The conference is taking place from 29 September to 1 October 2025 at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, UAE
Abu Dhabi, UAE, 30 September 2025 – The 15th edition of the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) Agri-Nutrients Conference convened today leading voices from across the agri-food value chain to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time: feeding a growing global population sustainably in the face of intensifying climate challenges and resource constraints. As the world marked the UN International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, the conference got underway from 29 September to 1 October 2025 at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, to emphasize the need for the entire agri-nutrient value chain to work closely towards improving sustainability and resilience of agrifood systems globally.
Hosted by Fertiglobe under the theme “Sustainable Growth: Turning Challenges into Opportunities”, the conference opened with a welcome address by Abdulrahman Al-Suwaidi, CEO, QAFCO, and Chairman, GPCA Agri-Nutrients Committee, who called for innovation and the adoption of sustainable practices in the agri-nutrient sector. With food demand projected to rise by over 70% and fertilizer demand predicted to grow by more than 50% by 2050, the conference underscores the critical role of agri-nutrients in boosting yields, preserving arable land, and reducing volatility in global food systems.
Despite remarkable progress in food security throughout the 20th century, agriculture now faces a new frontier—one that demands sustainability and resilience. Agri-nutrients, including potassium (K) and phosphorus (P), will remain essential to meeting future food needs. However, yield increases are slowing, and extreme weather events, expected to double in frequency, are threatening agricultural efficiency. In this context, industry players must expand their portfolios to include sustainable agri-nutrients, soil health solutions, and AI-powered services that support smarter, more adaptive farming practices, delegates heard.
A CEOs plenary featuring Svein Tore Holsether, President and CEO, Yara International, and Ahmed El-Hoshy, CEO, Fertiglobe, discussed the importance of advancing agri-nutrients to meet tomorrow’s challenges. The session was followed by a Leadership dialogue with Naser Al-Omaira, (Acting) CEO, Fertil; Fahad Al-Battar, CEO, SABIC Agri-Nutrients; N. Suresh Krishnan, Board of Directors, Fertilizer Association of India (FAI) and MD & CEO, Paradeep Phosphates; and Rakesh Kapur, Joint MD, IFFCO, who explored strategic priorities for driving sustainable growth and innovation in the agri-nutrient sector. An executive panel featured Dr. Rania Abou Samra, VP, Innovation and Research, Nestlé MENA, and Tom Harvey, GM, Commercial, Spinneys, who explored the role of agri-nutrient innovation in enhancing food quality, sustainability, and consumer trust.
Dr. Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, Secretary General, GPCA, commented: “As climate extremes intensify and global food demand surges, agri-nutrients will play a pivotal role in enhancing yields, supporting food security, and preserving our natural resources. The industry must rise to the challenge by embracing smarter technologies, sustainable practices, and stronger partnerships across the value chain. The GPCA Agri-Nutrients Conference will continue to serve as a platform to catalyze these efforts, driving forward a shared vision for a more secure and sustainable food system.”
The 15th GPCA Agri-Nutrients Conference continues tomorrow with an opening address by Fahad Al-Battar, CEO, SABIC Agri-Nutrients, and Vice-Chair, GPCA Agri-Nutrients Committee, followed by a Keynote address from Dr. Shamal Mohammed, CEO, Innovation Oasis – Silal, alongside a series of sessions on resilient supply chains, regulatory and trade imperatives, mega-trends and emerging markets.
The 3rd edition of the GPCA Operational Excellence Workshop took place on 29 September 2025, providing practical insights on operational efficiency in agri-nutrient production plants.