GPCA to honor industry pioneers

The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) announced the launch of the GPCA Legacy Initiative and GPCA Legacy Award “Al Rowad” dedicated to the pioneers of the chemical and petrochemical industry in the Arabian Gulf.

 

First of its kind in the region, the annual program will honor individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to foster and strengthen the development of the chemical and petrochemical industry in one or more of the GCC states. It will further aim to recognize, preserve, and make known the achievements of those individuals who set the foundations for a regional chemical industry, and played a pivotal role in establishing its position as an important global player.

 

This year, GPCA will be honoring the late Dr. Ghazi Al-Gosaibi (1940 – 2010), Yousif Al-Shirawi (1927 – 2012) and Abdulbaqi Al-Nouri (1929 – 2010), all of whom would be recognized as Arabian Gulf Chemical Pioneers and would be posthumously bestowed with the GPCA Legacy Award “Al Rowad”.

 

Dr. Ghazi Al-Gosaibi, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Electricity (1976-1983) and first Chairman of Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), will be recognized for his instrumental role in founding SABIC, and leading it into a path of great development and success.

 

Yousif Al-Shirawi, Minister of Development and Industry, Bahrain (1971 – 1995) will be awarded for the key role he played in establishing a petrochemical industry in the country, in addition to the formation of the Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC), the first and only regional GCC joint venture.

 

The GPCA Legacy Award “Al Rowad” will also be bestowed upon Abdulbaqi Al-Nouri, former Chairman and Managing Director of Petrochemical Industries Company (PIC), for his role in establishing Kuwait Chemical Fertilizer Company (KCFC), the first chemical operation in the Arabian Gulf region, as well as for establishing a flourishing petrochemical industry in Kuwait.

 

Dr. Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, Secretary General, GPCA, commented, “These prominent individuals were the first to realize and explore the potential of setting up a chemical industry in the region by challenging the status quo, by overcoming any obstacle on the way and illuminating the road for the next generations to come. Through this initiative, GPCA seeks to pay tribute to their life and achievements, foster national pride and inspire current and future generations to emulate outstanding individuals from our industry’s past.” 

 

The official launch will take place during Day 1 of the 12th Annual GPCA Forum on November 28 at the Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai. In future years, further pioneers will be recognized for their achievements and honored as part of the initiative.

 

Nominations for the GPCA Legacy Initiative and GPCA Legacy Award are currently made by members of a Nomination Committee, comprising long-time industry veterans, with each of the GCC states represented on the committee. Nominations can also be made by members of GPCA’s Board. To qualify for the initiative, a candidate must be retired for three years from all involvement in the petrochemical industry and must have been based in the Arabian Gulf region when realizing the achievements for which they are being recognized.