Project implementation began in 1979 (1399/1400 AH). In that year, SABIC concluded four joint venture agreements with foreign companies. In the following year, the joint venture Saudi Yanbu Petrochemical Company was set up with the objective of producing 450,000 tons of ethylene per annum. At the same time another joint venture, the Jubail Petrochemical Company was established to produce 260,000 tons of low density polyethylene. Later in 1980 (1401 AH), the Saudi Petrochemical Company was set up with the objective of producing 656,000 tons of ethylene in Jubail and new joint venture operations followed in 1981 (1401/02 AH).In 1981 (1401/02 AH) the
Jiddah Steel Rolling Mill began production, to be followed by the
Jubail Iron and Steel Plant in 1982 (1402/03 AH).
