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

    A reinforced vision, purpose and a global spirit