(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The transition of the Middle East's largest event for the oil and gas industry into an annual show from next year will promote integration across the energy value chain and strengthen partnerships in local and regional energy markets, a senior representative of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, or Adnoc, said on Wednesday.
At the close the 2012 edition of the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference, or Adipec, attendance was 20 per cent higher than the total recorded at the 2010 show. Involvement from Middle East countries was also higher than ever, with delegations from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the wider region.
"Adipec has grown strongly in recent years, reflecting the position Abu Dhabi and the Middle East now hold in the global supply of oil and gas," said Mohammad Sahoo Al Suwaidi, gas director of Adnoc and the recently-appointed chairman of Adipec 2013. "Interest in the event has filled the venue and the conference programme has never been stronger."
Increasing the frequency of Adipec will accommodate the growing significance of natural gas in the global energy mix, said Al Suwaidi. Gas is replacing coal as the world's main source of energy after oil, partly because its cleaner burning properties are making it a preferred fuel for electricity generation.
"The global energy mix is diversifying to include both hydrocarbons and alternative sources such as renewables to meet growing energy demand and reduce carbon emissions," said Al Suwaidi. "Natural gas is therefore assuming greater prominence as an energy source and the conference programme next year will bring these developments into clearer focus."
"The Adipec conference programme has always adjusted to take into account new industry trends and this will continue as we annualise the event," Al Suwaidi added. "Adipec will remain an oil and gas event but next year's conference will spotlight the gas sector."
Adipec 2012 expects to receive 50,000 visitors from 91 countries. All 13 national pavilions at the event have confirmed for Adipec 2013 and 15,000sqm of exhibition space have already been booked for next year's show.
"This week, Adipec has hosted energy ministers from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Norway, the United Kingdom and Canada and seen more business conducted than ever before," said Simon Mellor, senior vice-president of dmg::events, organisers of Adipec.
Numerous milestones have been achieved at Adipec 2012 including the largest ever outdoor exhibition complex; the first ever UAE oil and gas museum; original briefing sessions delivered by top industry executives on market conditions in the UAE, Qatar, Iraq and Kuwait; and a purpose-built luxury lounge for high-level industry executives.
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