The outlook and prospects of Saudi Arabia's upstream and downstream oil and gas industry in the face of the current economic downturn will be the focus of an international exhibition and conference that will be convened at the Dhahran International Exhibition Center on Nov. 1-3, 2009. Regional and international energy experts will address about 6,000 delegates on crucial topics, such as alternative energy and sustainability and the role of local universities in preparing future Saudi human resource toward the development of the Kingdom's oil and gas sector. The conference, called Saudi Arabia's International Oil & Gas Exhibition and Conference (SAOGE 2009), which is now on its second year, will be participated by more than 250 private and public companies, research institutions, and government agencies, the biggest gathering yet of experts and leading companies in the oil and gas sector. Twenty eight countries are sending their experts and representatives, as well as their national oil and gas companies, to participate in the three-day conference and exhibition. Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd, Emir of Eastern Province, will open and inaugurate the event. Saudi Aramco is the main and major sponsor of SOAGE 2009. Lord Digby Jones Kt, minister of State for Trade and Investment, UK - July 2007 to October 2008, and Dr. Randy Gossen, president of the World Petroleum Council, will be among the keynote speakers during the opening day of the international event. The role of universities and institutions of higher learning will be discussed. Students from King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals and King Faisal University will present their questions and impressions on the oil and gas industry and the opportunities awaiting them.
