New chairman Saeed Al-Shaheen reveals plans for MEALF

Al-Shaheen is supported by a 32-member board of steering and technical committee experts from some of the biggest oil and gas companies in the region such as Kuwait Oil Company, Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations 'ADCO', Qatar Petroleum, Petroleum Development Oman 'PDO', Saudi Aramco, Al Khorayef Petroleum Company, Baker Hughes Centrilift, Daleel Petroleum, Kuwait Gulf Oil Company, Lufkin Egypt, Occidental of Oman, Inc., Schlumberger, Tatweer Petroleum, Weatherford Oil Tool Middle East Ltd., and Wood Group ESP, Inc.

Saeed Al-Shaheen brings with him more than 24 years of experience in the upstream side of the oil and gas industry, professionally handling the finances for surveillance jobs and operation of artificial lift systems. He has extensive operational and contracting knowledge of Early Production Facility 'EPF' and Gathering Facilities, coupled with credible financial management and negotiation skills.

"I am honoured to serve as chairman to such a celebrated and regionally significant event. The importance of this platform to the industry is so great such that what we bring to the Forum will guide the direction of the industry itself. For MEALF 2013, our focus is on preparing the young generation for future challenges and needs and for a bright and decent future. We want MEALF to serve as a stepping stone for university students to their professional life," Al Shaheen said.

He explained that MEALF plans to make these students a major part of the event by inviting them to present their papers, help them find an easy way of communication with most of the Middle East oilfield companies, and encourage them to understand the importance of the artificial lift technology to the future of the industry.

"The oilfield future is the artificial lift technologies due to the nature of the oil reservoirs around the world. Therefore, we should start building the future, which is not limited only to new technology and knowledge sharing," Al-Shaheen stressed.

MEALF is a major bi-annual exhibition and forum that specializes in artificial lift technologies in the oil industry by providing the best technical solutions while creating a worldwide knowledge sharing among artificial lift users, suppliers and best practice center to meet future needs. The 7th edition will be held from February 5 to 7, 2013 at the Emirates Palace Hotel Abu Dhabi and will be once again managed by pioneer and leading exhibitions and conferences organizer Omanexpo.