydist Europe acquires Merco Polymers in the Netherlands

Rebrands it to Polydist Benelux.

2015

RAI buys additional shares of Resin Trade, rebrands it as Polydist becoming part of Polydist Europe

Part of the strategy to become a pan European polymer distributor.

2015

25 Years

RAI completes 25 years of service excellence in its domain.

2014

Polydist UK adds Group Repol to its portfolio

2014

Sales grow to over 300 MM USD

The strategic actions come together an RAI quickly reaches 300 million dollars in sales.

2014

Starts RAI Korea

Seoul office is open to establish a strategic sourcing position for the global markets.

2013

Polydist UK starts distributing Novapet

Novapet technical PET grades becomes part of the product offering in UK and Ireland

2013

Sales over 200 MM USD

As a result of the focus, dedication and commitment to growth RAI reaches 200 million dollars in sales.

2012

Forms company in Oman

With local warehousing for prompt delivery, RAI further expands its offerings in the GCC.

2012

Polydist UK becomes member of BPF (British Plastics Federation)

UK trade association representing the plastics industry since 1933.

2012

Launches operation in North America

Representative offices are opened in Houston, TX and New York, NY

2011

Professionalization Strategy

Mr. Said Al Naqeeb transitions from the role of CEO to that of a board member. Mr. Henry Roth, an experienced and tried professional, the former President of Dow Chemical Middle East, is hired as the new CEO.

2011

ISO 9001:2008 Certification

Reaffirms its commitment to quality products and services.

2011

Polydist Turkey is Established

RAI sets foothold in the second largest polymer import country in the world, continuing its international expansion.

2010

RAI Industries is created

Diversifying the portfolio to better service its customers, RAI starts a compounding facility to producer enhancers for film and blow molding applications.

2010

20 Years Anniversary

RAI celebrated its second decade in the business.

2023

The RAI brand is chosen as global brand. Polydist starts to phase out

New logo, website and overall image is launched.

2023

Chosen as distributor partner for MRPL in India

An important move for RAI’s growth in the India market.

2023

33 Years

RAI celebrated its 33rd year in business in March with a global meet of RAI employees

2022

RAI Americas Inc.

A strategic position for the international growth strategy.

2022

RAI Bahrain

Additional infrastructure in the GCC to support regional customers and suppliers.

2022

Signed Contract with Sipchem (LyondellBasell JV in KSA)

Exclusive sales arm of Sipchem in the GCC (minus KSA).

2022

New International Division

Refocus on a global growth strategy.

2021

Henry Roth retires. Eduardo Contreiras is brought from the USA to start as new CEO

Eduardo Contreiras bring over 25 years of experience in the international petrochemical industry.

2020

30 Years Anniversary

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