The International Refining, Petrochemicals, and Downstream Industries Conference and Exhibition was inaugurated under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, under the theme “Energy Innovation.. Creating Sustainable Value,” in the presence of Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak bin Daina, Minister of Oil and Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs, with participation of more than 5,000 senior officials, experts, specialists, academics, and stakeholders in the oil and petrochemical industries.

On this occasion, Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak bin Daina affirmed the keen interest that His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the esteemed King of Bahrain, has in the oil and gas sector, as well as the government’s support, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for programs and initiatives aimed at developing this vital sector.

He praised the pioneering role of His Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the King’s Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs and Chairman of the Board of Bapco Energies, in following up on the implementation of qualitative initiatives in the oil and energy sector and his continuous support for development and innovation projects, emphasizing that this support contributed to launching and implementing important strategic projects that enhanced the Kingdom of Bahrain’s position in the downstream and energy industries.

He confirmed the continued keenness to prepare the necessary conditions for the success of various events and conferences hosted by Bahrain in line with the goals of the comprehensive development journey, noting that oil, gas, and petrochemical conferences represent high-level global platforms in the Middle East that contribute to exchanging expertise, showcasing the latest innovations, and supporting the sustainability of this vital industry. He pointed out that the International Refining, Petrochemicals, and Downstream Industries Conference and Exhibition provides a distinguished opportunity to enhance communication between experts and entrepreneurs, showcase key oil projects, and explore ways to develop manufacturing and operational excellence to achieve added value for downstream industries in the region.

The minister indicated that downstream industries represent a main pillar in the economic development strategies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries due to their prominent role in opening wide horizons for quality investments, supporting economic diversification plans, and enhancing the region’s competitiveness in global markets by adopting the latest technologies and sustainable practices to keep pace with international developments in energy and environment fields.

He also highlighted the importance of continuing to empower national cadres as partners in the development journey of downstream industries, emphasizing that investing in qualifying young national competencies and providing them with opportunities to actively participate in energy and advanced industries projects contributes to consolidating a solid knowledge base, ensuring the sustainability of these vital sectors, and enhancing the GCC countries’ global competitiveness in manufacturing and innovation.

In conclusion, Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak bin Daina praised the pivotal role played by the Gulf Downstream Association (GDA) in organizing this qualitative event, expressing his thanks and appreciation to all supporting companies, participants, and speakers from various countries around the world, who reflected keenness to support and develop the sustainability of the sector in line with the aspirations of the upcoming phase and enhance the region’s position on the global map of downstream industries.

The minister also reviewed the exhibition accompanying the conference, which included the latest innovations and technical solutions and witnessed wide participation from a selection of leading regional and international companies in downstream industries.

The speakers in their sessions addressed a number of specialized issues, including challenges and opportunities facing the growth of the refining industry, topics of flexibility, decarbonization, and enhancing sustainability, in addition to the role of modern technology in raising refinery efficiency, improving sustainability, and anticipating the implications of these trends on the future of downstream and energy industries regionally and internationally.

The conference program also included academic activities dedicated to youth, showcasing the latest innovative solutions and exploring ways to develop industrial performance and enhance the ability to effectively and sustainably face challenges.