ADIPEC has announced the winners of its 2026 Technical Excellence Awards, recognising outstanding contributions to energy research, engineering innovation and technology development across the industry.

The awards ceremony took place on 4 November at The Exchange Theatre, ADNEC, as part of the ADIPEC 2026 Technical Conferences programme. The winners were selected through a structured, merit-based evaluation of submissions from the Technical Conference, organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), and the Downstream Technical Conference.

Aligned with this year's ADIPEC theme of strengthening energy systems, the awards recognise technical solutions that deliver measurable industry impact, improve operational performance and support the development of more resilient energy systems.

Haitham Al Jenaibi, ADIPEC 2026 Technical Conference Chair, said: “As energy systems grow more complex, technical excellence is what turns ambition into delivery. This year's winners show how rigorous engineering, applied innovation and collaboration across the value chain are improving performance and reliability today. I congratulate every winner, and the emerging researchers whose work points to the future of our industry.”

The 2026 awards covered 14 categories, recognising achievements across artificial intelligence, exploration, drilling, sustainability, operational excellence, safety and workforce development.

Nader Gerges of ADNOC won the AI and Digital Transformation category, while Haitham Al Shukairi of Occidental of Oman received the Exploration and Geoscience award. Mohamad Ahmad of ADNOC Onshore was recognised for Advanced Drilling, Completions and Well Delivery.

Carlos Arrias of SLB won the Energy Addition and Sustainable Solutions category, while Akshaya Kumar Pradhan of Kuwait Oil Company received the Integrated Field Development award. Alexander Nezich of Shell was recognised for Health, Safety and Environment.

In other categories, Namo Gogana of NMDC Energy won the Marine Operations and Logistics award, while Winyou Rinnanont of PTTEP received the Project and Operational Excellence award. Aulia Carolina of SLB was recognised for People Development and Diversity, and Ahmed Abd El Aziz of ADNOC Onshore won the Unconventional Resource Development category.

Mark Batt-Rawden of Envorem received the Downstream Excellence and Innovation award.

The awards also recognised emerging industry talent and individuals demonstrating resilience in challenging operational environments. Daniel Holloway of RAK Gas received the Young Professional Award, while Abhijith Suboyin of ADNOC Logistics and Services won the Resilience Award.

Saad Challiwala of Texas A&M University at Qatar received the Rising Star Award in Academia, recognising emerging researchers contributing to the future of the energy industry.

The awards aim to uphold high standards of technical excellence while supporting emerging researchers and students and highlighting innovations that deliver meaningful benefits to the energy industry and wider communities.

Through the annual programme, ADIPEC continues to provide a platform for recognising technical expertise, encouraging collaboration and showcasing solutions addressing the industry's evolving challenges. -OGN/TradeArabia News Service