Dr. Alfaqeerassumes the role of Chairman with immediate effect, succeeding Eng. Abdulrahman S. Al-Fageeh
Dubai, UAE – 17May2026:The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA), the voice of the chemical industry in the Arabian Gulf, announced today thatDr. Faisal M. Alfaqeer,CEO, Executive Board Member, and Investment Committee Member, SABIC, has assumed the Chairmanship of the Association with immediate effect. Dr. Alfaqeer succeedsEng. Abdulrahman S. Al-Fageeh, former CEOand ExecutiveBoard Member, SABIC, who served as Chairman of GPCA from 2022 to 2026.
Dr. Alfaqeer bringsmore than three decades of experience in the global petrochemical and refining sectors. Prior to joining SABIC, he served in several senior leadership positions at Saudi Aramco, including Senior Vice President of IK Liquids to Chemicals Development. He also served as CEO of Sadara Chemical Company.

In comments after the announcement, Dr. Alfaqeer said, “I am deeply honored by this appointment at such a critical time for our industry. I look forward to collaborating with industry stakeholders and member companies to reinforce our competitiveness and create long-term value. By utilizing the Association’s consolidated resources, all of us members can work together to foster the sustainable growth and prosperity of the petrochemical and chemical sectors in the region and strengthen cooperation with peers around the world.”
Mater Aldhafeeri, Secretary General, GPCA, commented:”I wholeheartedly congratulate Dr. Faisal M. Alfaqeeronreceiving the trust and endorsement of the GPCA Board of Directorsand assuming the roleof Chairman of GPCA. At a time of great significance for the regional chemical and petrochemical industry, I am confident that his leadership and industry expertise will further strengthen the Association’s role on the global and regional stage and deepen engagement with our members and stakeholders.”
He added: “I would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to Eng. Abdulrahman S. Al-Fageeh for his valuable contributions and unwavering support to GPCA and its initiativesunder theNetworking, Thought Leadership and Advocacy strategic pillars.During his tenure as Chairman of the Association, Eng. Al-Fageehplayed an instrumental role in shaping GPCA’s strategicdirection and strengthening itsposition as the voice of the chemical and petrochemical industry in the Arabian Gulf.”
Dr. Faisal M. Alfaqeerhas a Master’s degree and Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering from Pennsylvania State University, USA, and a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from King Fahad University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.
Learn more: www.gpcachem.org
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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, Agri-Nutrients, 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, visitwww.gpca.org.ae.
Contact:
Dima Horani
Tel: +971 (4) 451 0666 Ext.333
Slavka Atanasova begin_of_the_skype_highlighting
E: slavka@gpca.org.ae
Tel: +44 7561 525126
