Dubai: With over 166,000 employees in the GCC and an economic impact of USD 83.7 billion in the region, the chemical sector is poised for even more rapid growth. To sustain this growth and meet the challenges of the future, the industry needs to develop the right human resources with new and more highly developed skills.

The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) is taking a lead role in the development of local talent in the Arabian Gulf region in collaboration with its members. On 26 November at the 13th Annual GPCA Forum held in Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, GPCA will host the 9th edition of Leaders of Tomorrow, an initiative that provides university students engaged in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) an opportunity to learn about the industry and encourage them to start a career in chemistry and other allied industries.

The program places strong emphasis on the chemical sector and the impact it has as a leading source of direct and indirect employment in the GCC region, consequently, empowering future talent. Now in its third year, it has hosted 413 participants from 50 universities across the six GCC states sponsored by 23 GPCA member companies to date.

“This initiative guarantees participants exposure at the starting point of their careers. The opportunity to hear from industry experts about the successes and lessons learned of established companies in their various disciplines and experience first-hand the vibrant nature of our business is one that cannot be missed,” said GPCA General Secretary, Dr Abdulwahab Sadoun, highlighting the long-term benefits that would accrue from such an introduction to the industry in general.

“Not only will these young leaders be able to fine tune their skill sets, familiarize themselves with the latest trends and hone their networking skills, but will serve as a much-needed deep pool of talent to feed the industry’s needs,” he added.

According to a recent GPCA report, university graduates in the GCC grew by a CAGR of 9% per annum between 2007-2017, reaching 302,000. The number of science graduates including chemistry graduates reached more than 20,000, which accounts for 7% of all university graduates.

On the agenda for this year’s Leaders of Tomorrow edition as well as the 13th Annual GPCA Forum, held on 26–28 November at the Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, is to tackle strategic issues and trends ranging from future core capabilities to sustainability, digitalization, cyber security, emerging markets and the seamless move to a circular economy.

For more information, and to register, please visit: www.gpcaforum.net 

-Ends-

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 US$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:
Slavka Atanasova
Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association
P. O. Box 123055,
Dubai,
United Arab Emirates
T: + 9714 451 0666 Ext. 126
E: slavka@gpca.org.ae 

© Press Release 2018

Disclaimer: The contents of this press release was provided from an external third party provider. This website is not responsible for, and does not control, such external content. This content is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither this website nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this press release.

The press release is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Neither this website nor our affiliates shall be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions taken by you in reliance thereon. You expressly agree that your use of the information within this article is at your sole risk.

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, this website, its parent company, its subsidiaries, its affiliates and the respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers and licensors will not be liable (jointly or severally) to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive or exemplary damages, including without limitation, lost profits, lost savings and lost revenues, whether in negligence, tort, contract or any other theory of liability, even if the parties have been advised of the possibility or could have foreseen any such damages.