The 18th edition of the annual Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference or Adipec has posted record-breaking growth amidst a challenging economic environment for the oil and gas industry event organisers said on Thursday.

Early numbers show that Adipec welcomed more than 86000 visitors this year compared to 76240 in 2014 an increase of nearly13 per cent. The world's landmark oil and gas event also posted record participation from exhibiting companies with 2050 exhibitors from across globe a considerable rise from last year's 1800. Adipec also experienced growing global recognition with a 70 per cent increase over last year in the number of international visitors. The event hosted 23 international pavilions including companies from major industry players and emerging markets.

Early indications from onsite participant surveys show there was $7 billion of business generated during the first three days of the four-day event with final figures announced in the coming days.

UAE Minister of Energy Suhail bin Mohammed Faraj Al Mazroui said: "The response we have garnered at Adipec is a sign of optimism in the oil and gas industry and testimony to the energy sector's resilience. Yes we are facing challenges but the energy sector will always find its way around them through cost optimisation innovation developments in technology and industry collaboration all of which Adipec enables. The event's ongoing success is part of the leadership's vision to make Abu Dhabi the global capital of the energy sector."

Forming the cornerstone of the event the Adipec Conference Programme invited local regional and international Ministers to the stage with representation from UAE Egypt Oman the Gabonese Republic Indonesia Uganda as well as the Opec Secretary General. Ministers from Japan and Sri Lanka were also in attendance along with more than 7000 international delegates. Saif Ahmed Alghfeli CEO of Al Hosn Gas and Co-Chairman of Adipec 2015 said: "Adipec offers solutions to today's market challenges by providing a platform for networking knowledge-exchange and innovation - giving industry professionals and decision makers options and alternatives to meeting the demands of the evolving energy landscape. The quality of content at the show from the Adipec Conference Programme to the new Offshore and Marine Conference addresses the various needs and requirements of the energy sector driving international interest and motivating repeat visits."

In line with regional and global efforts to continue exploring and developing offshore production the newly launched Adipec Offshore Marine and Heavy Equipment Zone also witnessed great success making the event the first oil and gas exhibition in the Mena region to dedicate an entire waterfront section to offshore subsea and marine products and services. The dedicated area gave more than 85 exhibitors from across the sector an opportunity to showcase a variety of offshore supplies and services ranging from ships and rigs to oceanography and mapping equipment. The acclaimed Adipec Technical Conference Programme received a record 2270 abstract submissions this year compared to 1534 in 2012 marking a nearly 50 per cent increase. The number of participating countries also increased from 50 in 2012 to 65 this year with more than half of submissions from outside the Middle East.

Complementing the new zone the inaugural Adipec Offshore and Marine Conference proved to be a welcome addition by professionals enabling more than 40 industry experts to present and share valuable offshore oil and gas knowledge and information.

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