The UAE has won a global bid to host the 2020 edition of the prestigious World LPG Forum, an event organised by the World LPG Association (WLPGA), the authoritative voice of the global liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) industry.

The Enoc Group will host the event in Dubai in 2020.

WLPGA brings together over 250 private and public companies involved in the industry from more than 125 countries, develops long-term partnerships with international organisations, and implements projects locally and globally. The primary goal of the Association is to add value to the sector by driving premium demand for LPG, while also promoting compliance with good business and safety practices.

Enoc was among 14 other government departments that worked together on the winning bid that enhances the UAE’s global position in the energy sector. The bid was supported by Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Ministry of Energy, Dubai Civil Defence, Dubai Electricity & Water Authority, Roads & Transport Authority, Dubai Police and Dubai Airports, apart from local and regional oil and gas majors.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, managing director & CEO of Dewa, and vice chairman of Enoc Group said: “The key issues of clean energy, sustainability and innovation are fundamental to Dubai’s future economic growth and development. As semi-government entities, we have the ability to support the Emirate’s vision of leadership in energy security and efficiency through the unwavering support of a highly committed government.

Saif Humaid Al Falasi, Group CEO, Enoc, said: “Enoc and Emgas have a proven track record of diligent work in the pursuit of innovative, smart and clean energy solutions, and it is an honour to bring home and host such a prestigious event as the World LPG Forum in the Arab world.”

Helal Saeed Almarri, director general, Dubai Tourism, said: “Dubai being named the host city of the World LPG Forum, set to take place in 2020, is testament to the Emirate’s ability to bid for and attract major business events that foster knowledge-sharing and collaboration between stakeholders. Business events such as the World LPG Forum play a crucial role in attracting trade professionals from around the world, as we continue to transform the city into a leading global knowledge hub. We look forward to welcoming World LPG Association delegates and industry professionals to the city, and are positive that the outcome will leave a lasting legacy.”

WLPGA CEO and managing director, James Rockall said: “The World LPG Association is very happy to unite the global LPG industry for its 33rd Annual World LPG Forum in Dubai in 2020. With its world class infrastructure and excellent connections with the whole world, Dubai is the perfect place to host our annual Forum. Strong support from business and government from the UAE as well as the opportunity to associate the World LPG Forum with Expo 2020 Dubai proved very compelling reasons in our decision to select Dubai.”

For over 30 years, Enoc Group has made significant contributions to Dubai’s continued drive towards economic development and sustainable development. At the heart of the Group’s long-term strategy is the achievement of sustainability through efficiency and investment in alternative fuels. Within Enoc, it is in the LPG innovation space that such investments are already transforming the industry though sustainable, cleaner fuel technologies.

Emirates Gas (Emgas), a wholly-owned Enoc subsidiary, is a member of WLPGA. The company owns and operates an extensive distribution network with more than 50% of market share in the UAE, in addition to supplying bulk LPG to most of the 27 bottling plants in the UAE.

The World LPG Forum is the annual global event for the LPG industry that travels the globe every year gathering industry leaders, key policy makers, and the highest level of international agencies to explore the LPG business, discuss its growth potential and forge new business relationships.

Dubai, and the wider UAE, have embraced sustainable economic development for several years through major investments in clean energy and renewables. Promoting alternate energy sources such as LPG and CNG and utility-scale solar energy are part of its larger strategic programmes, which also include the adoption of COP22 sustainable development goals, the UAE Energy Strategy for 2050, UAE Vision 2021 and the Dubai Plan 2021. – TradeArabia News Service