Dubai will host global energy leaders this January as the IPTC Summit on AI for the Energy Industry takes place on January 13–14, 2026 at the Conrad Hotel, bringing together decision-makers, technologists, and domain experts to examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping upstream operations and the broader energy value chain.

Pinar Yilmaz, IPTC Summit Chair, said: “IPTC is uniquely organised by four professional societies: AAPG, EAGE, SEG & SPE, serving as the only fully integrated major joint event in the Middle East and Asia. We are a vital hub for geoscientists and engineers, fostering collaboration on integrated technical solutions to address the evolving needs of the energy sector while promoting impactful decarbonization solutions.”

The Summit’s theme is: Transforming Energy Through AI: Innovation, Intelligence, Impact.

Summit Co-Chair Abdulkarim AlMaazmi, Managing Director E&P and CEO of Dragon Oil, said: “The theme reflects our industry’s shift toward smarter, more efficient upstream operations. AI, automation, and digital technologies are transforming subsurface imaging, drilling performance, production optimization, and safety—IPTC will showcase this impact.”

The two-day programme features two keynote sessions, two executive plenary sessions, four executive panel sessions, 15 technical sessions, dedicated ePoster sessions, and a technology showcase.

Senior executives and industry leaders confirmed to participate include Waleed Al-Mulhim, Senior Vice President, Petroleum Engineering and Development, Aramco; Amir Gerges, Group Chief HSE Officer, Adnoc; Steven Deng, President of Oil & Gas Industry, Huawei Technologies; Jose Bayardo, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, NOV; Mohd Nazlee Rasol, Vice President of Development, Upstream Business, PETRONAS; Thanasit Vichaipairojwong, Senior Vice President, Digital Technology Center of Excellence Division, PTTEP; Jesus Lamas, President, Middle East and North Africa, SLB; Niall O’Doherty, Vice President, Global Industry Strategy, Teradata; and Sophie Zurquiyah, CEO, Viridien, among others.

Umar Al Nahdi, IPTC Summit Co-Chair and Director, PE Application Services at Aramco, highlighted the practical value of the event, said:  “Attendees will benefit from access to high-level technical content, exposure to emerging technologies, and opportunities to connect with global experts shaping the future of energy. The summit will provide valuable insights, collaboration opportunities, and practical knowledge that participants can apply within their organizations. Ultimately, the Summit aspires to inspire new thinking, strengthen partnerships, and support the development of a more efficient, reliable, and sustainable energy sector.”

The summit will also host the IPTC Excellence Awards, recognising standout technological, sustainability, safety, and leadership achievements across the global energy industry.

The 2026 award recipients include the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) Project by bp, which received the Project Excellence Award, and Ravenna CCS Phase 1 by Eni, recognised with the Sustainability Excellence Award.

Rahul Patil of the Halliburton Technology Center was honoured with the Distinguished Achievement Award, while the Young Professional Achievement Award was presented to Abdulrahman Alowaid and Hatem Abdullah Bajuaifer of Aramco, Rami Esbai of Bapco Upstream, and Yang Wang of China University of Petroleum (Beijing).

The IPTC Summit is supported by a broad cross-section of the industry. Principal Sponsors include Aramco, Dragon Oil, and SLB, with NOV and Saudi Arabian Chevron serving as Diamond Sponsors. Baker Hughes is the Titanium Sponsor, while AMD, ARO, and Viridien are Gold Sponsors. Lane-Link and Quorum Software participate as Associate Sponsors. -TradeArabia News Service