London Business School (LBS), known for its full-time MBA programme, recently held an oil and gas forum for its Executive MBA students in Dubai.

The Oil and Gas insights in the Middle East forum attracted industry leaders, recruiters and guest speakers from energy corporations from across the Gulf, including Shell, Manaar, Al Mubasher, Michael Page Oil and Gas, Price Waterhouse Coopers, WTS Energy and Siemens Oil and Gas.

The forum discussed current trends facing the industry and its future outcomes, including the impact of the arrival of the Chinese energy industry into the Middle East and the future for the traditional InterOil Corporation (IOC) model in light of new independent companies.

A recruitment Q&A followed the panel discussion.

They discussed the challenges presented to recruiters by active nationalization programmes and the recruitment outlook for the energy industry, given a predicted 30 per cent loss of its skilled workforce due to retirement in the next five years.

Daniela Sfeir, senior business development manager at London Business School, said: “London Business School is proud to associate with top companies and recruiters in the region to deliver successful events like the Oil and Gas Insights forum.”

“The event brought together 80 participants, with senior managers in the oil and gas industry and students and alumni working in, or aspiring to work in, the sector.” 

“The forums provide a great platform to exchange ideas about industry trends whilst also providing the invaluable opportunity for networking between students, alumni and future employers,” he added.

Bjoern Ewers, Principal at BCG Middle East, and a panellist at the forum, said: “BCG has a long history of collaborating with London Business School and we are very pleased to once again partner with them for this oil and gas event.”

“The energy requirements of the world remain a key priority for economic policy makers, businesses and governments globally and London Business School’s event provided an important platform for industry experts to share insights on this critical topic.”

Current student Hussain Rizvi added: “Oil and gas is the most important GDP contributor of countries in the Middle East region and the sector is currently going through a technological transformation with a focus on energy efficiency. Events like this which bring together thought leaders from industry and academia are very beneficial.”

In 2012, London Business School marks its fifth anniversary of its Dubai Centre and Executive MBA programme (EMBA). The programme is taught exclusively by London Business School’s own faculty at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). – TradeArabia News Service