MUSCAT: Dr Mohammed Hamed al Rumhy, who headed the Minister of Oil & Gas (later rebranded as Ministry of Energy and Minerals) from 1997 to 2022, was recognised with the 6th GPCA Legacy Award, ‘Al-Rowad’, in a special award ceremony on December 2, 2024 during the 18th Annual GPCA Forum at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, Muscat.
Dr Al Rumhy was cited for his tremendous contribution to developing and significantly growing the downstream petrochemical and chemical sector in the Sultanate of Oman. During a star-studded award ceremony Dr Al Rumhy was presented with a special trophy by Eng Abdulrahman al-Fageeh, CEO, SABIC and Chairman, GPCA, and Dr Abdulwahab al Sadoun, Secretary General, GPCA. Dr Al Rumhy delivered a moving acceptance speech following a special recognition video that narrated his lifetime achievements and included special tributes from regional and global leaders.
In his role as Minister of Oil & Gas, and subsequently Minister of Energy and Minerals, Dr. Al Rumhy was instrumental in securing natural gas feedstock, which fueled Oman’s downstream journey in the early 2000s. Dr. Al Rumhy played a pioneering role in developing Oman’s Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) sector, including modernizing and constructing new facilities to strengthen its position on the global market. He grew Oman’s petrochemical industry in the areas of methane-based operations, olefins, polyolefins and aromatics.
Dr. Al Rumhy was the driving force behind the consolidation and integration of Oman’s downstream and upstream industry, including the creation of OQ Group in 2019, a mammoth national consolidation effort that involved the integration of nine Omani companies into one big conglomerate with operations spanning the entire value chain. During his 25-year legacy, Dr. Al Rumhy enacted a series of strategic reforms which maximised efficiency, encouraged investment and modernized Oman’s sector to align with global standards. He left a lasting legacy which inspired generations and helped to build Oman into the powerhouse it is today.
Dr Abdulwahab al Sadoun, Secretary General, GPCA, commented: “HE Dr Mohammed al Rumhy dedicated his life to developing the energy industry in Oman. He made an enormous contribution not just to the Sultanate, but also to the international energy community as a well-respected and consulted member of OPEC. Among his closest circles, he is known for his exceptional humility and contagious sense of humor. His impactful leadership has touched the lives of many over a span of 25 years.
He left a lasting mark on Oman’s petrochemical industry and raised a competent generation of leaders who followed in his footsteps. We are proud to bestow Dr Al Rumhy with the GPCA Legacy Award and congratulate him on receiving this honour.” Now in its 6th edition, the GPCA Legacy Award takes place on an annual basis and honors individuals, who have made extraordinary contributions to foster and strengthen the chemical industry in one or more of the GCC states.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
