THE Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC), the third largest gas and oil event in the world, will be held on Nov.10-13 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). The event is set to highlight the evolution of energy and shift in the balance of hydrocarbon power from oil to gas in the region. Under the theme “Energy for all in a Changing World”, the four-day event will also feature new components including a dedicated business conference, an expanded technical conference, a focus on the role of women in the gas and oil industry, and the addition of “Young ADIPEC” – a comprehensive program designed to encourage the industry's future leaders. The event will also include an expanded ADIPEC Awards featuring two new categories - the “Empowerment of Women in Gas and Oil” and “Young ADIPEC Engineer”, both of which are integral to the future of the industry. Focusing on the increasingly important role of gas in the energy mix, as well as the Middle East's vast oil industry, the 16th edition of ADIPEC will take place under the patronage of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. The event is supported by the Ministry of Energy, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), and the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Currently, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is home to more than 52 percent of the world's proven oil reserves, and 42 percent of the world's proven gas reserves. With natural gas considered a cleaner alternative to coal as a fuel for energy production, its demand is set for continued growth as governments adopt policies to reduce the environmental impact of energy generation. Mohammed A. Sahoo AlSuwaidi, Director of Gas Directorate at ADNOC and ADIPEC 2013 Chairman, said: “Amid rapid growth in energy demands across the region, gas offers a cheaper, cleaner and abundant solution to our energy supply chain challenges. We believe it is the right time to address the needs of the burgeoning gas sector given the need to diversify our energy mix and cater to domestic demand.” – SG
