To build resilience, leaders must leverage digitalization, commit to sustainable practices, say speakers at 16th GPCA Supply Chain Conference

The conference took place at the Address Sky View Hotel, Dubai, UAE on 27-28 May under the theme “Building Resilience in a Dynamic Landscape”

Dubai, UAE, 27 May 2025 – To build resilient chemical supply chains, chemical and petrochemical industry leaders must embrace innovation, leverage digitalization, and commit to sustainable practices, agreed speakers at the 16th Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) Supply Chain Conference, which took place at the Address Sky View Hotel, Dubai, UAE on 27-28 May under the theme “Building Resilience in a Dynamic Landscape”. By fostering collaboration across sectors, investing in local human capital and building local capabilities, the chemical industry in the GCC can navigate uncertainty, mitigate risks, and drive lasting progress in global supply chain management, speakers added.

Khalid Sultan Al-Kuwari, CEO, Q-Chem, and Chairman, Supply Chain Committee, GPCA, opened the event with a welcome address, emphasizing the need for resilience amid global disruptions. He stated, “For the chemical industry, resilience is the defining strategy for survival and success. Resilience is not just about risk mitigation; it is about seizing opportunities in the face of uncertainty. It is about transforming disruptions into competitive advantages through bold leadership, innovation, and collaboration.”

In his keynote address on Day 1, Dr. Robert de Souza, Executive Director, The Logistics Institute-Asia

Pacific, National University of Singapore, discussed the importance of future-proofing supply chains and building resilience amid complexity and change. In a dynamic leadership dialogue moderated by Arun Bruce, Co-Founder and CEO, Transformation X, and co-presented by Dr. Sana Ben Kebaier, Head of Economic Research Department, GPCA, a panel of senior executives comprising Fikret Ersoy, Global Chief Commercial Officer, PSA BDP; Lisa Park, Area MD – UAE, Oman and Qatar, Maersk; and Saleh Al Shabnan, Chairman of the Board, Saudi Supply Chain & Procurement Society, examined the five key “known unknowns” expected to impact the chemical industry in 2025.

The conference included a highly anticipated strategic panel on “The Leadership Edge: Turning Supply Chain Challenges into Strategic Opportunities”, moderated by Sachin Halbe, Partner, Strategic Operations, Kearney MEA, AT Kearney, and featuring Bassel El Dabbagh, CEO, CEVA Almajdouie Logistics; Ahmed Abdullah Al-Salahi, CCO, Q-Chem; and Bjarke Degn Nissen, CCO, Stolt Tankers.

The conference continued with a panel on “Leveraging AI and Technology to Build Robust, High-Growth Supply Chains” focusing on how advanced technologies can be efficiently integrated into existing supply chain networks. Subsequently, the focus shifted towards supply chain strategy, with a strategic panel on “Globalization vs. Localization” exploring the key factors and trade-offs to achieve the right balance for a more agile supply chain, guiding decision-making for the GCC chemical industry.

Dr. Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, Secretary General, GPCA, commented: “As supply chains evolve amid global uncertainties, the 16th GPCA Supply Chain Conference reinforced the importance of adaptability, fostering human capital, and technology-driven transformation as key pillars for future success. Over the past two days, industry leaders addressed emerging challenges and opportunities shaping supply chain transformation in the region, providing delegates with an invaluable opportunity to recharge their strategy and gain insight into crucial industry trends.”

On 27 May GPCA hosted the 6th Supply Chain Excellence Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements within the industry across four key categories.

For more information, visit www.gpca.org.ae/conferences/scc

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.