Dana Gas and British company Levidian are set to develop the Sharjah Graphene Park, aiming to transform lab-developed graphene into a significant industrial venture aligned with the UAE’s push for innovative, sustainable manufacturing.
Dana Gas has taken steps to turn a promising lab-developed material into a full-fledged industrial venture in Sharjah. They recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the British advanced materials company Levidian, with plans to develop what’s being called the Sharjah Graphene Park.
According to The National, the first phase of this project is estimated to need somewhere between $2 million and $5 million. Then, if things go well, a build-out spanning two to four years could push total investment up to as much as $50 million. The initial plant is targeted to produce roughly 15 tonnes of graphene annually, with the goal for the companies to hit that mark by the end of 2026. Dana Gas’s executive, Matthew Nix, told the newspaper that their longer-term vision is much larger, saying they hope to be churning out “hundreds of tons a year” in just a few years’ time.
The deal was inked during the “Make it in the Emirates” exhibition, where key figures from the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, Mubadala Investment Company, Sharjah FDI Office, Sharjah Asset Management, and the UK government were all present, according to Saudi Gulf Projects. This broader political and industrial context genuinely matters. The UAE has been actively working to boost its position in advanced manufacturing, all the while encouraging projects aligned with a lower-carbon industrial economy. A graphene plant linked to gas operations offers a pretty unique blend of these goals.
Levidian is already known for its LOOP technology, an innovative method that converts methane into both hydrogen and graphene. The company describes itself as a specialist in producing graphene close to the point of use, a model designed to cut transport costs and mitigate supply chain risks. They claim their technology has been deployed in a variety of operational settings and has already been validated through commercial products.
This new agreement seems to build on earlier collaborations. Saudi Gulf Projects mentioned that Dana Gas and Levidian first announced their partnership back in January 2025, when Dana Gas started trialing a pilot unit that uses LOOP in its operations. Now, with this latest memorandum, they’re moving from pilot stages towards larger-scale industrial production, new market development, and maybe even localizing LOOP systems right here in Sharjah.
For the UAE, this project could also bolster the country’s broader push into advanced materials. Gasworld reported that the Sharjah site isn’t just about making graphene, it’s also set to support future manufacturing of Levidian’s LOOP systems within the country. That would be a small but potentially important addition to the industrial ecosystem, meaning the UAE could be hosting more of the value chain rather than just supplying raw feedstock.
The logic behind this is straightforward. Graphene is a one-atom-thick form of carbon that’s incredibly strong, conducts electricity well, is flexible, and chemically stable. These properties make it hugely appealing across many sectors, from construction and coatings to polymers, batteries, and energy systems. The National suggested that the output from this UAE plant would likely be directed into those industries, and even modest production volumes can make an impact if the quality remains consistent.
As for market potential, it’s definitely on the rise. Mordor Intelligence estimates that the global graphene market was worth about $2.09 billion in 2025 and could jump to $15.2 billion by 2031, showing rapid growth anticipated over the coming years. The demand is driven by sectors like energy storage, composites, electronics, and healthcare, with the Asia-Pacific region currently taking the biggest slice of the pie. That kind of outlook partly explains why big industrial players are still willing to put money into early-stage projects, even with graphene’s long history of hype outpacing actual commercial-scale production.
Of course, there’s still a gap between promise and reality. Graphene research has gone on for years, and while its properties are well understood, reliably manufacturing it in a cost-effective way suitable for real-world use remains a challenge. Levidian’s pitch is that its LOOP process could help solve this by making production more local and modular. If this Sharjah project turns out as planned, it might serve as a model for how hydrocarbon producers can transition into high-value materials without totally abandoning the energy sector.
This becomes especially relevant in the Gulf region, where industrial strategies are increasingly geared toward diversification beyond traditional commodities. Projects that use gas, reduce emissions, and foster advanced manufacturing align well with this agenda. Plus, they appeal to governments eager to attract skilled jobs, develop new supply chains, and transfer technology.
For now, the Sharjah Graphene Park is still in the early stages. But the scale of what’s being planned is notable. What starts with a relatively modest capital outlay could, if demand proves strong, blossom into a much larger materials business rooted in the UAE. In a region where industrial policies are leaning more and more toward high-value transformation, this is definitely a project worth keeping an eye on.
