Abu Dhabi continues to demonstrate its capacity as a global hub for the energy sector, with 144 newly registered companies in the emirate’s oil and gas industry over the last 12 months, according to figures revealed by the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (Adipec).

 

The new data reflects the industry’s resilience, raising the total number of companies serving the capital’s oil and gas industry to a staggering 1,467. The numbers were presented by the Abu Dhabi Chamber at the official Adipec 2015 Press Conference, where industry leaders reiterated the emirate’s commitment to achieving excellence in energy.

 

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, Adipec will take place from 9-12 November at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec), marking the 18th edition of the world’s landmark event for the energy sector.

 

Inspired by the UAE leadership’s declaration of 2015 as the “Year of Innovation”, the theme for Adipec this year is “Innovation and Sustainability in a New Energy World”, bringing together the best and brightest minds, including Ministers, senior-level industry executives, world renowned energy experts, and thought-leaders to shed light on the critical topics driving the transformation of the energy sector.

 

DRIVING OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY INNOVATION

 Ali Khalifa Al Shamsi, Director of Strategy & Coordination at the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc), and Adipec 2015 chairman, said: “Adipec has proven to be a successful global forum and platform for industry leaders, decision makers, and experts to share knowledge and experience the latest in oil and gas innovation and technology.”

 

“The Adnoc stand was designed to reflect this year’s Adipec theme, which focuses on innovation and sustainability. Adnoc will be signing a number of contracts and agreements as part of its ongoing efforts to help meet the growing energy demand, while ensuring efficiency and sustainability in all aspects,” Mr Al Shamsi said.

 

The Adnoc stand will feature new interactive technologies that will enable visitors to learn about the company’s projects and oil field activities, including an overview of its facilities.

 

“Adnoc will have a strong presence this year in four locations at the exhibition,” Mr Al Shamsi said. “In addition to the main stand, Adnoc and its affiliated companies will exhibit in the new and purpose-built Offshore, Marine and Heavy Equipment Zone, as well as the dedicated quay-side exhibition space.”

 

Strategically located in the UAE, one of the world’s leading oil producing countries, Adipec is supported by the Ministry of Energy, Adnoc, the Abu Dhabi Chamber, and the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), and organised by dmg events. The acclaimed event is expected to host more than 2,000 exhibiting companies, 7,000 delegates, and 85,000 attendees from more than 120 countries, building on last year’s remarkable success.

 

INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION AND GLOBAL RECOGNITION

Some 14 National Oil Companies and 16 International Oil Companies have confirmed their participation this year, including regional market players and global oil and gas giants.

 

The acclaimed Adipec 2015 Conference Programme will draw more than 600 speakers and 7,000 delegates from both technical and non-technical functions exploring regional and global views on impending industry topics. 

 

Adipec’s official opening ceremony will be followed by a keynote address delivered by the world’s leading authority on energy and Pulitzer-Prize winning author, Dr. Daniel Yergin. 

 

Two dedicated Ministerial Sessions, two CEO Plenary Sessions, five Panel Sessions, as well as industry breakfasts and luncheons across the four-day event will invite international and regional Ministers, industry chiefs, decision makers, and senior oil and gas professionals to the stage to discuss and address the challenges presented by the new energy landscape. 

 

Alia Al Yasi, director of the Government Communication Department at the UAE Ministry of Energy, said: “Adipec 2015 will have the distinguished presence of a number of energy ministers and senior officials.”

 

“Adipec provides a valuable platform for creating new business opportunities, exploring innovative technologies, and forging strong partnerships at local, regional and international levels towards the progress of the UAE’s oil and gas industry. The event continues to reflect the growth of Abu Dhabi as one of the world’s leading oil and gas producers”.

 

Al Yasi emphasised the strong relationship between growing global energy demand and economic prosperity, noting that advances in technology and innovative solutions are key to solving many of today’s economic challenges facing the energy sector.

 

“The UAE is seeking to increase its crude oil production capacity to help ensure global market stability and meet the demand for petroleum by-products,” she said.

 

The record-breaking Adipec Technical Conference, which is organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), is also back with nearly 600 technical presentations in more than eight discipline categories organised across 79 technical sessions throughout the four-day event.

 

The exclusive VIP Conference Programme, organised for members of the Middle East Petroleum Club, the definitive club for senior oil and gas executives, will also welcome big names to the stage, including globally renowned energy expert Dr. Daniel Yergin, the world’s greatest living explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, and thought-leader on social engagement and future business Jon Duschinsky.

