Saudi Arabia's largest oil and gas exhibition just got bigger

Piero Zipoli, President of SAOGE organisers, IES Srl, said:

"With more than 270 exhibitors coming from 32 countries, SAOGE has now become the largest conference and exhibition in Saudi Arabia. In spite of the global financial crisis, the 2009 event has grown by more than 20%. This is a strong endorsement of the quality of the programme and the significance of this industry, both in Saudi Arabia and internationally."

As the leading Oil & Gas event in the Kingdom, SAOGE 2009 is set to become the premier networking event for this industry, bringing together leaders of private and public companies, research institutions, and government agencies.

The opening ceremony alone boasts the presence of leading international figures, including Lord Digby Jones Kt, the UK minister of State for Trade & Investment from July 2007 to October 2008 as well as the President of the World Petroleum Council, Randy Gossen.

Local Saudi university students will also be able to actively participate in the event through the newly launched 'Industry meets University' initiative which will provide them with the opportunity to raise questions and present their views on the industry to a number of the major operators and contractors represented during the conference program. Students will have direct access to industry specialists and key decision-makers.

Discussions at the conference will cover topics such as the impact and challenge of decreasing oil prices, alternative energy and sustainable options as well as new technologies in exploration and production. Additional speakers at the conference include, Amjad Rihan, Director of Climate Change & Sustainability Services, Middle East, Dr Jim Fitzgerald, Assistant Director, Energy & Environmental Infrastructure Advisory, UK, Ernst & Young discussing alternative energy solutions and sustainable options as well as Rolf Panzke, Director, Marketing Sensors & Communication, Siemens AG discussing the new challenges & innovative technologies in exploration & production.

Places in the conference are limited and delegates are being encouraged to register in advance.