SABIC CEO to Asharq Al-Awsat: We Expect Improvement in Demand for Petrochemicals in 2nd Half of 2023

SABIC acting CEO Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh speaks during a press conference in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
SABIC acting CEO Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh speaks during a press conference in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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SABIC CEO to Asharq Al-Awsat: We Expect Improvement in Demand for Petrochemicals in 2nd Half of 2023

SABIC acting CEO Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh speaks during a press conference in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
SABIC acting CEO Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh speaks during a press conference in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Energy prices caused the profit margins of the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) - the world’s largest petrochemical producer - to decline by 28 percent in 2022.

SABIC acting CEO Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh told Asharq Al-Awsat that the company was optimistic about the quality and reliability of the factories, expecting that the second half of 2023 would witness an improvement in demand for petrochemical products.

He stressed at the same time that feedstock prices that fall under energy, put pressure on profit margins.

Speaking during a press conference on Tuesday to announce SABIC financial results, Al-Fageeh noted that the company maintained its strong performance over the past year, despite the difficult conditions in the global markets.

He added that sales continued to grow over last year by 9 percent, thanks to growth projects, improved plant operation performance, inventory optimization and cooperation with Saudi Aramco.

“SABIC 2022 results remain strong despite challenging market conditions. Our sales volumes continue to grow, exceeding the previous year’s sales by 9 percent and driven by growth projects, improved reliability, inventory optimization and synergies with Saudi Aramco,” said Al-Fageeh.

In a statement, SABIC announced its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2022, saying that revenues amounted to 42.9 billion riyals ($11.4 billion), a decrease of 8 percent compared to the previous quarter. Net income fell 84 percent to SR290 million.

SABIC maintained its leadership in the field of sustainable solutions throughout 2022, leading and collaborating on many milestones in its journey towards carbon neutrality.

At the beginning of 2022, the company introduced the BLUEHERO initiative, an expanding ecosystem of materials, solutions, expertise and programs aimed to help accelerate the world’s energy transition to electric power and support meeting global goals on climate change.

SABIC partnered with BASF and Linde to build the world’s first pilot plant for large-scale electric-heated steam cracking furnaces.



Saudi Arabia Reveals Agenda of 2024 Saudi Green Initiative Forum at UNCCD COP16

Taking place in Riyadh from December 3-4, the forum will convene global leaders, climate experts, senior government officials, and industry CEOs to advance discussions and action on global climate challenges. (COP16 Riyadh on X)
Taking place in Riyadh from December 3-4, the forum will convene global leaders, climate experts, senior government officials, and industry CEOs to advance discussions and action on global climate challenges. (COP16 Riyadh on X)
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Saudi Arabia Reveals Agenda of 2024 Saudi Green Initiative Forum at UNCCD COP16

Taking place in Riyadh from December 3-4, the forum will convene global leaders, climate experts, senior government officials, and industry CEOs to advance discussions and action on global climate challenges. (COP16 Riyadh on X)
Taking place in Riyadh from December 3-4, the forum will convene global leaders, climate experts, senior government officials, and industry CEOs to advance discussions and action on global climate challenges. (COP16 Riyadh on X)

Saudi Arabia revealed on Saturday the program for the fourth edition of the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) Forum.

Taking place in Riyadh from December 3-4 alongside the 16th session of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP16), the forum will convene global leaders, climate experts, senior government officials, and industry CEOs to advance discussions and action on global climate challenges under the theme “Action is in Our Nature.”

The 2024 SGI Forum will feature ministerial discussions, keynote addresses, panel discussions, and conversations with prominent leaders.

Speakers include Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud; President of Senegal Macky Sall; Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Climate Envoy Adel Al-Jubeir; 4th President & CEO of Saudi Aramco Amin Nasser; Secretary General & CEO of the World Energy Council Angela Wilkinson; CEO & Chairman of the Board at TotalEnergies Patrick Pouyanné; CEO of Air Liquide François Jackow, and Director General of the IUCN Dr. Grethel Aguilar.

Leading experts from global multilateral and environmental organizations, including the World Bank and the Convention on Wetlands, will also participate, providing diverse perspectives on advancing climate action.

Discussions will center around five key pillars: “Greening Land for Global Good”, “Energy Innovation Driving Emissions Reduction”, “Financing the Green Transition for Sustainable Livelihoods”, “Nature-Based Solutions for Climate and Community Resilience”, and “Biodiversity Protection as a Key to Climate Resilience”.

These pillars reflect the interconnectedness of global climate challenges and Saudi Arabia’s commitment to holistic, collaborative and pragmatic solutions towards a greener future.

In addition to the SGI Forum, the SGI Pavilion, located inside the UNCCD COP16 Green Zone, offers visitors an immersive experience designed to educate and engage.

Visitors are encouraged to journey through five zones that highlight Saudi Arabia’s approach to reducing emissions, growing 10 billion trees, protecting nature, promoting sustainability, and building a sustainable future.

The SGI Pavilion added a Kids Zone, created to inspire Saudi Arabia’s youth to become environmental heroes.

Returning after its successful launch at COP28, SGI Talks will feature international and Saudi climate experts, offering insights and discussions on sustainability trends and innovations. These 30-minute daily sessions will address issues such as renewable energy innovations, sustainable land use, and youth empowerment in climate action.