The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) will hold its 19th Annual GPCA Forum around the theme 'Catalysing Competitiveness through Strategic Partnerships,' highlighting the importance of collaboration, innovation, and sustainability in the global chemical industry.

It will be held for the first time at Exhibition World Bahrain from December 8–11 2025, under the patronage of Bahrain’s Ministry of Oil and Environment.

Hosted by the Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC), the forum will gather global chemical CEOs, policymakers, technology providers, and young professionals for a comprehensive programme including ministerial sessions, keynotes, fireside chats, and leadership dialogues.

Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh, CEO of SABIC and GPCA Chairman, will deliver the welcome remarks, while Dr. Mohamed bin Mubarak Bin Daina, Minister of Oil and Environment, will provide a ministerial address.

Prof. Jim Al-Khalili CBE FRS will present a keynote on 'Pathfinders of Innovation' on December 8.

Fireside discussions will feature Shaikh Nawaf Al-Sabah, Deputy Chairman and CEO of KPC, Simon Williams, HSBC Chief Economist, and Peter Huntsman, CEO of Huntsman Corporation.

A CEOs Plenary will explore high-impact partnerships with Dr. Markus Kamieth (BASF) and Peter Vanacker (LyondellBasell).

The forum will also host the 2nd GPCA Startup Nexus, supporting the regional startup ecosystem, the 3rd GPCA Solutions Xchange, and the GPCA Sustainability Pavilion, which will showcase circular economy and sustainability initiatives.

The 4th GPCA Youth Forum will connect students and young professionals with industry leaders to exchange insights and shape the sector’s future.

A highlight will be the 7th GPCA Legacy Award 'Al Rowad' on 8 December, honoring an industry pioneer whose vision and leadership have significantly contributed to the growth and global recognition of the Gulf’s chemical industry.

Dr Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, Secretary General, GPCA, commented: 'In this new era of global rebalancing, emerging trade flows and strategic partnerships present new opportunities to reinvent the GCC chemical industry’s competitiveness and pursue new avenues for growth. The Annual GPCA Forum is the ideal platform to ignite collaboration, while driving innovation, advancing sustainability, and building industry resilience. We invite the global and regional chemical industry community to join us this December in Bahrain for four days full of networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration to shape the future together.'