The conferenceis taking place this weekfrom 13–15 October 2025 at the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel, Manama
Manama, Bahrain, 14October 2025–Speakers at the 6thGulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) Responsible Care Conference emphasized the need for a strong safety culture, investing in people, and embracing digital technologies to drive safer, smarter and more sustainable operations.Held under the theme “The Future of Responsible Care: Intelligent. Transparent. Resilient.”from 13–15 October 2025 at the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel, Manama, the conference has brought together regional and international leaders to explore the future of sustainability, safety, and digital transformation in the chemical sector.
The event commenced with an Opening address by Khalid Al Alyani, VP, Global EHSS, SABIC, and Vice-Chairman, GPCA Responsible Care Committee, who emphasized the importance of advancing a shared vision for excellence in Environment, Health, Safety, and Security (EHSS) across the chemical industry. Al Alyani underscored the significance of Responsible Care® as a global benchmark for EHSS leadership and called upon the industry to uphold its values in their journey to continuous improvement and responsible growth.
Delegates heardfrom Dr. Abdulrahman Jawahery, CEO, Bapco Refining, who delivered the inaugural address, highlightingthe paramount role of environmental protection, health, safety and security in shaping the future of the petrochemical industry. In his remarks, Dr. Jawaheryurged leaders to embrace an intelligent, transparent and resilient culturethat not only meets regulatory expectations but also earns the trust of their communities and stakeholders.
A fireside chat titled “From Incident to Industry Leadership through Responsible Care®” featured Khalid Al Dawood, MD and CEO, NATPET, and Mitchell Toomey, VP Sustainability and Responsible Care, American Chemistry Council.
Throughout Day 1, speakers highlighted the importance of taking bold steps in reinventing companies’ operations by embracing digital transformation, upskilling teams in AI and emerging technologies, and accelerating the deployment of innovative solutions to gain competitive advantage. Emphasis was placed on optimizing human performance, with experts highlighting that 80–90% of incidents stem from human factors. Discussions underscored the critical role of transformational leadership in building trust and fairness, and the importance of fostering a strong safety culture to drive safety behaviors.
The conference will continue tomorrow, 15 October, with a dedicated session on cybersecurity led by Naofel Nasim, VP Cyber Risk, Marsh, and Peter Clayton, Dubai Energy Engineering Hub Leader, Marsh. A leadership masterclass led by Alfredo Karam, Principal Consultant – Leadership and CultureTransformation Practitioner, dss+, will offer delegates insights on how to foster a safety culture in the modern world.
Dr. Abdulwahab Al Sadoun, Secretary General, GPCA, commented: “As the conference unfolds, it is clear that Responsible Care® is more than a commitment, it is a catalyst for transformation. The insights shared so far underscore the industry’s readiness to lead with integrity, embrace innovation, and drive meaningful change across the value chain. I thank all for their valuable insights and participation and look forward to continuing these important conversations over the next two days.”
The 6th GPCA Responsible CareConference will host the 4thGPCA Responsible Care Excellence Awards, honoring companies and individuals for outstanding achievements in Responsible Care®, alongside the 2ndGPCA Carbon Neutrality Cup, which will recognize exceptional undergraduate and postgraduate students for their innovative contributions toward a net-zero future.
For more information, visit https://gpca.org.ae/conferences/rcc/.
About the Gulf Petrochemicals & Chemicals Association
The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) was established in 2006 to represent the downstream hydrocarbon industry in the Arabian Gulf. Today, the association voices the common interests of more than 250 member companies from the chemical and allied industries, accounting for over 95 percent of chemical output in the GCC. The industry makes up the second largest manufacturing sector in the region, producing over USD 108 billion worth of products every year.
GPCA supports the petrochemical and chemical industry in the Arabian Gulf through advocacy, networking and thought leadership initiatives aimed at helping member companies to connect, share and advance knowledge, contribute to international dialogue, and become prime influencers in shaping the future of the global petrochemicals industry.
Committed to providing a regional platform for stakeholders from around the world, GPCA manages six working committees – Plastics, Supply Chain, Agri-Nutrients (Fertilizers), International Trade, Research and Innovation, and Responsible Care – and organizes six world-class events each year. The association also publishes an annual report, regular newsletters and various other industry reports.
For more information, visit www.gpca.org.ae.