- https://tass.com/economy/2127307 – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.saudigulfprojects.com/2026/05/dana-gas-and-levidian-sign-mou-to-develop-sharjah-graphene-park-at-make-it-in-the-emirates/ – Dana Gas, a leading natural gas company in the Middle East, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UK-based advanced materials firm Levidian to develop the Sharjah Graphene Park. This initiative aims to establish a manufacturing and commercialisation hub for advanced materials in the UAE. The agreement was signed during the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ exhibition, with senior representatives from the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, Mubadala Investment Company, Sharjah FDI Office, Sharjah Asset Management, and the UK government in attendance. This partnership builds upon an existing collaboration between Dana Gas and Levidian, first announced in January 2025, where Dana Gas has been deploying a pilot unit using Levidian’s LOOP technology across its operations. The new MoU focuses on industrial-scale graphene production, market development, and the future localisation of LOOP systems in Sharjah. The project is expected to cost between $2 and $5 million initially, with potential expansion over two to four years reaching up to $50 million. Once operational, the plant aims to produce approximately 15 tons of graphene per year by the end of this year, with plans to increase production to hundreds of tons annually in the coming years. Graphene produced in the UAE will be utilised in sectors such as construction, energy, polymer and coating production, and other industries, efficiently utilising excess natural gas in the process. According to Mordor Intelligence, the global graphene market is projected to grow from $2.9 billion to $15 billion by 2031, with key producers including China, the United States, South Korea, Canada, and several European countries. Graphene, a carbon structure one atom thick, possesses unique properties like high strength, electrical conductivity, flexibility, and chemical stability, making it promising for applications in ultra-powerful computers, biosensors, implants, and batteries. The 2010 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Russian-born scientists Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov for their discovery of graphene.
- https://www.gasworld.com/story/uae-advances-graphene-production-through-dana-gas-levidian-deal/2248882.article/ – Dana Gas, a UAE-based natural gas company, has partnered with UK cleantech firm Levidian to develop a graphene production site in Sharjah. The companies signed a memorandum of understanding at the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ event to establish the Sharjah Graphene Park, aiming to produce graphene and support the future manufacturing of Levidian’s LOOP systems in the UAE. Graphene, known for its exceptional conductivity, mechanical strength, and lightweight structure, is used across various industries, including construction, polymers, coatings, batteries, and energy systems. The global demand for graphene is expected to rise sharply over the coming decade as industrial applications scale. The partnership signifies the UAE’s commitment to advancing its position in advanced materials manufacturing and emerging low-carbon technologies.
- https://www.levidian.com/ – Levidian is a UK-based advanced materials company specialising in the production of graphene through its proprietary LOOP technology. The company offers world-class graphene expertise, providing consultancy to optimise formats such as powders, dispersions, masterbatches, and pellets. Levidian is one of only four Verified Graphene Producers accredited by the Advanced Carbons Council, and its LOOP technology holds a Statement of Feasibility from DNV. The company has deployed LOOP units across diverse operational environments, feedstock types, and geographies, enabling production at or near the point of use, thereby reducing transport costs and supply chain risks. Levidian works with over 50 industrial customers, has graphene validated in commercial products, and is building a growing network of LOOP units worldwide, creating new revenue streams and reducing emissions.
- https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/graphene-market – The global graphene market was valued at USD 2.09 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from USD 2.91 billion in 2026 to USD 15.20 billion by 2031, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 39.18% during the forecast period (2026-2031). The Asia-Pacific region is expected to lead the market, accounting for 45.23% of the revenue in 2025 and projected to grow at a CAGR of 45.69% through 2031. Key applications driving this growth include energy storage and harvesting, with a forecasted CAGR of 46.20% to 2031, and composites, which led with 35.14% of the graphene market size in 2025. The electronics and telecommunications sector commanded 53.21% of the revenue in 2025, with biomedical and healthcare applications advancing at a CAGR of 46.07% through 2031. The report highlights the significant potential of graphene in various industries due to its unique properties, including high strength, electrical conductivity, flexibility, and chemical stability.
