I am honored to welcome you to the Gulf Downstream Association (GDA), the premier ecosystem propelling momentum and progress into the region's refining and petrochemical industries.

As an independent, non-profit organization, we are honored to serve as the definitive 'common voice' and trusted advisor, sharing invaluable knowledge and expertise to guide all downstream stakeholders—industry professionals, corporate leaders, and policymakers—in this ever-dynamic sector.

Our founding members, the major national oil companies in the region, have entrusted us with their immense wealth of knowledge, expertise, and industry leadership. Since GDA's establishment in 2016, our founders have envisioned an ambitious mission—to create an innovative platform that supports all refining, petrochemicals, and service companies by facilitating connections, sharing best practices, and nurturing collaboration among all stakeholders and relevant industries.

Since its inception, GDA has accelerated its role as a primary catalyst for the progress of the energy industry. Today, we proudly unite refiners, petrochemical producers, EPC firms, technology providers, experts, investors, consultants, government agencies, and academia—all dedicated to driving sustainable growth and positioning the Gulf downstream industry for the future.

Among our proudest achievements is the formation of eleven specialized technical committees staffed by subject matter experts who regularly convene to exchange knowledge and experiences across the downstream value chain. With this momentum, we are confident in reshaping a bright future for the downstream industry. We are excited to take GDA to new horizons with our upcoming 2025 GDA Exhibition and Conference. This significant event will elevate GDA's status as a global knowledge hub and attract an even broader audience of the international downstream community.

Your active contribution, engagement, and showcase of your organization are not only welcomed but integral to our collective mission of shaping the future of the Gulf downstream industry. I warmly invite you to be a part of this transformative journey.

The road ahead may present new challenges, but by uniting in purpose and harnessing the collective expertise of our community, we are well-equipped to overcome these challenges and unlock boundless prospects. The future is ours to create, and we can make it bright together.

Thank you all for your continued trust and engagement. Your support is invaluable to us, and we look forward to our exciting journey ahead, knowing that we have such a dedicated and passionate community by our side.

BASSAM AL-BOKHARI

Secretary-General