Message from the Leadership

MESSAGE FROM GDA SECRETARY GENERAL 

Dear Friends,

Over three days, industry executives, leaders and personnel gathered for the 2nd edition of the Gulf Downstream Association (GDA) International Downstream Conference and Exhibition under the theme Downstream Turning Points - “Capitalising on Transformation” at the Exhibition World Bahrain, Kingdom of Bahrain

GDA is a pioneering, non-profit association that seeks to foster excellence and drive advancement through industry collaboration and mutually beneficial engagement. In line with this mission, the GDA Conference is the leading Middle East strategic platform for international downstream professionals, addressing global business challenges, sharing best practices and unlocking potential opportunities through collaboration and partnerships.

As the industry becomes more competitive, we are navigating through a critical period of transformation where margin improvement, sustainability and capitalising on resources are topics of major significance. This event offered attendees a chance to interact with leading decision-makers addressing such topics while exchanging ideas and building strategic partnerships across the downstream value chain.

In addition to the GDA Founding Members Saudi Aramco, Kuwait Petroleum International (KPI), Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO), Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC), Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and OQ, this conference brought together the key players in the GCC with international stakeholders from operators, technology providers, policy makers and academia in what is now becoming the leading event in the region for the downstream industries.

The second edition of the GDA International Downstream Conference and Exhibition 2023 was a resounding success. Our ambition is to build on this success, and we hope that you will support and participate in all aspects of our future conferences and exhibitions.

Mohammad Al-Shahrani
Secretary General, Gulf Downstream Association
Head of Affiliates Manufacturing Excellence, Global Manufacturing, Saudi Aramco 

MESSAGE FROM GDA CONFERENCE 2023 CHAIRMAN

Dear Friends,

I was honored to chair the 2nd edition of the GDA International Downstream Conference & Exhibition. We had to postpone it from its original date in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic that caused global disruption to businesses and lives beyond anyone’s imagination. We promised to return only when it was safe for everyone to come together. 

Back with renewed energy and enthusiasm, we hosted the GDA Conference & Exhibition 2023 at a brand new venue “Exhibition World Bahrain” which recently opened in the Kingdom of Bahrain as the Middle East’s largest venue of its sort. As I look into the future, I see a significant growth potential for our industry, despite the challenges posed by geopolitics, environmental concerns, post pandemic dynamics, and economic uncertainties.

Accordingly, we designed a conference programme that touched on all these challenges and explore creative ways of not only sustaining, but also growing the downstream industry while positively contributing to the peace and prosperity of humanity. The event invited thousands for a unique opportunity to expand their professional and business network, while bonding with peers on common interests. 

Suleman A. Al-Bargan
GDA Chairman, 
Senior Vice President, Global Manufacturing,
Saudi Aramco