Major Players in Oil and Gas to Debate Way Ahead

Middle East Oil and Gas Players to Debate Emerging Issues

While oil and gas industry sources remain optimistic that the critical crude pipeline from the Habhsan oilfields to Fujairah will open on schedule, providing an important alternative to the Straits of Hormuz, the sector still faces many challenges. These will be debated by top Middle Eastern oil and gas industry experts and policy makers at the Oil and Gas West Asia (OGWA) Forum in April.

In an era of regional cooperation, the movers and shakers will meet at the OGWA Forum in Oman from 15 to 16 April this year. Their discussions will cover both the upstream and downstream challenges facing the industry. The Forum's advisory board's goal has been to create an opportunity to discuss, share ideas and build collaboration on issues like pricing, geopolitical considerations, impact of new technologies, and carbon emissions.

The sector is facing a challenge it wouldn't have dreamed of a decade ago - the USA becoming a source of natural gas rather than just being a strong market for gas from the Middle East. This development has focused the spotlight on the need for the Middle East to develop robust policies and innovative solutions to remain a competitive force. 

Badr Jafar, President of the UAE's Crescent Petroleum, has warned, "Those who fail to embrace innovation and adaptability will disappear in the end. Only by ensuring that we drive innovative thinking and progress in this generation can we hope to improve our position and that of the next generation."

The forum, which will be attended by CEOs and senior managers from the major players, will also feature presentations from Zaid Khamis Al-Siyabi, Director-General of Oil & Gas Exploration and Production at Oman's Oil and Gas Ministry, and the GM of BP in Oman, Jonathon Evans. Other highlights include Fareed Al-Asaly, Head of G20 Energy and WTO Groups at KSA's Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources discussing the role of alternative energy sources with Ivano Ivanelli of the Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence and Vahid Fotuhi from BP.

For more information contact:

Amy Figgins

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Email:             Amy.figgins@iirme.com