 

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Presenting numbers reflecting the continuous growth of Abu Dhabi’s oil and gas industry, Mohamed Helal Al Muhairi, director general of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, said Adipec has played an instrumental role in business development.

 

“Through its unwavering commitment to achieving energy efficiency and sustainability, and its relentless efforts towards meeting the ever-growing global demand for energy, Adipec continues to effectively contribute and support the country’s business sector,” said H.E.  Al Muhairi said. 

 

“Adipec is a key event that drives new business opportunities in the oil and gas industry. Over the last 12 months, the Abu Dhabi Chamber has registered 144 new companies operating in the emirate’s oil and gas industry, and this is partly driven by the value Adipec brings to the business community.”

 

“Since its launch, Adipec has achieved significant success as a major forum and destination for the world’s leading oil and gas experts, decision-makers, professionals and companies, and the event continues to enhance the economic image of Abu Dhabi worldwide,” said H.E.  Al Muhairi.

 

Highlighting the tourism value Adipec brings to Abu Dhabi, Sultan Al Mutawa Al Dhaheri, acting executive director for Tourism at TCA Abu Dhabi, said that the event offers the authority an opportunity to promote the emirate as a sustainable tourism destination.

 

“The Authority leverages events with strong attendance to promote Abu Dhabi, and this includes Adipec – a valuable event that contributes to both business and tourism in the emirate,” Al Dhaheri said. 

 

“Working closely with our stakeholders, the Authority is committed to improving the quality of service provided to visitors as part of our endeavour to support Abu Dhabi’s growth as both a tourist and global MICE destination.”

 

“The Authority also provides value-added services to visitors, ranging from hospitality to cultural activities, and including the dedicated heritage pavilion at Adipec. Special tourist programmes are also available to visitors, allowing them to experience Abu Dhabi as a first-class international tourist destination,” Al Dhaheri added.

 

Emphasising the importance of stakeholder collaboration, Ahmed Al Obaidli, acting chief operating officer at Adnec, said: “Hosting a large-scale, flagship conference and exhibition such as Adipec requires the cooperation of all contributors, and Adnec continues to work closely with the organisers and all stakeholders involved to help support the event’s success.”

 

Christopher Hudson, president – Global Energy, dmg events, organisers of Adipec, underlined the prominent role played by the event in shedding light on Abu Dhabi as a global hub for knowledge exchange.

 

“Adipec has become a landmark event that attracts major oil and gas companies, offering a distinct platform for the exchange of knowledge and experiences in the energy sector, and presenting endless opportunities for innovation,” he said.

 

Highlighting new features at Adipec this year, Hudson added: “Adipec will be the first oil and gas exhibition in the Middle East to dedicate a complete waterfront location for the display of offshore, subsea, and marine products and services. Visitors to Adipec’s Offshore, Marine, and Heavy Equipment Zone will have the opportunity to see offshore vessels and equipment in their native environment. The exhibition will be complemented by the inaugural Adipec Offshore and Marine Conference, which will address current topics relating to offshore production.” 

 

Winners of the prestigious Adipec Awards, which received a record number of 501 submissions this year, will be announced on Adipec’s opening night at the Awards Gala Dinner and Ceremony held at the Emirates Palace. 

 

Young Adipec, the hugely successful programme designed to engage the younger generation in the oil and gas industry, is back for its third year and expanding its reach with the creation of a Young Ambassador for each participating school. The programme will also feature interactive engagement sessions to help students learn more about the energy sector and develop key skills. 

 

“Adipec aims to address all aspects of the energy sector’s continuous development,  and hence the extensive Young Adipec programme includes a series of activities, including field trips, competitions, and onsite ‘edutainment’ zones, designed to motivate and encourage today’s youth to pursue a career path in the energy sector,” Hudson said.

 

Also new for Adipec 2015 is an official closing ceremony, which will offer a wrap-up of the event’s proceedings and achievements, added Hudson. 

 

“The much anticipated ceremony will be attended by Suhail Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy, and will honour organisers, sponsors, and representatives from major participating companies,” Hudson concluded.

 

Adipec 2015 will also feature cutting-edge technology aimed at enhancing the visitor experience. This includes a dedicated smartphone application, now available for download, as well as interactive screens located throughout the exhibition hall that enable users to seamlessly track and learn about Adipec’s various features.