Middle East oil producers seek more efficient information technology

The relatively relaxing oil market provides an opportunity for these countries to focus on appropriate solutions and address the enhancement of production processes through the application of better information technology (IT).

The Oil & Gas ICT Summit ( OT Summit ) will be held under the patronage of Dr. Abdul Hussein Bin Ali Mirza, the Bahraini Minister for Oil and Gas Affairs.

Dr. Mirza, said:

"GCC countries have decided on a scientific approach to formulate a comprehensive strategy for the development of the oil and gas sectors, placing IT at the forefront of priorities required for such development. IT is not only considered as a crucial factor in developing the production processes in the oil and gas sectors, but a most suitable tool to enhance the efficiency and productivity and hence profitability as well,"

"IT has always provided innovative solutions for many key areas in the sector including exploration, design, analysis, business intelligence, and communications," he explained.
The OT Summit, which will take place during the period from 18 to 19 November, will host the heads of IT sectors in the region's top oil producers.

"IT Experts from companies like Aramco, Kuwait Oil Company, as well as Microsoft , Ever Middle East, Oracle will address the summit providing the various perspectives for the development of the oil and gas sector through IT applications,"

commented Khaled Eid, Managing Director of the World Development Forum (WDF), the event's organizer.

"Information technology is no more a mere tool for developing Oil & Gas sector but rather a leading factor in this domain. Continuous evolution in ICT has led to the development of what is known as 'Digital Oil Field'. The basic infrastructure of these fields depends on communication and information technology. Today, IT provides for better services in the operation and production of oil and gas fields through information sharing and instant communications between workers, production fields, and the management, on the other hand remote location and the difficult conditions associated with the production in the oil and gas sector dictates better application of communication and information platforms, relative to any other industry," Eid said.