Offshore Arabia 2006 inaugurated by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum

Organised by the Regional Clean Sea Organisation (RECSO) and INDEX Conferences & Exhibitions Organisation Establishment, the conference involved leading local, regional and international organizations concerned about the protection of the environment and the prevention of any obstacles that could affect the cleanness of the seas, have come to discuss solutions for the challenges facing the environment such as: the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC), Regional Organization for the Protection of Maritime Environment (ROPME) International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC), The Regional Organization For The Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden (PERGSA), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Dubai Municipality, Dubai Maritime City & Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI).

The exhibition was inaugurated by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation, President and Senior Executive Officer of Emirates Group in the United Arab Emirates, H.E. Dr. Mohammad Saeed Al-Kindi, Minister of Environment & Water in the UAE, H.R.H. Prince Turki Bin Nasser Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud President of Presidency of Meteorology & Environment, KSA, Mr. Salim Al-Ayedh, Senior Vice President - Engineering & Operations Services in Saudi ARAMCO and Mr. Khamis Juma Bu-Amim Chairman of the Board - Regional Clean Sea Organisation (RECSO), Chairman - Offshore Arabia 2006 and Vice President - Dubai Petroleum Company.

On this occasion, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum affirmed "We are committed to work towards global sustainability and minimize the potential risks that global warming may cause. But at the same time we feel it is just as important to establish the required implementation tools that can help in bridging the gape of development and ensure the continuity of growth within all industries and especially the oil industry.

I am also confident that oil producing countries will help in attaining fair and just solutions towards global energy security and environment protection.

I would like to conclude with a vision for the future, as you all aware our water consumption comes from the Gulf Sea water and many major development are taking place in the gulf shores, in this regard it is appropriate to establish a clear understanding of the challenges that we may face and at the same time come up with the required and appropriate solutions for our region.

I am confident that this conference will highlight many of these challenges, at the same time work towards the required remedies. I strongly support your efforts and hope you have a meaningful meetings and discussions and hope you keep your eyes on the opportunities that this type of conference may and can bring towards what rightfully agreed on the conference title Global Partners for Energy and Environment".

The first day of exhibition featured prominent industry leaders who chaired different sessions about the potential of Middle East Energy and Opportunities, as well as the world supply and demand and an outlook about the oil and gas future.

The first session about the Marine Environmental Impact was chaired by Mr John Dipple, Senior Vice President (Africa, Middle East and Asia), Seacor Environmental Services International LTD - United Kingdom.

The second session on Environmental Management was chaired by Dr. Faiza Al-Yamani, Senior Scientist, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research - Kuwait.

The third session on Technology was chaired by Dr. Ismail Hosani, Crisis Management Coordinator, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company - United Arab Emirates.

On the other hand, Mr Abdul Salam Al Madani, President of INDEX Holding stated that INDEX Conferences & Exhibitions Org Est has promoted "Offshore Arabia" regionally and internationally and worked on the organizing and marketing. Thus, the exhibition space has increased by 100% and over 80 companies have participated from 25 countries.
It is worth mentioning that Petrobras, the Largest Oil Company in South America is participating for the first time in an event in the Middle East.

The exhibition activities continue for two days 18th and 19th of December 2006 and different topics and subjects will be lectured and discussed by representatives of Saudi Aramco, Vela International Marine Limited, Regional Municipalities Environment & Water Resources in Sultanate of Oman, Helenic Marine Environmental Protection Association HELMEPA, Shell International, Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Companies OPEC and Petrobras and other Local, Regional and International Environmental Organisation and Oil & Gas companies.