هدفي الأول أن تكون بلادنا نموذجاً ناجحاً ورائداً في العالم على كافة الأصعدة، وسأعمل معكم على تحقيق ذلك
خادم الحرمين الشريفين الملك سلمان بن عبدالعزيز آل سعود
طموحنا أن نبني وطناً أكثر ازدهاراً، يجد فيه كل مواطن ما يتمناه، فمستقبل وطننا الذي نبنيه معاً لن نقبل إلا أن نجعله في مقدمة دول العالم
صاحب السمو الملكي الأمير محمد بن سلمان بن عبدالعزيز آل سعود
About BioChem
BioChem is launching an advanced industrial venture to produce Xanthan Gum in Saudi Arabia, his project will mark the first facility of its kind in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the GCC, and the broader MENA region.
Xanthan Gum is produced via microbial fermentation using corn starch as the primary feedstock. It is a highly functional biopolymer that serves as a thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier, and suspending agent across various industries, including food, oil and gas, ceramics, textiles, pharmaceuticals, paper, firefighting, coatings, and cosmetics. As the most widely produced and used microbial polysaccharide globally, it plays a crucial role in enhancing drilling fluid performance and improving product formulations in food and personal care sectors.
BioChem’s decision to establish this facility aligns with Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification initiatives. The project leverages cutting-edge biotechnology to respond to rising global demand while strengthening the Kingdom’s footprint in the industrial biotechnology landscape.
Message from CEO
Dear Stakeholders,
Driven by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and aligned with the National Biotechnology Strategy Vision 2040, BioChem is proud to embark on a pioneering initiative to establish the region’s first large-scale industrial biotechnology platform—setting a new benchmark for innovation, sustainability, and economic diversification in the GCC and MENA regions.
As part of this strategic vision, BioChem is developing a state-of-the-art Xanthan Gum manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia, with a total capacity of 30,000 tons per year. Following a comprehensive evaluation of essential raw materials used in the Oil & Gas, Food, and Pharmaceutical sectors, Xanthan Gum emerged as a product of strategic importance—at the intersection of high demand, advanced technology application, and national economic priorities. It has therefore been selected as the foundation of BioChem’s biotechnology roadmap.
Xanthan Gum plays a vital role in drilling fluids and food processing, while also offering transformative value in pharmaceutical drug delivery and bioengineering innovations. Through this project, BioChem is not only accelerating industrial localization but also contributing to a more resilient, knowledge-based economy.
BioChem is dedicated to long-term investment in the Saudi workforce by fostering high-quality skills and contributing to the economic empowerment of local citizens. In alignment with this commitment, BioChem has established Saudization target of +70% and +10% Saudi female employees, to be achieved within two years of the project’s operational launch.
We are honored to lead this endeavor and remain committed to delivering impactful innovations that serve both national interests and the global community.
Sincerely,
Mohammad H. AlShammari
CEO, BioChem
Saudi Arabia Biotechnology Vision
BioChem Project is being set up to capitalize on the biotechnology initiatives under The Saudi Arabia National Biotechnology Strategy to baseline, measure and support increased levels of localization in the Kingdom and Biotechnology based Industries.
BioChem Products
Xanthan Gum (Oil Drilling Grade)
Xanthan Gum polymer is used in drilling technology as a primary agent to regulate the structural strength and viscosity of muds. Having an attraction to water is an essential characteristic of Xanthan Gum, as water is the base carrier fluid in drilling muds. Operators use xanthan gum as a thickening agent in drilling muds to increase the mud's viscosity. When mixed into water, xanthan gum swells, and the mixture takes on a gel-like consistency that has proven to be an excellent carrier of drill cuttings. Even when the flow of drilling mud stops, the viscous mixture helps keep cuttings trapped in suspension instead of allowing them to fall down the drilling pipe due to gravity.
Xanthan Gum (Food Grade)
Xanthan Gum is widely used in salad and food dressings. In addition to its physical properties improvement, adding xanthan gum food additives to the jam can improve the taste and water retention, and improve the quality of the product; It can be used in beverages to thicken and suspend, make the taste smooth and natural flavor. Using xanthan gum (combined with guar gum and locust bean gum) in ice cream and dairy products can make the products stable; Xanthan gum, carrageenan, locust bean gum, etc. are also commonly used in jelly and candy processing. Xanthan Gum Food Grade E-Number in food products is E415.
Xanthan Gum (Cosmetics Grade)
Thickening Agent
Xanthan gum in skin care is used as a thickening agent, texture enhancer, and to stabilize emulsions, which is a general term for mixtures of unlike substances such as oil and water. Xanthan gum is also used in a variety of personal care and cosmetic products because of its ability to hold ingredients together and improve the texture of products. It is commonly used in lotions, creams, and shampoos to provide a creamy and smooth consistency.
News
BioChem Land Allocation
Land area spans of ~100,000 square meters has been allocated to BioChem in King Salman Energy City "SPARK". The selected land has been strategically chosen to accommodate future expansions and capitalize on the unique benefits of SPARK.
BioChem Legal Advisor
BioChem has signed Legal Advisory and Consultation agreement with Trowers & Hamlins for the upcoming Xanthan Gum project in Saudi Arabia. With their extensive experience in the Middle East and expertise in commercial and projects execution law, Trowers & Hamlins will provide crucial legal support to navigate the complexities of project development.
BioChem Technology
BioChem is excited to announce a new agreement with a top global technology provider for Technology-License, Know-How transfer, advanced Bacteria and Process Engineering Design Package (PDP) services for BioChem Xanthan Gum project in Saudi Arabia. This partnership highlights our commitment to using cutting-edge proven technology in all BioChem production processes.