About

About IDCE 2027

IDCE 2027 is a global downstream conference and exhibition connecting operators, innovators, investors, policymakers, buyers, and decision makers across the downstream value chain.

Through its Conference, Exhibition, Technical Sessions, and Industry Experiences, the event creates a platform for leadership dialogue, technology showcase, technical knowledge, strategic partnerships, and business growth.

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International Downstream Conference & Exhibition 2027

  • 12-14 October 2027
  • Exhibition World Bahrain, Kingdom of Bahrain
Panel discussion on the main stage in front of a full conference audience

About the Gulf Downstream Association (GDA)

Established in Bahrain in July 2016 by Cabinet Decree, the Gulf Downstream Association (GDA) is a non-profit organization advancing collaboration, knowledge exchange, and best practices across refining, petrochemicals, and related downstream sectors.

Its founding companies are Saudi Aramco, Kuwait Petroleum International (KPI), Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC), Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), OQ, and Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO).

A downstream plant on the water at sunset, lit for night operations

The IDCE Legacy

IDCE traces its origins to Middle East PETROTECH, first held in 1996, which brought together the region’s refining and petrochemical community to share expertise and address industry challenges. GDA’s establishment in 2016 created a permanent platform for collaboration beyond individual events. In 2018, PETROTECH was renamed the GDA International Downstream Conference and Exhibition, with the first edition under this name held in Bahrain that October. The 2023 and 2025 editions continued this tradition of industry dialogue, technical exchange, and collaboration, providing the foundation for IDCE 2027.

  • Our Objectives

    Connect industry, government, academia, and technical partners to address shared challenges; strengthen technical capabilities, efficiency, and innovation; share industry knowledge and regional information; and develop common regulatory positions among founding members.

  • Our Vision

    Become an internationally recognized association that serves as a catalyst for the strong and sustainable growth of the Downstream Industry.

  • Our Mission

    Provide a platform for sharing knowledge, experience, and best practices. This will be achieved by becoming a premier association in the region that connects the downstream companies, technology and service providers, consultants, professional entities, governmental organizations, and academic institutions.

Our Core Values

  • Collaborate and network to share knowledge
  • Provide quality services and value
  • Promote innovation and continuous development
  • Pursue excellence in all activities
  • Champion sustainability as a priority
  • Be a respected institution advancing the downstream industry

Official Knowledge Partner, IDCE 2027

Wood Mackenzie

Wood Mackenzie is the global leader in analytics, insights, and proprietary data across energy and natural resources. For over 50 years, its work has guided the decisions of leading energy producers, utilities, financial institutions, and governments.

Through Intelligence Connected, Wood Mackenzie combines proprietary data, expert analysis, and Synoptic AI to deliver an integrated view of the entire value chain. Its team of 2,700 experts across 30 countries connects industries, markets, and regions, helping customers identify risks sooner, uncover opportunities faster, and adapt their strategies with confidence.

  • 70+Countries
    Represented
  • 350+Expected
    Speakers
  • 160+Strategic
    & Technical Sessions
  • 100+Targeted
    Exhibitors
  • 20,000 sqmEvent
    Gross Area

IDCE 2027 Executive Committee

Advisory Committee

Conference Organization & Leadership

  • Hussain Al-Qahtani

    Hussain Al‑Qahtani

    Chairman, GDA

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  • Bassam Al-Bokhari

    Bassam Al‑Bokhari

    Secretary General, GDA

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  • Emad Al-Muhaisen

    Emad Al‑Muhaisen

    Program Chairman

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  • Kamal Al-Kallas

    Kamal Al‑Kallas

    CEO, Class PROviaConference Organizer

    IDCE has firmly established itself as one of the world’s leading conferences and exhibitions dedicated to the downstream sector. With its continued growth, global reach, and industry impact, we are confident that IDCE will further strengthen its position among the foremost downstream platforms regionally and globally. We are proud to contribute to this important event and support its continued success and lasting impact on the downstream industry.

  • Jason Liu

    Jason Liu

    Chief Executive of Wood Mackenzie

    Our appointment as Official Knowledge Partner for IDCE 2027 reflects Wood Mackenzie’s deep commitment to the downstream sector and the Gulf region. As the energy industry navigates significant transformation, global industry forums like IDCE are essential for bringing together leaders to share insights, debate challenges, and help shape what comes next. We’re privileged to partner with the GDA on a conference programme that will support meaningful dialogue across the downstream community as it evolves over the next decade.

Operations & Program Team Leads

Event Management Organization

Visitors walking the exhibition hall past the event's branded wall

Organized By

At Class Provia, we design and deliver high-impact conferences, exhibitions, and events that drive industries forward.

With 25+ years of experience, a global mindset, and regional expertise, we go beyond execution, creating immersive platforms where leaders connect, brands thrive, and ideas turn into action. We engineer transformative experiences that deliver measurable impact and lasting legacy.

IDCE 2027

12-14 October 2027 Exhibition World Bahrain