Industry leaders and academia gathered for a night of celebration at the 2^ndGPCA Carbon Neutrality Cup and 4^thGPCA Responsible Care Excellence Awards

Manama, Bahrain, 16October2024–The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA), the voice of the chemical industry in the Arabian Gulf, proudly recognized outstanding achievements in sustainability and Responsible Care® excellence during a special awards ceremony held alongside the 6^thGPCA Responsible Care Conference on 14 October 2025 at the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel, Manama.

The evening marked a dual celebration of industry and youth innovation through the 2^ndGPCA Carbon Neutrality Cup and 4^thGPCA Responsible Care® Excellence Awards. These prestigious programs showcased impactful initiatives from leading chemical companies and university teams across the region, spotlighting advancements in energy efficiency, carbon footprint reduction, waste management, process safety, and community engagement.

This year’s Carbon Neutrality Cup attracted 70 applications from 20 universities, with eight finalist teams presenting their projects before a jury of industry experts and top regional leaders. The competition recognized outstanding student-led innovations addressing the chemical industry’s transition toward a low-carbon, sustainable future.The winners are:

• Postgraduate Category – 1^stPlace: Dr. Shabib Al Rashdi, National University of Science and Technology (NUST) – Circular Economy Pathways for Green Hydrogen
• Postgraduate Category – 2^ndPlace: Maimuna Zarewa Umar and Maria Abdul Karim, KFUPM – PetroSensor
• Undergraduate Category – 1^stPlace: Dima and Dina Alotaibi, Kuwait University – CODA: Carbon-Negative Soda Ash
• Undergraduate Category – 2^ndPlace: Tesnim Bouhanna and Nourah Al Shaibani, Australian University in Kuwait – Decarbonizing Kuwait’s Refineries

Recognizing the highest standards of performance in health, safety, security, and environmental stewardship, the 4^thedition of the Responsible Care® Excellence Awards received 80 submissions fromacross the GCC. The winners demonstrated exceptional commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence, contributing to a safer and more sustainable industry.The award winners are:

• Performance Metrics (Operational Excellence): Winner – QAFCO | Runner-up – OQ
• Community Awareness: Winner – Sadara | Runner-up – S-Chem
• Sustainable Environmental Protection: Winner – Fertil | Runner-up – Sadara
• Process Safety: Winner – QAPCO | Runner-up – SIPCHEM
• Rising Star Award: Joint Winners – Emad Al Zahrani (S-Chem), Ebrahim Al Hadiyah (PIC) | Runner-up – Maryam Al Khater (QAPCO)
• Best Contractor Award: Winner – Expertise | Runner-up – Alfred Talke

Commenting on the Awards, Dr. Abdulwahab Al Sadoun, Secretary General, GPCA, commented: “GPCA’s Awards reflect the region’s growing commitment to sustainability, safety, and innovation. From industry leaders to emerging talent, the level of engagement and quality of submissions this year was truly inspiring. I extend my sincere congratulations to all winners, finalists, and participants for their dedication and contributions to shaping a safer, more sustainable future.”

To learn more about the 4^thGPCA Responsible Care Excellence Awards, visit: www.gpcaresponsiblecare.com/awards

To learn more about the 2^ndGPCA Carbon Neutrality Cup, visit: www.gpca.org.ae/conferences/rcc/gpca-carbon-neutrality-cup

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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.

Contact:
Dima Horani

E: dima@gpca.org.ae

Tel: +971 4 451 0666 Ext 109

Slavka Atanasova                                                                                    
Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association                               
P. O. Box 123055,                                                       
Dubai,                                                                                                                                    
United Arab Emirates                                                               begin_of_the_skype_highlighting
E: slavka@gpca.org.ae

Tel: +44 7561 525126