Fifth Oil Baron crowned at region's premier oil & gas industry event

At a glitterinq awards ceremony held on the lawns of the Emirates Golf Club, Stevens became the fifth Middle East Oil Baron to be crowned, following an industry poll organized by Pipeline Magazine.

From modest early business beginnings, which saw Stevens sleeping on a couch in his warehouse and borrowing money to pay his staff, he has now built a group of companies which have become a major force in the region.

"I am truly honoured to receive and wear this year's Middle East Oil Baron's Stetson hat," said Stevens at the award ceremony, "Achieving this is a dream come true and would have been impossible to imagine as a 17 year old working on an oil rig in Mississippi."

"I've succeeded in more ways than I ever thought possible, and being recognised by my peers and colleagues in the Middle East industry is a great privilege."

Stevens opened his first company in Dubai in 2000 specialising in oil field supply, and now represents some of the top names in the business and is the representative for more than 10 manufacturers, as well as offering agency representation for a host of other companies.

Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President, Department of Civil Aviation Government of Dubai, and Chairman of the Emirates Group, this was the biggest maximum-capacity event in the Middle East Oil Baron's Ball five year history.

"I'm amazed at how big the Oil Barons Ball has become in just five years," said event organiser, Eileen Michael - Group Publishing Director of Pipeline Magazine.

"This has evolved into being not just the region's largest industry event, but is also swiftly becoming one the most recognised events for the oil and gas sector worldwide. We held the first international Oil Barons Ball in Aberdeen, Scotland this August which was a resounding sell-out success, and will be taking it to Canada, the United States and Australia over the next three years."

One lucky guest on the evening also had the opportunity to win land in the Bahamas worth $1m* courtesy of the balls' platinum sponsors of the Ball, Rum Cay Resort Marina.

"For me, the highlight of the 2007 Oil Barons Ball has been our association with the Make-A-Wish Foundation - over Dhs100,000 was raised on the night by our guests. I am immensely proud of everyone in our industry for providing their full support to our official charity on the evening, helping make dreams come true for some very special UAE children," added Michael.

Official sponsors of the Oil Barons Ball 2007 included:- silver sponsors, Ducab, Silver Jet and Nabors Drilling International. Official cars supplied by Al Tayer. Official photographer Stu Williamson. Also:- Aftershock (Landmark), Top Oilfield, Tethys Oil, Larsen Oil & Gas-Support Sponsor, Steven Supply, Hydrolink, WellWise Group, Premier Oilfield Rentals, MMI, U-Store, Boots and Coots, Canon, Hugh Fraser and BRI MAXX Limousine.