The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) has announced that Jasem AlBudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), will deliver the opening address at the 20th Annual GPCA Forum, taking place from November 22 to 24, 2026 at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai.

Held under the theme “Persistence with Purpose: Built to Endure,” the forum will bring together regional and global chemical industry leaders, policymakers, technology providers and logistics specialists to examine how the sector can strengthen resilience, improve competitiveness and create sustainable long-term value amid changing global market conditions.

The 20th edition comes as geopolitical developments, shifting trade patterns, supply chain disruptions and evolving regulatory environments reshape global chemical value chains, increasing pressure on businesses to adapt and maintain growth.

The main programme begins on 23 November with a welcome address by Dr. Faisal AlFaqeer, GPCA Chairman and CEO and Executive Board Member of SABIC, followed by AlBudaiwi’s opening address on building resilient and enduring businesses.

A CEO plenary featuring Aloke Lohia, Founder and Group CEO of Indorama Ventures, and Ashraf Al Mamari, CEO of OQ Group, will examine the priorities facing industry leaders in 2027 and opportunities to rebuild the sector at a defining moment.

Eren Cetinkaya, Distinguished Partner at McKinsey & Company, will deliver a keynote on the changing architecture of resilience in global petrochemicals.

A subsequent leadership dialogue will feature Ibrahim Al-Rushoud, CEO of SIPCHEM; Jonatas Melo, President of Baystar; and Wassim Al-Khatib, CEO for the Middle East and North Africa and Board Member of Lazard.

The programme on 24 November will focus on competitiveness, leadership and the region’s role in navigating global economic change.

D. Udo Jung, Senior Advisor at Boston Consulting Group, will present an industry roadmap examining the next sources of competitive advantage.

Dr Nabeel Al Amoudi, Senior Advisor and Vice Chairperson of Olayan Financing Company, will join a fireside chat on leadership, scale and transformation in the Middle East.

Naser Aldousari, President and CEO of EQUATE Group, and Ignacio Torras, President and CEO of Tricon Energy, will discuss the GCC’s strategic role in supporting stability.

Another leadership dialogue will bring together Dr. Raja Almarzoqi, Chief Economic Advisor at Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Economy and Planning; Ahmed Alsubaey, CEO and Board Member of Bahri; Ala’ Al-Shaikh, Group CEO of Basic Chemical Industries; and Yogesh Mehta, Founder and Chairman of Petrochem.

The discussion will examine how companies can navigate global trade realignment and turn changing market dynamics into competitive opportunities.

Looking towards the next decade, Nicolas Poirot, CEO for Africa, the Middle East, South and Central Asia at Air Liquide, and Jim Seward, Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer at LyondellBasell, will explore the capabilities and innovation required to support future growth and resilience.

The forum’s pre-conference programme on 22 November will include a workshop facilitated by Alvarez & Marsal on “Shaping the Future of Work in the Chemical Industry,” targeting young professionals and industry leaders. A Women in Chemicals Symposium, organised in partnership with McKinsey & Company, will also take place.

Delegates can attend the fourth GPCA Solutions Xchange and visit the GPCA Sustainability Pavilion, which will showcase regional sustainability initiatives and circular solutions.

The morning of November 23 will also feature the eighth GPCA Legacy Award “Al Rowad,” recognising a regional chemical industry pioneer who helped establish the GCC’s chemical and petrochemical sector.

Mater Aldhafeeri, Secretary General of GPCA, said: “As the region navigates what may be viewed from the outside as a challenging period, it continues to demonstrate its ability to host major industry gatherings that drive meaningful dialogue and collaboration. The Annual GPCA Forum reflects that resilience. This November, we look forward to welcoming our international friends and partners to Dubai, as they come together to exchange perspectives, connect with industry leaders and explore new opportunities for collaboration.”

He added: “This spirit is at the heart of this year’s theme, which reflects not only the strength of the industry, but also the character of the region and its determination to continue creating value, fostering innovation, and building lasting partnerships.” -OGN/TradeArabia News Service