MEALF inaugurates its 7 edition at iconic Kempinski Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi under the theme 'Uplifting Society'

Highlighting the central and increasingly important role artificial lift technology plays in oil production in the Middle East and North Africa, the 3 day knowledge sharing gathering is currently bringing together about 50 technical experts who will present, discuss and debate 20 strategic papers covering the most fundamental and underlying areas of the industry. Topics include 'Integrated Near-Online Well Management', 'Power Efficient ESP', 'Slugging Effect on Artificial Lift Systems in Heavy Oil Horizontal Wells', 'Gas Lift Model Sensitivities - Economical Subsurface Optimization Approach', ' Improving Production System Reliability through Converting Artificial Lift from Gas Lift to Electrical Submersible Pump', amongst other essential and key topics.

Guided by a vision of becoming the pioneering non-profit platform for artificial lift technologies in the Middle East, MEALF has once again reaffirmed its position as the industry's leading platform for the technology and the highly recognized energy Forum.

Commenting on the launch of MEALF 2013, Mr. Saeed Al-Shaheen, Chairman of MEALF 2013's Steering Committee and Manager - Well Surveillance Group at Kuwait Oil Company said, "The large gathering of the world's leading energy professionals today in Abu Dhabi is a genuine reflection of our mission which aims to effectively encourage the use of artificial lift technology in the oil industry by providing best practice technical solutions that serve the industry, while creating a worldwide knowledge hub to meet all current and future needs."

He added, "Our pre-forum workshops, exhibition, technical presentations, areas of discussion, case histories and subsequent debates have been carefully selected through a very meticulous process to ensure that all topics are relevant and cover the most primary areas of our industry's business, including potential challenges. An example of this is the focus that we have placed on new and innovative technologies and methods in oil recovery systems and procedures in the 21st century."

MEALF 2013 is supported by a range of leading regional and international sponsors including the Main Forum Sponsor; vMonitor. Platinum Sponsors; Kuwait Oil Company, Alkhorayef Petroleum, and Schlumberger. Gold Sponsors; General Electric, Qatar Petroleum and Kudu. Silver Sponsor; Weatherford, and the Day Sponsor is Monoflo.

As part of the Forum's deeply-rooted commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices, all participants at the Forum will be using Apple i-pad minis throughout all sessions, presentations and meetings. This comes in light of MEALF's efforts to 'Go Green' and help conserve the environment by avoiding the use of papers, pens and other stationary, given the large number of participants at such forums and exhibitions.

In addition, MEALF has also opened its doors to a number of students from Al Ain University for Science and Technology and Texas A&M University at Qatar who specialize in oil and gas academic fields. This comes as efforts to encourage youth and future professionals to attend and connect with key decision makers in the vibrant energy industry by being an active part of the international knowledge and expertise sharing event.

The MEALF Chairman went on to say, "MEALF and its entire Steering Committee would like to thank His Excellency Khalfan Saeed Al Kaabi for officially inaugurating and being part of the event and also extended his thanks to this year's main sponsor; vMonitor, in addition to all our other sponsors for their steadfast support of the Forum and its key objectives."

In total, 20 strategic papers will be presented by speaker's representing the international energy industry that spans the globe from the Americas to East Asia. Participating speakers represent; Kuwait Oil Company (KOC), Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), PCM, Weatherford International, Zenith Oilfield Technology, Schlumberger, Kuwait University, Novomet Group of Companies, Greater Nile Petroleum Operating Company (GNPOC), Senergy International and Occidental Oman.

Al-Shaheen also expressed his thanks and appreciation to participating delegates, presenters, speakers and exhibitors, and highlighted that the Steering Committee are confident that the key findings and outcomes of MEALF 2013 will contribute and add tangible value to their esteemed corporations and nations as a whole, as they collectively work towards enhancing their energy production capacities and operational efficiencies to ensure future growth and sustainable economic development.

This is in line with the Forum's theme; 'Uplifting Society', which is a theme that strives to underscore the fact that developments in the oil and gas industry do much more than address technical aspects, as they aim at stimulating the well being and prosperity of societies at large.

This year's event is also witnessing extended reach in terms of speakers, presenters, delegates and exhibitors, as well as Technical and Steering Committee membership opportunities that transcend the GCC to reach key regions such as North Africa, Yemen, the Levant, the Far East and the Americas.

The 7th edition of MEALF is once again being managed and organized by the Oman-based pioneer and leading exhibitions and conferences organizer; Omanexpo, which prides itself for being a developer of a diverse variety of high profile, highly targeted business and consumer exhibitions and events.