Some of the National Oil Companies (NOCs) in the GCC realized that each one of them has a wealth of knowledge and experience, which is currently scattered among leading players of the downstream industry in the Gulf countries. This realization led to the formation of the Gulf Downstream Association (GDA) in 2016 with the above unique vision. Our founding companies are the major national oil companies of the Gulf: Saudi Aramco, Kuwait Petroleum International (KPI), Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO), Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC), Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and OQ. They have nominated their respective Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to form ten technical committees under the GDA covering all aspects of Downstream industry. These committees are regularly meeting to share knowledge and experience. These committees are constantly expanding to include selected expertise from other ‘full’ members, leading technology providers and Consultants who join the GDA as members.

GDA offers a range of innovative and interactive platforms to create a common pool of best practices, case studies, lessons learned, discussion board, topic-focused trainings, unique challenges, innovative ideas, focused solutions and access to relevant global resources as well as hosting / leading conferences, seminars and workshops.

Further, every year, our industry loses a significant number of valuable experience in the form of retirees. The GDA is offering a complimentary virtual network of those retirees whose experience can continue to benefit the industry, while providing them a channel to remain connected with the industry. This is our humble contribution towards the Corporate Social Responsibility.

The GDA is fast becoming the premier association bringing together Refining and Marketing companies, EPC Contractors, Technology providers, Consultants and other Service Providers, Investors, Governmental Agencies, Academia and Retirees and is determined to establish itself as a top tier internationally recognized association.