April 29, 2012:

MANAMA: More than 3,000 downstream oil and gas professionals are set to converge in Bahrain from May 20 to 23 for the eighth edition of the Middle East Refining and Petrochemicals Conference and Exhibition 2012. It will be held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.

Energy Minister Dr Abdulhussain Mirza thanked the Premier for his support for the conference. Set against a backdrop of ongoing refining and petrochemical expansion projects in the region, the exhibition and conference has attracted highly respected individuals and companies from around the world, united in a common drive to exchange knowledge, transfer technology and seize business opportunities.

"In order to continue to benefit from previous high oil prices, GCC countries are currently focused on expanding output by adding various new products to their offerings," Arabian Exhibition Management director of sales and marketing Fawzi Al Shehabi said. "As a result, greater emphasis is being placed on investing in the downstream oil and gas sector both at home and abroad. According to Global Investment House, there are 147 upcoming projects in Saudi Arabia alone, worth an estimated $215 billion, with the main bulk destined for petrochemical projects.

"Petrotech 2012 represents a timely opportunity for participants to initiate business, and at the same time, serve the needs of the industry as it seeks to progress through strategic collaborations, healthy competition and technological innovations," Mr Al Shehabi said. The 5,400 sqm exhibition of products and services at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre showcases more than 100 companies from 20 countries. Among them is high-profile participation from the natural resource rich areas of the Gulf.

Regional giants including Bapco, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, Kuwait National Petroleum Company, Saudi Aramco, Qatar Petroleum, Petro Rabigh, Sadara Chemical Company, Yanbu Aramco Sinopec Refining Company, Industrialisation and Energy Services Company and TASNEE (National Industrialisation Company) are taking flagship stands. International service industry majors also maintain a strong presence at Petrotech 2012, with Baker Hughes, Dow, Foster Wheeler, UOP and Yokogawa occupying significant exhibition space. A host of smaller specialist companies consolidate this line-up.

More than 90 technical and poster presentations will be delivered during the parallel conference by leading professionals under this year's theme: Creating Value: Technology, Investment and People. These presentations will share successful case studies and innovative solutions for common challenges allied to refining and petrochemical technologies, plants of the future and human resources.

"Petrotech 2012 is one of the few dedicated events of its kind in the region. The high quality of the technical programme, speakers and exhibition represent an excellent opportunity to network with key players in the industry, including professionals, researchers, experts, key dignitaries, government officials and leading corporations," Mr Al Shehabi said. Middle East Petrotech 2012 is organised by Arabian Exhibition Management of Bahrain in conjunction with London-based Overseas Exhibition Services, both members of Allworld Exhibitions.

By Gulf Daily News