Dubai – United Arab Emirates, 3rd of March, 2014: H.E. Dr Rashid Ahmad bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water inaugurated today the eighth 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 theme “Regional Oil Spill Prevention & Preparedness” and is running until the 5th of March at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Offshore Arabia Conference & exhibition in its 8th edition is considered the largest oil spill management event in the region. For the past years, the event has succeeded in attracting the world’s key experts in the Oil & Gas Industry to Dubai to share their experiences, voice their thoughts and contribute to the solutions that would have major input in ensuring sustainable energy and cleaner environment for our future generation.
Mr. Omar Al Wasem, the Chairman of Offshore Arabia 2014 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 continues support and patronage of Offshore Arabia 2014 conference and exhibition.
“The majority of the past incidents, both onshore and offshore, has been caused by human error and has resulted in devastating oil spill. No matter how immediate the spill response, it is only a partial success in terms of minimizing environmental damage. We should all be aware that the prevention of oil spills is preferable to the cure. During the course of this three days conference, 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.” Mr. Omar Said during his key note speech
The conference this year includes researches and lectures presented by environmental and Oil & Gas specialists. The topics that will be discussed during the 3 days of the conference include: Oil Spill Prevention, Contingency Planning and Emergency Preparedness, Knowledge Sharing and Lessons Learned from Offshore/Onshore Case Histories & Recent Major Incidents, Innovations as Applied to Oil Spill Recovery & Response, Terminal & Tankers Measures to Prevent and Respond to Oil Spills, Oil Drilling and Producing Measures to Prevent and Respond to Oil Spills, Oil Spill Waste and Oily Discharge Management, Restoration and Rehabilitation Practices for the Affected Areas, Wildlife and Shorelines, Offshore/Onshore Risk & Crisis Management.
From his side, Anas Al Madani, Vice- Chairman and CEO of INDEX Holding Said: “Offshore Arabia 2014 Conference & Exhibition witnesses great interest from various specialized companies and organizations from the energy and environment sector this is due to the importance of the event that had become an ideal platform for companies to display their latest technology in the field of oil spill management and response in order to maintain the cleanliness of the sea and the environment.”
“We are expecting 4,000 visitors and participants to visit the Offshore Arabia Conference and Exhibition this year. Offshore Arabia 2014 hosts more than 100 companies from 23 countries, and with 20% growth in exhibition size compared to the previous edition. Moreover, Drydocks World is our largest national participant at the exhibition, and the biggest international participant is from Aramco, Qatar Petroleum, KOC, BAPCO, KJO, Chevron KSA, OMAN PDO and the Norwegian Pavilion.” Continued Al Madani
Mr. Omar Al Wasem added: “Offshore Arabia 2014 will provide a unique opportunity for peer-to-peer exchange, networking and bringing almost all Gulf petroleum companies together in one venue. I believe that we are all committed to protect the environment and prevent accidents through excellent operational practices. Each member company shares the responsibility of ensuring a long-term commitment to the “Clean Gulf” concept. RECSO recognizes this pledge and coordinates efforts towards meeting this challenge.”
“This year we engaged non-profitable co-op associations and voluntary organizations like Dubai Fishermen Co-Op. Association and also students from universities on RECSO activities to send a strong message to our local communities that we, as oil companies, do care and are working with you to protect marine environment.” Continued Mr. Omar
On the sidelines of the Conference & Exhibition, an Environmental Awards ceremony will take place on 4th March at the Gala Dinner that will host regional and international VIP's, dignitaries and prominent leaders of the industry. Environmental Awards recognize outstanding environmental leaders, whether individuals or organisations that have exemplified inspiration, vision, innovation, leadership and action for the environment, awards that will be distributed have received acclaim on both regional and international levels. The ceremony is considered an opportunity to acknowledge companies that have contributed towards the protection, safety and betterment of the Environment.
Offshore Arabia 2014 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.
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