GCC Chemical Industry Braces for a New Era as it Navigates Future of Growth

The 18th Annual GPCA Forum is taking place this week from 2-5 December in Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, Muscat, Oman

Muscat, Oman, 4 December 2024 – The chemical and petrochemical industry in the Arabian Gulf must successfully navigate the future of growth as it enters a new era of feedstock transformation, circularity and the materials transition. This was the underlying message during the 18th Annual Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) Forum, which is taking place from 2-5 December in Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, Muscat, Oman.

Held under the theme “Industry’s Next Chapter: Driving Sustainable Advancement for Global Progress”, the forum, hosted by OQ, opened its doors on 2 December, welcoming esteemed dignitaries, industry leaders, government officials, technology providers, and the youth. Eng. Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh, CEO, SABIC and Chairman, GPCA, delivered the Welcome remarks on 2 December. As part of his remarks, he highlighted the role of youth in advancing sustainability. “The single most impactful thing we can do now and in the future is to inspire young people to pursue meaningful careers in chemicals,” Al-Fageeh told delegates.

He was followed on stage by H.E. Shaikh Dr. Ali Masoud Al Sunaidy, Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, Oman, who delivered a Ministerial address. H.E. Al Sunaidy said: “Hosting the 18th Annual GPCA Forum in Oman is both an honor and a responsibility to rise to the critical moment facing our industries, our societies and our planet. We are gathering today in Muscat so that we can discuss and shape the future of our chemical and petrochemical industries by adopting sustainability for improving competitiveness. Achieving these critical goals demands bold, transparent and honest action from all stakeholders. It requires technology, investment and unwavering commitment from governments, industries and firms alike.”

H. E. Kamal Bin Ahmed Mohammed, President, Electricity & Water Authority (EWA), Bahrain and Chairman of the Board of Directors, GPIC, delivered a special Ministerial address, inviting delegates to the 19th Annual GPCA Forum in Bahrain: “GPIC of Bahrain is a true testimony of a Gulf Cooperation Council industrial joint venture, representing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the Kingdom of Bahrain. We are also a founding member of GPCA. In my capacity as Chairman of GPIC, I am pleased to announce that the 19th Annual GPCA Forum will be held in Bahrain. We are excited to receive you, and we promise to do our best to replicate the wonderful experience we are having here in Oman.”

Mulham Basheer Al-Jarf, Chairman, OQ, presented the Welcome remarks on 3 December, followed by Shaikh Nawaf S. Al-Sabah, CEO, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, who featured in a Fireside chat about Kuwait’s role in the GCC chemical industry revolution. The program continued with CEOs Plenary keynotes presented by Jim Fitterling, Chair & CEO, Dow, and Dr. Ilham Kadri, CEO, Syensqo.

Stefan Koch, Head – Chemical and Advanced Materials Industry, WEF, delivered a Keynote address on 4 December, with four leadership dialogues on the topics of sustainability, food security, geopolitics, and innovation scheduled to take place throughout the event. The GPCA Startup Nexus, a brand new GPCA initiative, dedicated to advancing the start-up ecosystem in the region, is debuting at the forum this year. The 2nd GPCA Solutions Xchange Program takes place from 3-4 December, while the GPCA Sustainability Pavilion returns to the forum to showcase the region’s sustainability initiatives. The 3rd GPCA Youth Forum opened its doors on 2 December 2024 under the theme ‘Youth Powering Tomorrow: Shaping a Sustainable Future’.

Dr. Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, Secretary General, GPCA, commented: “The chemical and petrochemical industry has a unique opportunity to reaffirm its role in the global landscape by creating new value, advancing the circular economy and capitalizing on the materials transformation. The chemical industry remains one of the most attractive sectors globally, with continued growth expectations in the long term. The GCC is well positioned to be an active player in future industry growth. I invite delegates to make the most of their time at the 18th Annual GPCA Forum here in Oman, have meaningful conversations and collaborate through key partnerships.”

To learn more, visit: www.gpcaforum.com

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About the Gulf Petrochemicals & Chemicals Association

The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) was established in 2006 to represent the downstream hydrocarbon industry in the Arabian Gulf. Today, the association voices the common interests of more than 250 member companies from the chemical and allied industries, accounting for over 95 percent of chemical output in the GCC. The industry makes up the second largest manufacturing sector in the region, producing over USD 108 billion worth of products every year.

GPCA supports the petrochemical and chemical industry in the Arabian Gulf through advocacy, networking and thought leadership initiatives aimed at helping member companies to connect, share and advance knowledge, contribute to international dialogue, and become prime influencers in shaping the future of the global petrochemicals industry.

Committed to providing a regional platform for stakeholders from around the world, GPCA manages six working committees – Plastics, Supply Chain, Fertilizers, International Trade, Research and Innovation, and Responsible Care – and organizes six world-class events each year. The association also publishes an annual report, regular newsletters and various other industry reports.

For more information, visit www.gpca.org.ae.