H.E. Saeed Al Tayer inaugurates OGS 2009

OGS 2009, which will run until October 29, has achieved a 20% increase in international participation this year with pre-registered visitors up by 32%, underscoring the growing global focus on various upstream business opportunities in the Middle East.

OGS 2009 features an augmented Oil and Gas segment along with the Instrumentation, Automation and Laboratory Technology segment. The trade event is running alongside the Alter Energy '09 and the Excellence in Engineering Forum, and is positioning itself as the definitive event facilitating networking and procurement in the oil, gas, petrochemicals and automation sectors.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, H.E. Al Tayer said:

"The new technologies available will sustain this industry in the long run, and are critical for the development of this region's oil and gas industry. Another division that is very important is the renewable energy, especially for the end user - but this is a gradual process and will go step by step."

Anselm Godinho, Managing Director, International Conferences and Exhibitions (IC&E), the organisers of OGS, said, "The expanded scope and the excellent turnout at OGS 2009 translate into a diverse range of business networking opportunities and new possibilities for strategic partnerships among organisations from related industries. OGS 2009 provides an ideal platform to facilitate discussions, create awareness and cultivate synergistic initiatives in achieving our collective goal of establishing a sustainable energy strategy for the future."

Alter Energy '09 is a conference-led event that gathers key stakeholders, decision makers and policy setters in the energy sector to discuss issues related to the region's future energy strategy. Alter Energy '09 will also showcase the Masdar Initiative, a multi-million dollar sustainable energy project that aims to build a zero-carbon city in Abu Dhabi, which will serve as a catalyst for the global growth of renewable energy solutions.

Excellence in Engineering Forum serves as the definitive platform for young industry professionals to discuss the opportunities and challenges as they build a career in the energy sector.