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 took 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.

Delivering the welcome remarks, Eng. Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh, CEO, SABIC and Chairman, GPCA, 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 Shaikh Dr. Ali Masoud Al Sunaidy, Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, Oman, who delivered a Ministerial address. 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.”

Kamal Bin Ahmed Mohammed, President, Electricity & Water Authority (EWA), Bahrain and Chairman of the Board of Directors, GPIC, said: “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.

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.”