The 19th Annual Forum of the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) was held in Bahrain from December 8 to 11, 2025. The event was attended by public and private sector leaders, including Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh, CEO of SABIC and Chairman of GPCA.
In his welcome address, Al-Fageeh emphasized the need for stronger regional and global partnerships within the petrochemical industry. He stated, “strategic partnerships involving public and private sectors collaborating across industries, across borders, and across disciplines are the most powerful catalyst for growth.”
He further said, “Collaboration is no longer optional. It is a requirement for socio-economic resilience, production efficiency, and long-term industrial growth,” noting that “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 was the principal sponsor of the forum and participated in various sessions covering topics such as innovation in science, sustainability in energy and petrochemicals, artificial intelligence in chemicals, and challenges facing the industry during global shifts.
At the event’s Sustainability Pavilion focused on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues, SABIC presented its efforts toward sustainability across its operations. The company also showcased its technologies at an exhibition booth with an emphasis on sustainable plastic solutions.
During a Youth Forum segment themed “Stronger together: driving the future of chemicals through youth,” young SABIC leaders engaged with over 300 young professionals to foster connections between established industry figures and emerging talent.
GPCA was founded in 2006 to unite decision-makers in the petrochemical sector. The association aims to promote shared interests among member companies while highlighting their contributions at international forums.
