Regional and international oil experts are set to share insights on the region’s energy sector at the upcoming Arab Oil and Gas Expo in Dubai.

The 18th edition of the biennial event will be held from March 17 to 19 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center, offering opportunities to experts, executives and manufacturers to network with their Arab and Middle Eastern counterparts and clients.

About 56 per cent of the world’s oil reserves and 26 per cent of natural gas deposits are found in the Middle East.

More than 300 exhibitors from across 25 countries will showcase their products and technology, aimed at promoting trade and business alliances, facilitating meetings and the signing of contracts, introducing technical and recruitment teams from the region’s national oil and gas companies and develop sales contacts.

Some of the exhibition’s focal areas will include training, professional development, and employment within the energy sector.

Anselm Godinho, managing director, International Conferences and Exhibitions (IC&E), said: “A recent report by the Arab Petroleum Investment Corporation (Apicorp) states that the energy investment needs in the MENA region from 2012 to 2016 are expected to reach $525 billion, with most of the investments being centered in the Arabian Gulf.

“With expanding demand for energy across the globe, exhibitors and visitors of the upcoming Arab Oil & Gas Show will benefit from the exponential growth of business in Dubai that is creating new channels and opportunities for trade and business alliances”.

A hands-on Arab Oil and Gas conference will be conducted alongside the trade exhibition and will serve as a gateway for technicians, engineers and engineering graduates to interact and bridge the divide between education and industry.

The exhibition will feature and engage representatives from related industries and business entities such as laboratory and instrumentation, oil and gas producers, shipping, research and education, petrochemicals, refineries, onshore and offshore drilling, design and engineering, and environment and alternative energies. - TradeArabia News Service