H.E. Dr rashid ahmad bin fahad, inaugurated the seventh offshore arabia conference and exhibition

"The region should always be prepared and well planned to face any environmental accidents and respond quickly to avoid any crises

Dubai - United Arab Emirates, February 27^th 2012
H.E. Dr Rashid Ahmad bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water inaugurated today the seventh edition of the Offshore Arabia Conference and Exhibition which is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai. Offshore Arabia is held this year under the motto "Offshore Oil Spill Prevention and Response through New Technology and International Cooperation" and is running until February 29 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

H.E. delivered a speech during the opening ceremony where he reiterated his support to the Offshore Arabia Conference and Exhibition as an important platform to discuss many of challenges and changes that we are facing at the moment such as; Oil spill and pollution, the role of new technologies and the role of international cooperation in decreasing the pollution and eliminating its negative impact on the regions' marine life and its resources.

H.E. also said in his key note speech that was delivered during the opening ceremony: "the marine life is considered one of the most important environments in the region and unfortunately it goes under frequent pressure due to the activities conducted during oil excavations, construction buildings at the shoreline and also the tankers that carry the oil in the sea. Therefore, the region should always be prepared and well planned to face any accidents and respond quickly to avoid any crises".

H.E. was impressed by the new technologies displayed at the exhibition which varies to cover all monitoring, controlling and fixing techniques. "New Technologies have a positive influence on this industry as it has shown strong capability to decrease the danger that oil spill can cause to marine life." added H.E. 

He also stressed on employing the best techniques in research in addition to developing research centres and constitutes that will cater to students and individuals who are interested to specialise in this particular field, especially that region now is paying so much attention to this vital field.

The Offshore Arabia conference will last for three days and will include researches and lectures presented by environmental and Oil & Gas specialists. The topics that will be discussed on the first day include; Technology Innovation as Applied to Oil Spill Response, Oil spills; A Clear Case for Crisis - not just Emergency - Management, Challenging Oil Field Emulsions: Liability of Asset?, Saudi Aramco Tanker Vetting System (TVS), Technology Innovation as Applied to Oil Spill Response (Continues), Remote Sensing Technologies for Oil Spill Detection and Monitoring, Advantages and Limitations, Seasoned Surface Current Maps in U.S. Spill Response, HF Radar Technology and Services as Applied to Spill Response and other related industries.

Mr. Salem Abdul Rahman Al Wehaibi, the Chairman of Offshore Arabia 2012 Conference & Exhibition and the Chairman of Regional Clean Sea Organization (Recso) expressed his sincere appreciation for H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai for his continued support and patronage of Offshore Arabia 2012 conference and exhibition.

He also said in his key note speech: "We hope the oil, gas & tanker industries in the region will benefit enormously from this forum, both in terms of transfer of technology and prevention of oil pollution, thereby protecting the marine environment."

Mr. Salem also mentioned is his speech: "Oil has been the primary source of this regions' economic growth for several decades.  It's transported by the world's largest tanker fleets, navigating through restricted waterways in the Gulf; it poses a great threat of oil pollution.  The economic impact of an oil spill is often substantial and the solution to the problem is prevention through effective and integrated best operation practices, close monitoring and stricter enforcement by authorities. And we are highly anticipating that Offshore Arabia conference and exhibition will be able to fulfil those outcomes".

Leading international experts will present their views on handling offshore and onshore oil production, safe tanker operation at sea and terminals, emerging response procedures, personnel safety & enforcement and new technologies.

"Offshore Arabia 2012 Conference's Technical Committee has developed an outstanding set of presentations which we are confident that they will provide significant value from the sharing of advancements, developments and demonstrations of leading technologies and processes. The knowledge that the participants will obtain will provide a unique insight into business information which cannot be found anywhere else." Said Mr. Salem Al Wehaibi

In addition, the Offshore Arabia conference will provide a unique opportunity for peer-to-peer exchange and networking as well as time to envision emerging technologies and innovative solutions which will enhance your position in the competitive global market. It will also highlight emerging technologies and innovative practices which leading companies are deploying today to meet tomorrow's challenges and engage workforce for higher productivity, the way organizational mindset must change to use new tools, the way emotional intelligence will affect your company, and the way social networking tools can enhance your communications etc. By participating in this conference you can also explore the game changing tools and technologies that are impacting our industry.

Mr. Mohammed Ghuloom the Chairman of Organising Committee and the General Manager Engineering of BACO of Bahrain said: "Offshore Arabia conference & exhibition aims to provide a clear focus on the new technologies and latest developments in the field of oil spill management. The topics for papers have been carefully selected to provide an expert overview of oil spill management tools by the regional and international presenters from well over 13 countries. In addition the exhibition brings together a wealth of knowledge from the participating RECSO members as well as many internationally reputable consultants and vendors" 

From his side, Mr. Tareq Al Madani, the Managing Director of Index Conferences and Exhibitions Organisation est. - member of INDEX Holding said: "Offshore Arabia Conference and Exhibition is one of the most significant events in the Middle East that discuss all the recent environmental challenges, the renewable energy, the Oil and Gas and other related topics. Many companies and organisations are participating this year from all parts of the world to discuss all urgent matters. In addition, exhibiting companies are displaying their latest tools and machineries during the three days of the exhibition."

"We are expecting more than 8,000 visitors and participants to visit the Offshore Arabia Conference and Exhibition this year. More than 100 companies from 18 countries are participating in the exhibition such as Saudi Aramco, Qatar Petroleum, Dubai Drydocks, Kuwait Oil Company, Petroleum Development Oman, Bapco, Maersk Oil Qatar, Lamor, Konsberg, Flir, Olympus and Seacor MEA." Said Tareq Al Madani

"Oil, gas and environment are considered vital sectors and attract the interest of world's leaders and activists in this field, therefore, many specialized companies and organizations are showing their interest in this particular field." Continued Al Madani

Offshore Arabia 2012 is organised by Index Conferences and Exhibitions Organisation Est. - member of INDEX Holding and in cooperation with the Regional Clean Sea Organization RECSO and its members; Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco), Kuwait Oil Company (KSC), Kuwait Gulf Oil Company (KOC), The Bahrain Petroleum Company B.S.C (BAPCO), Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), Qatar Petroleum (QP), Saudi Arabian Chevron (SAC), Maersk Oil Qatar AS (MOQ), Al Khafji Joint Operations (KGOC / AGOC), and its associate members.

- End-

© Press Release 2012