Amec Foster Wheeler, a leading engineering and project management company, said that increasing operational efficiency through a flexible and diversified approach was the key to success in the Middle East region.

Despite the current market challenges, Amec Foster Wheeler has continued to expand in the Middle East and has been been awarded several key contracts in recent months.

The latest one was the Project Management Consultancy contract extension for the UZ750 project in the Upper Zakum field, said the company in a statement.

Amec Foster Wheeler is also actively working on mega projects in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Qatar and Oman.

The company is gearing up for a major performance at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (Adipec) to be held from November 9 to 12.

Chief executive Samir Brikho will outline the importance of efficiency during a panel session entitled "Operations: The New Era of Operations Efficiency" at the conference.

The engineering major has established Abu Dhabi as its Middle East hub of expertise in the region and its office, with currently over 700 people, is undergoing a process of expansion following the award of several new engineering contracts in the UAE.

"Amec Foster Wheeler’s success in the region is due to a flexible and diversified approach and a commitment to long-term operational efficiency," stated Roberto Penno, the group’s president for Asia, Middle East, Africa and Southern Europe, who will also be at the upcoming Abu Dhabi event.

"Amec Foster Wheeler is asset light and has a flexible business model which means that we can adapt easily to meet project demands. One of our other key differentiators is that we also work across non-hydrocarbon end markets and are able to pursue a variety of opportunities," said Penno.

“While the market is challenging, we are in a strong position and committed to delivering long-term operational efficiency for our customers, regardless of the oil price.  We are confident about the outlook of the market in the Middle East,” he added.

Amec Foster Wheeler currently has over 2,000 people based in the Middle East, with plans for continued expansion.-TradeArabia News Service