GPCA Podcast

As the chemical industry enters a period of rapid transformation, its ability to innovate and compete will depend not only on technology and investment, but also on the talent it helps to nurture. From empowering the next generation of leaders to participate in shaping the future of the industry, to equipping them with the right skills to lead with confidence, talent development is a strategic priority directly linked to the industry’s future credibility and license to operate.

This episode of the GPCA Podcast will explore how GCC chemical companies can build the talent, skills and capabilities needed to compete in a global market. Our special guest will take listeners through his own career journey and share the insights and experiences that shaped his professional development and enabled him to succeed. The discussion will address the role of mentorship in enabling the next generation of industry leaders and explore the importance of building a culture of workforce empowerment to stay competitive in a fast-moving industry.

Guest: Eng. Ala' Al-Shaikh
CEO, Basic Chemical Industries (BCI)

Host: Mahra AlQubaisi
Team Leader, Talent Development, Borouge International | Co-Chair, GPCA Youth Council, Leaders of Tomorrow Sub-Council

The chemical and petrochemical industry has historically operated in a globalized trade environment, moving products efficiently from its domestic hubs to markets across the world. Over the last decade, the global trade landscape has seen a pronounced shift, leading companies to pivot from hyper-globalized, cost-driven models to more localized, resilience-focused, and agile regional networks. Driven by escalating trade wars, volatile energy costs, and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, companies are increasingly reshoring essential production and shortening supply chains to ensure security of supply and maintain regulatory compliance. In this new trade reality, is regionalization going to replace globalization, or are we moving toward a new hybrid model of global trade?

This episode of the GPCA Podcast features Ahmad Al Saleh, Global Business Director, Ethylene Glycol at EQUATE Petrochemical Company and Chairman of the GPCA International Trade Committee. Together, they explore the growing role of regionalization and what it means for the future of the chemical industry. The conversation covers changing trade flows, supply chain resilience, evolving regulatory frameworks, geopolitical considerations, and the GCC's growing strategic importance as a global chemicals hub. It also examines how industry leaders are adapting their strategies to remain competitive in an increasingly complex global market.

This episode of the GPCA Podcast was recorded on 23 July 2026.

In today’s world, the flow of energy and goods is continuously being reshaped by a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape. Recent events have reminded us how deeply intertwined energy systems, trade routes, and geopolitics have become — and how quickly vulnerabilities can surface across supply chains.

This episode of the GPCA Podcast features Dr. Anas F. Alhajji, Managing Partner, Energy Outlook Advisors LLC, in conversation with Slavka Atanasova, Communications Consultant, GPCA.

Dr. Alhajji is a renowned expert in energy economics, focusing on oil, natural gas, and energy geopolitics to explore the new era of energy security, demand and supply. As part of an engaging conversation, we take a closer look at how regional and global energy dynamics are evolving, what new risks are emerging, and how organizations can rethink resilience in an increasingly fragmented world.

Ultimately, the conversation highlights a fundamental shift: supply chains are no longer just about moving products efficiently — they are about safeguarding continuity, competitiveness, and stability in an era defined by uncertainty.

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest speaker and do not necessarily reflect the official position of GPCA, its members, Board, or Secretariat.  *This episode was recorded on Wednesday, 17 June 2026. The discussion reflects the information available at the time of recording.

The GPCA Podcast is designed as an open knowledge-sharing platform that brings together industry leaders, experts, and diverse voices to exchange insights, challenge perspectives, and discuss the key issues shaping the chemical and petrochemical industry in the GCC and globally.

By hosting these conversations, GPCA aims to encourage constructive dialogue, thought leadership, and informed debate, while recognizing that individual guest views remain their own.

https://www.gpca.org.ae/gpca-podcast/

In this special episode of the GPCA Podcast held on the sidelines of the 19th Annual GPCA Forum in Bahrain, Dima Al Horani, Head of Communications and Public Affairs, GPCA, sat down with Christian Peters, Vice President, Chemical Market Catalysts, BASF, to discuss how the company is navigating a rapidly changing global landscape.

Against the backdrop of BASF’s “Winning Ways” strategy, launched in September 2024, the conversation explores how the organization is sharpening its global catalyst offering to better support customers amid market volatility, economic headwinds, and shifting trade dynamics. Christian also reflects on his experience at the forum and what inspires optimism for the road ahead despite ongoing uncertainties.

In this episode, we cover:

- How BASF Catalysts is supporting producers during market uncertainty
- Latest innovations in chemical catalyst technology
- The growing role of catalysts in sustainability and circularity

In this special episode of the GPCA Podcast held on the sidelines of the 19th Annual GPCA Forum in Bahrain, Dima Al Horani, Head of Communications and Public Affairs, GPCA, sat down with Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Torras, President and CEO, Tricon Energy, to discuss the realities of navigating an increasingly multipolar global economy, defined by shifting alliances, geopolitical tensions, and rapidly evolving trade patterns. 

In this conversation, Nacho shares how chemical companies can stay resilient amid volatility, from rethinking investment strategies to diversifying supply chains and exploring new trade corridors. We also dive into the role of digitalization in building agile, transparent, and responsive global networks, and what leadership qualities will be essential to steer the chemical trade sector over the next decade. 

In this episode, we cover:

- The realities of adapting to a multipolar global economy
- Strategic responses to geopolitical and economic volatility
- Supply‑chain diversification and emerging trade routes
- The role of digitalization in global chemical trade

In this special episode of the GPCA Podcast held on the sidelines of the 19th Annual GPCA Forum in Bahrain, Dima Al Horani, Head of Communications and Public Affairs, GPCA, sat down with Dr. Steffen Richter, President – Eastern Europe, Middle East and Central Asia, Linde, to dive into the technologies, partnerships, and large‑scale projects shaping the GCC’s transition toward a low‑carbon industrial future. Dr. Steffen explores the breakthroughs in carbon capture and CO₂ management that could redefine the region’s decarbonization pathway. 

