Al-Zamil chief bags petrochem technology prize in US

Eng. Abdulaziz Abdullah Al-Zamil, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s Al-Zamil Group Holding Company received the prestigious Richard J. Bolte prize from the US Chemical Heritage Foundation (CHF) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for his contribution in using the state-of-the-art technology for the development of the petrochemicals industry in Saudi Arabia.

The award-giving ceremony was held in Philadelphia on May 14 on the occasion of the “International Chemical Heritage Day”.

Zamil, a renowned Saudi chemical industrialist, was the first Saudi and Arab citizen to win the covetous prize.

After obtaining his Bachelor and Master’s degrees in industrial engineering from the University of South California in 1968, Zamil joined the Industrial Development Research Centre established by Saudi Arabia in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

In 1976, he was appointed deputy director of the center. In the same year, the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) was established and he was appointed its first CEO.

The CHF awards the annual Richard J. Bolte prize to key industrial figures who make significant contributions in the fields of chemistry and petrochemicals.