More than 6,500 trade visitors are expected to visit Saudi Oil & Gas 2010, a business-to-business networking trade exhibition that was inaugurated yesterday (January 17).

The event, which features the latest innovations, technologies, machineries, equipment and services from more than 70 local and international exhibitors, also provides an ideal platform for key industry players to leverage Saudi's burgeoning oil production and consumption requirements within the next 10 years, said an organiser.

Saudi Oil & Gas 2010 also serves as the perfect gateway to tap into other lucrative business opportunities in the rest of the region as the world is expected to become increasingly dependent on Arab oil in the next two decades. To meet the growing global demand, Saudi Arabia itself has been engaged in an extensive investment program, which includes $90 billion for petrochemical projects, $90 billion for power generation and $50 billion for natural gas-related projects, he explained.

'With over 6,500 visitors confirming their attendance, Saudi Oil & Gas 2010 will certainly be one of the most important networking events in the industry, which we hope will usher in new business possibilities, ambitious joint venture prospects and fresh investment opportunities in the new decade,' stated Mohammed Al Hussaini, deputy general manager, Riyadh Exhibitions Company, organiser of Saudi Oil & Gas.

The show will also feature two official pavilions from Germany and China.

Exhibiting companies that are participating at the event come from a wide range of industry segments, including oil, gas and petrochemical; mining, exploration, production and refining; drilling, valves, pipes and fittings; services, maintenance, safety and security; storage and transportation.-TradeArabia News Service