The Kingdom of Bahrain recently hosted the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) Forum, emphasizing the growth of the Bahrain petrochemical sector. The event, themed “Stimulating Competitiveness through Strategic Partnerships,” attracted more than 2,500 participants, including 323 young professionals and university students. It also featured 450 global companies from 42 countries, showcasing Bahrain’s increasing importance in the petrochemical industry.
The forum opened with an exhibition displaying advanced technologies and innovative solutions in the petrochemical and chemical sectors. Attendees gained insights from 91 international speakers addressing digital transformation, geopolitical challenges, startup support, and sustainability. The event also included the GPCA Pioneers Award, celebrating leadership and innovation in the industry.
Bahrain’s hosting of the forum marks a milestone for the Bahrain petrochemical sector, reflecting the country’s strategic position as a regional hub capable of organizing major international events. The forum highlighted Bahrain’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and economic diversification while strengthening regional and global partnerships.
The forum attracted CEOs, board members, and senior officials from Gulf petrochemical and chemical companies. Representatives from Europe and America also attended, enhancing the event’s international dimension. Their participation fostered knowledge exchange, collaboration, and new opportunities for partnerships within the Bahrain petrochemical sector.
Economic performance data presented during the forum revealed strong resilience in the GCC petrochemical industry. Employee retention reached 94%, while women’s participation increased to 4.8%, promoting diversity and inclusion. The sector now supports around 270,000 jobs, contributing to innovation and operational reliability. Factories achieved 89.5% capacity utilization, reflecting efficiency and a strong commercial presence.
Despite a global economic slowdown in 2024, GCC petrochemical companies maintained growth. Production capacity increased by 5.7%, while the GCC retained 5.9% of global petrochemical production. Sales accounted for 1.5% of total global sales, supported by ongoing capital investments and strategic trading advantages.
Environmental sustainability also emerged as a key focus during the forum. GCC companies reduced carbon dioxide emissions intensity by 10.8%, improved wastewater recycling by 83.1%, and cut sulfur oxide and nitrogen oxide emissions by 71.8% and 40.8%, respectively. These results reflect a decade of consistent investment in green technologies and environmental leadership.
Overall, the GPCA Forum demonstrated Bahrain’s commitment to advancing the Bahrain petrochemical sector through innovation, international collaboration, and sustainable practices. The event positioned the Kingdom as a forward-thinking hub for the global petrochemical and chemical industries.
