SIDPEC Hosts the 50th Egyptian Petroleum National Day Celebration

12/2/2025

As part of the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources’ celebrations marking the 50th National Day of the Egyptian Petroleum Sector—observed each year on 17 November to commemorate Egypt’s reclamation of its oil fields in Sinai in 1975—the petroleum sector companies in the Alexandria region held distinguished events in honor of this national occasion. The celebration highlights one of the most significant milestones in Egypt’s modern history and showcases the sector’s role as a pillar of development and a driver of the national economy. The ceremony was held at Sidi Kerir Petrochemicals Company (SIDPEC) with the participation of representatives from all petroleum sector companies in Alexandria. It was attended by Eng. Alaa El-Din Abdel Fattah Ramadan, Chairman of ELAB, representing the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources; Chemist Mohamed Zakaria Elafandi, Chairman of SIDPEC; and a distinguished group of chairpersons of sister companies in the petroleum sector in Alexandria, in addition to heads of labor unions, deputies, and secretaries of sector companies. The event began with the playing of the national anthem of the Arab Republic of Egypt, followed by an awareness video on safety instructions, highlighting the importance of adhering to occupational safety and health procedures. Chemist Mohamed Zakaria Elafandi, Chairman of SIDPEC, welcomed the attendees in his speech, noting that the petroleum sector today stands at a historic moment that reflects unprecedented development in refinery, petrochemical, and natural gas projects. He emphasized that this progress is the result of a supportive national vision and the sincere efforts of leaders and workers across all sites. The SIDPEC Chairman expressed deep appreciation for the successive leadership of the petroleum sector and for all employees in companies, authorities, and departments. He added that the coming phase holds many opportunities and ambitions, and reaffirmed the commitment to working with a unified team spirit and a determination that reflects a history rich with achievements—toward shaping a brighter future for Egypt’s petroleum sector and for the nation. At the end of his speech, he conveyed, on behalf of all SIDPEC employees, sincere gratitude and appreciation to H.E. Eng. Karim Badawi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, for his continuous support, ongoing care for the workforce, and constant follow-up on company performance to advance development efforts, enhance work quality, and achieve the sector’s goals. During the event, Eng. Alaa El-Din Abdel Fattah Ramadan, Chairman of ELAB and representative of the Ministry, delivered a speech in which he extended heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the pioneers of the petroleum sector for all they contributed—including effort, sweat, and even blood—to safeguard the resources and wealth of the Egyptian state. He affirmed that the petroleum sector is currently witnessing a genuine leap in exploration, increased production, infrastructure development, and value addition through maximizing the utilization of resources and converting them into products of higher economic return, alongside strengthening Egypt’s position as a regional energy hub. He also explained that current efforts are directed toward digital transformation, enhancing operational efficiency, improving safety systems, and supporting and developing the skills of the human element as the fundamental pillar of all achievements. The ceremony also featured a documentary marking the golden jubilee of National Petroleum Day, showcasing 50 years of accomplishments. A recorded speech by Mr. Abbas Saber, President of the General Petroleum Workers’ Union, was presented, highlighting the sector’s most significant achievements and the crucial role of workers in realizing them. This was followed by a video-conference address delivered by the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, in which he expressed his appreciation for the workers of the petroleum sector, praising their major contributions to increasing production rates and securing energy supplies for the local market. At the conclusion of the celebration, special recognition was given to the families of employees who passed away during service, as part of the sector’s commitment to providing support and solidarity. Additionally, a number of distinguished employees were honored in appreciation of their contributions to performance improvement, their loyalty and dedication, and to highlight positive role models and affirm the importance of the human element as the sector’s most valuable asset. Honorees included exceptional technical experts, outstanding female employees, occupational safety and health personnel, and distinguished retirees.

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