Over 150 exhibitors from 25 countries and thousands of trade visitors are attending the Arab Oil and Gas Show (AOGS) 2011, which opened in Dubai yesterday (September 18).

The event, which is being held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, will run until September 20.

It showcases innovative products, technology and services for the energy value chain, providing opportunities to network and trade in Dubai.
 
International suppliers attending the event are seeking to capitalise on fresh business prospects in the region, including a spill-over of contracts for the planned $5 billion investment by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) to raise output capacity by 2016.

Reports have revealed that service contracts will be awarded in 2012 for projects that increase capacity and raise output up to 3.5million barrels per day (bpd), creating a surge in demand for the latest equipment, technology, services and technical expertise.

“The Arab Oil and Gas Show is regarded as a value-added addition to the UAE’s energy sector and an integrated platform that showcases the best and latest solutions, technologies and equipments that will open new growth opportunities in the country’s oil and gas industry,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority.

“The extensive participation in the current edition of the event reflects the increased confidence in the economy of Dubai, which leads the way in providing a safe environment for investment in various vital industry segments including oil and gas,” he said.

Anselm Godinho, managing director, International Conferences and Exhibitions (IC&E), organisers of the event, said: “There are numerous oil and gas contracts that are expected to be tendered within the next two years, creating an increase in demand for equipment, technology, services and expertise.”

“International suppliers and contractors seeking to capitalise on the robust market outlook are therefore eager to showcase and demonstrate their innovations and capabilities to potential buyers in the region. The Arab Oil and Gas Show is an ideal event for all stakeholders to network, sell and sign distribution deals that will feed into project contracts over the next year,” he added.

Sharat Chandra, international sales manager, Sara Services and Engineers, said: “The Arab Oil and Gas Show helps us meet customers from the Middle East and Africa, while allowing us to enhance our brand image in the region. With the increase in oilfield-related activities, we are confident that our participation in the show will result in new contracts, while opening new business prospects for our brand.”

AOGS 2011 also features the Energy Job Fair 2011 - an exclusive event organised to help bridge the divide between education and industry and support training and recruitment of professionals and engineers within the energy sector. – TradeArabia News Service