The first of its kind in the Arabian Gulf, the conference will take place from 7-10 October 2024 at the King Abdullah Cultural Center, Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia
Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia, 24 September 2024 – The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) inaugural Process Safety Conference, the first of its kind conference in the Arabian Gulf dedicated to process safety, will take place from 7-10 October 2024 at the King Abdullah Cultural Center, Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia to promote process safety knowledge sharing and collaboration across the region. Addressing the heightened focus on process safety within the chemical and petrochemical industry, the conference will be held under the theme "Enabling Process Safety Leadership: Enriching Knowledge and Catalyzing Commitment".
Process Safety Management (PSM) emerged in the mid-20th century in response to several catastrophic incidents, chief among which was the Bhopal's tragic disaster in India in 1984, which resulted in thousands of deaths, injuries and other devastating consequences. Today process safety is considered as the chemical industry's hallmark and license to operate, ensuring safe and sound industrial operations and safeguarding people, communities, and the environment against major incidents.
Over the last few decades, process safety incidents have led to devastating losses in human lives, environmental consequences and great financial cost. To elevate Environment, Health, Safety, and Security (EHS&S) standards across the region, GPCA launched the Gulf Process Safety Network (GPSN) in 2021. This year, the GPSN's efforts will culminate in the GPCA's inaugural Process Safety Conference, featuring a bespoke program, including two full-day technical workshops led by industry experts from the US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) and SABIC in addition to the first of its kind "Process Safety by Frontlines" program on 7 October.
The conference program will begin on 8 October with Opening remarks by Abdullah Hassan Al Qahtani, Chief Engineer, Process Risk Management, SABIC, and Chairman, Gulf Process Safety Network, GPCA. H.E. Eng. Khaled Al-Salem, President of The Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, will deliver the Welcome address on 8 October. The program will continue with three Keynote addresses, the first of which will be delivered by Abdulrahman Ahmed Shamsaddin, EVP, Manufacturing, SABIC, followed by Brian Ablett, Asia Pacific & Middle East Regional Director, ExxonMobil, and Shakeel Kadri, Executive Director & CEO, Centre for Chemical Process Safety.
Following the Opening session, an Executive dialogue on process safety leadership and culture will provide a platform to hear from panelists Abdulrahman Ahmed Shamsaddin, EVP, Manufacturing, SABIC; Eng. Yasser Abdulrahim Alabbasi, CEO, GPIC; Brian Ablett, Asia Pacific & Middle East Regional Director, ExxonMobil; and Stephen J. Klejst, Executive Director, Investigation & Recommendation, US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB), who will also deliver a Keynote address on the following day.
Khalid Al Alyani, VP, EHSS, SABIC, will present a keynote address on 9 October, while Dr. Faisal Khan, Professor, Texas A&M University, will open Day 3, 10 October, with a keynote entitled "Process Safety 4.0: Artificial Intelligence or Intelligence Augmentation?" Khan will also join a panel along with Wazen Al Solami, President, Yansab-SABIC; Mohamed Al Mulhim, Head of Loss Prevention Technical Services Unit, Aramco, and Nofal Al Saidi, VP Transformation and Innovation, OQ, to discuss the latest trends process safety digitalization.
Dr. Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, Secretary General, GPCA, commented: "Among GPCA members, Tier 1 process safety incidents decreased by 55% between 2013 and 2023, marking remarkable progress for the Arabian Gulf region. This milestone is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our industry to save lives, protect the environment, and support local communities. We look forward to welcoming delegates to Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia in October to further our industry's commitment toward process safety, and facilitate effective connections, knowledge and good practice sharing, and collaboration toward process safety excellence."
To know more and secure your spot, please visit the conference website.
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, 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.
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