- https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/graphene-chip-market – The graphene chip market size in 2026 is estimated at USD 3.86 billion, growing from a 2025 value of USD 3.27 billion, with projections showing USD 8.78 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 17.91% over 2026-2031. This growth reflects device makers’ need to overcome copper resistivity, silicon mobility limitations, and escalating Scope 3 emission mandates. Funding equivalent to USD 52.7 billion in the United States and EUR 43 billion (USD 47 billion) in the European Union under CHIPS-style programs is de-risking private investment in 2D semiconductor pilot lines. Wafer-scale chemical vapor deposition breakthroughs, combined with the Asia Pacific’s leadership in 300-millimeter manufacturing, are transitioning the graphene chip from laboratory research to early commercial production. A surge in edge artificial intelligence workloads, automotive electrification above 800 volts, and flexible consumer devices further widen graphene’s performance headroom over conventional materials.
- https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/graphene-electronics-market – The graphene electronics market size reached USD 1.1 billion in 2025 and is projected to expand to USD 5.06 billion by 2030, reflecting a 35.50% CAGR during the forecast period. Breakthrough manufacturing techniques, the rise of 6G terahertz devices, and the automotive push for advanced heat spreaders collectively propel demand, while government semiconductor-sovereignty programs secure long-term funding flows. Rapid cost declines from oxygen-free CVD processes, together with Joule-heating batch production, are lowering entry barriers for consumer devices and power-dense energy storage. The resulting shift toward flexible, body-integrated electronics drives fresh revenue pools in wearables and medical sensors. Yet quality
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The article reports on a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed on May 6, 2026, between Dana Gas and Levidian to develop the Sharjah Graphene Park. ([saudigulfprojects.com](https://www.saudigulfprojects.com/2026/05/dana-gas-and-levidian-sign-mou-to-develop-sharjah-graphene-park-at-make-it-in-the-emirates/?utm_source=openai)) This is a recent development, with no evidence of prior reporting on this specific MoU. However, the partnership between Dana Gas and Levidian was first announced in January 2025, indicating that the companies have been collaborating for over a year. ([saudigulfprojects.com](https://www.saudigulfprojects.com/2026/05/dana-gas-and-levidian-sign-mou-to-develop-sharjah-graphene-park-at-make-it-in-the-emirates/?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
The article includes direct quotes from Matthew Nix, head of corporate finance at Dana Gas, and Alex Holden, CEO of Levidian. ([saudigulfprojects.com](https://www.saudigulfprojects.com/2026/05/dana-gas-and-levidian-sign-mou-to-develop-sharjah-graphene-park-at-make-it-in-the-emirates/?utm_source=openai)) A search for these quotes reveals that they have been used in multiple sources, including the original press release. ([tradingview.com](https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com%2C2026-05-06%3Anewsml_Zaw1RswBh%3A0-zawya-dana-gas-and-levidian-sign-mou-to-develop-uae-graphene-production-in-sharjah/?utm_source=openai)) This suggests that the quotes are not unique to this article, raising concerns about originality. Additionally, the exact wording of the quotes varies slightly between sources, which could indicate paraphrasing or selective quoting.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The article is published on TASS, a Russian news agency. While TASS is a well-known agency, its coverage of Middle Eastern business developments may not be as comprehensive as that of regional outlets. The article cites The National, a UAE-based newspaper, as a source, which adds credibility. However, the reliance on a single source for key information raises concerns about the diversity of perspectives and potential biases.
Plausibility check
Score:
8
Notes:
The article describes a partnership between Dana Gas and Levidian to develop a graphene production facility in Sharjah, UAE. This aligns with the UAE’s strategic initiatives to diversify its economy and invest in advanced manufacturing. The projected investment and production figures are consistent with industry standards for such projects. However, the rapid scaling from an initial investment of $2–5 million to over $50 million in subsequent phases may be ambitious, depending on market demand and operational challenges.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The article reports on a recent MoU between Dana Gas and Levidian to develop the Sharjah Graphene Park. While the content is timely and plausible, concerns about the originality of quotes, reliance on a single source, and the rapid scaling of the project investment suggest a need for cautious interpretation. Further independent verification from additional sources is recommended to confirm the details and assess the project’s feasibility.
