Sadara Chemical Company (Sadara), now building the largest chemical complex in the world constructed in a single phase, recently headlined the Gulf region’s first forum focused on ethylene: The Ethylene Middle East Technology 2014 (EMET) Forum.

The forum, which was held in Bahrain between Oct. 19-21, with the support of Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa, finance minister and minister in charge of oil and gas affairs in Bahrain, brought together more than 450 ethylene players from around the region and the world, providing an ideal platform for sharing knowledge, best practices and experience in one of the most growth-oriented industries in the region.

A number of Sadara experts participated as speakers at the forum, sharing their views on the industry and efforts to maintain its continued growth, as well as highlighting the progress Sadara has made in the construction of its facilities in Jubail.

Speakers included Ziad Al-Labban in his capacity both as CEO of Sadara and chairman of the EMET 2014 Advisory Committee; David Bronikowski, process engineering supervisor — Hydrocarbons and Energy; and Vishal Karate, process engineer, mix feed cracker — Hydrocarbons and Energy, in addition to a number of other delegates and attendees.

Al-Labban said: “The Middle East today accounts for almost 20 percent of global ethylene capacity compared to 12 percent five years ago and is the world’s third largest region for ethylene production. And it continues to grow. By capitalizing on the abundance of natural resources, cost-effective feedstock pricing, strong regulatory and industrial infrastructure and close proximity to markets with growing demand for our products, we see plenty of opportunity to not only further develop the chemicals industry, but to specifically diversify Saudi Arabia’s role in it.”

Moderating the closing session of the conference, Al-Labban engaged four panelists in discussing the future of the industry in topics ranging from specific technical aspects of equipment being used, to operational reliability and future market trends.

He added: “The Middle East, and specifically the GCC region, has many unique attributes that combine to make it the perfect hub of the global petrochemical industry. This conference has provided the petrochemical industry players, including producers, service providers and customers with the perfect opportunity to meet, learn and collaborate to create future value in the ethylene industry.”