We also discuss one of the world’s first demonstration plants for large‑scale electrically heated steam cracker furnaces, which began operations in 2024 and offers a glimpse into the future of electrified, low‑emission production. Innovation, collaboration, and supportive policy frameworks emerge as essential enablers as the GCC positions itself as a global hub for low‑carbon solutions. The conversation also touches on this year’s event and its role in driving momentum for the region’s climate ambitions.

In this episode, we cover:

- Transformative carbon‑capture technologies for the GCC 
- Progress and impact of the Linde-BASF–SABIC electrified furnace project
- How policy, collaboration, and innovation unlock new value chains
- The GCC’s long‑term vision as a low‑carbon industrial hub

In this special episode of the GPCA Podcast held on the sidelines of the 19th Annual GPCA Forum in Bahrain, Dima Al Horani, Head of Communications and Public Affairs, GPCA, sat down with Deena Al-Khayyal, Managing Director, LyondellBasell Arabian, to explore LyondellBasell’s investment journey in Saudi Arabia and how the company is helping shape the Kingdom’s evolving industrial landscape. 

As Saudi Vision 2030 accelerates diversification and innovation, LYB is aligning global expertise with national priorities to support new collaborative solutions with meaningful local impact. Deena shares insights into how the plastics and plastics‑waste management ecosystem is transforming across the region in response to rising sustainability expectations, and what barriers still stand in the way of advancing true circularity. This conversation highlights why gatherings like the Annual GPCA Forum matter and how they can act as catalysts for long‑term, positive change.

In this episode, we cover:

- LYB’s investment journey in Saudi Arabia
- Alignment with Vision 2030 and national priorities
- Evolving plastics and waste‑management trends in the region
- Key challenges to advancing circularity
- Role of stakeholders in driving real impact

In this special episode of the GPCA Podcast held on the sidelines of the 19th Annual GPCA Forum in Bahrain, Dima Al Horani, Head of Communications and Public Affairs, GPCA, sat down with Andrew Toumazi, CEO, FGE NexantECA, as he reflects on his remarkable journey from startup founder to leader of a newly merged global consultancy at a pivotal time for the chemical sector. 

With the combination of NexantECA and FGE, Andrew discusses the latest developments and trends set to shape the future of the chemical and petrochemical industry — particularly as green chemicals, sustainability regulation, and market complexity accelerate worldwide. He shares how his entrepreneurial roots shape his perspective and why agility, innovation, and cross‑value‑chain insight are becoming essential for success. This conversation offers a timely view of what lies ahead for chemicals, energy transition, and new global opportunities.

In this episode, we cover:

- Strategic impact of the NexantECA–FGE merger

- Growth and challenges in the sustainability space

- Key forces shaping the global chemical industry

- Lessons the sector can learn from startups

In today’s world, sustainability is all around us — in headlines, boardrooms, and brand campaigns. But in the petrochemical and chemical industry, it’s a word that often sparks debate. The term greenwashing has become both a critique and a challenge. While companies make real investments in recycling technologies, carbon capture, and circular packaging, many efforts to improve our carbon footprint are dismissed as marketing tactics or accused of lacking real impact.

For young professionals entering the field, this presents a complex dilemma. How do we take pride in an industry that powers economies and innovation, while navigating accusations of greenwashing? What counts as genuine progress and what is just a label?

This podcast sets out to unpack the meaning of greenwashing and explore its implications across industry, policy, and society. We’ll examine whether recyclable and biodegradable packaging are genuine solutions, whether carbon capture is a game-changer or a “distraction”, and how media narratives shape what we believe about sustainability. And ultimately, we’ll tackle the hardest question of all: can petrochemical companies truly be part of a sustainable future?

Guest 
Abdallah Abou-Haidar
enior Regulatory Affairs, 
SABIC
Product Stewardship 
Sub-Committee Chairman, 
GPCA

Guest
Andrew Noel
Editor
chemicalESG
www.chemicalesg.com

Host
Ameena Fahad Al-Darwish
EDC/VCM Production Day 
Supervisor
EDC/VCM Plant, QAPCO |
Member, Sustainability
Sub-Council, GPCA Youth Council

As the global climate transition accelerates, few industries face a transformation as profound as the chemical
sector — especially in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. With hydrocarbons serving as both energy
source and feedstock, the industry sits among the top CO₂ emitters globally. This dual reliance makes
decarbonization uniquely complex, particularly in the GCC, where climate policy has emerged more recently.

In this episode of the GPCA Podcast, produced in partnership with dss+, we will explore why the region’s
journey is different, and how GCC chemical companies are navigating a landscape shaped by policy, rising
climate risks, and mounting pressure to adapt. Drawing from an upcoming GPCA and dss+ report “Navigating
the Climate Transition in the GCC’s Chemical Industry”, we’ll unpack how leading firms are turning climate risks
into strategic advantage. We’ll explore the enabling technologies, the risks and opportunities, and discuss
which are driving the most tangible impact today.

Experts will also address the emerging role of circular supply chains and how sustainable finance tools are
reshaping how companies fund and future-proof their operations. As GCC chemical companies seek to align
external signals with internal change, we will ask – what gives industry leaders hope that the region can not
only catch up, but lead globally.

Guest
David Rochat,
Global Director,
Sustainability Services,
dss+

Dr. Gerhard Bolt,
Global Decarbonization Lead,
dss+

Host
Dr. Sana Ben Kebaier,
Head of Economic
Research Department

For more podcasts and the latest insights on the regional chemical markets, visit www.gpca.org.ae/thought-leadership