At the 19th GPCA Annual Forum … SABIC CEO calls for intensifying regional and global strategic partnerships in the petrochemical industry

Under the patronage of HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain for Humanitarian Works and Youth Affairs and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bapco Energies, and in the presence of HE Dr. Mohamed bin Mubarak bin Daina, Minister of Oil and Environment of the Kingdom of Bahrain, HE Eng. Kamal bin Ahmed Mohamed, President of the Electricity and Water Authority of the Kingdom of Bahrain and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC), and several leaders from the public and private sectors, the 19^th Annual Forum of the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) took place on December 8-11, 2025, in Bahrain.

In his welcome address, Eng. Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh, SABIC CEO and Executive Board Member, who is also GPCA’s Chairman, called for intensifying regional and global strategic partnerships in the petrochemical industry. He highlighted the importance of deepening strategic partnerships in an increasingly interconnected world, pointing out that “strategic partnerships involving public and private sectors collaborating across industries, across borders, and across disciplines are the most powerful catalyst for growth.”

“Collaboration is no longer optional. It is a requirement for socio-economic resilience, production efficiency, and long-term industrial growth,” he noted, adding, “The chemical sector is fundamental to economic diversification, contributing roughly one-third of the GCC’s manufacturing value and accounting for more than 4% of its GDP.”

SABIC, which was the Principal Sponsor of the Forum, was strongly represented at the various discussion sessions centered on key themes, such as “Pathfinders of innovation: lessons from the golden age of science for today’s global leaders,” “Leading the future of energy and petrochemicals: a vision for global sustainability,” “Intelligence at scale: AI’s breakthrough moment for chemicals,” and “Chemical industry in the age of global rebalancing: growth, risks and resilience.”

Supporting sustainability initiatives, SABIC participated in the GPCA Sustainability Pavilion focused on Environmental, Social, and Governance, outlining its stature as a recognized ESG leader and highlighting how it is incorporating sustainability in many of its operations.

The company’s booth in the exhibition area offered visitors deep insights into its technologies and innovations, focusing on sustainability and plastic solutions, among others.

At the Youth Forum held under the theme, “Stronger together: driving the future of chemicals through youth,” SABIC young leaders interacted with more than 300 young professionals, helping bridge the gap between industry leaders and the next generation of talent.

Established in 2006, GPCA serves as a platform that brings together decision-makers of the petrochemical sector. It promotes the common interests of the member companies and highlights their achievements at international forums as prime influencers in shaping the future of the global petrochemical sector.