WE WERE delighted to welcome a delegation from the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, ADNOC and IPIC to the Chamber yesterday.
The delegation was lead by His Excellency Mohamed Thani Al Runaithi with his colleagues, His Excellency Mohamed Helal Al Muhairi, Mr Hesham Abdulla Al Emadi and Mr Ahmed Al Hameli.
The event was fully subscribed with 60 delegates keen to hear about the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 which was published in January 2009 and includes the long-term plan for the diversification of the Emirate’s economy, including a reduced reliance on the oil sector as a source of economic activity, over time.
Over the last few years Abu Dhabi’s non-oil sector has been the key driver, boosted by rising spending on infrastructure and economic diversification, however, the oil sector is still very important and in 2014 contributed 51% to GDP.
The UAE’s reserves of oil and natural gas both rank in the top 10 largest in the world. With 95% of UAE oil and 94% of the gas being on and offshore Abu Dhabi, hydrocarbons provide the largest single source of income for this Emirate.
The delegation’s mission in Aberdeen was to explore business opportunities in the oil and gas sector, particularly with companies in downstream chemicals and petrochemicals and they weren’t disappointed.
As a result of their successful mission to Aberdeen, they’re keen to host a ‘Scottish Day’ in Abu Dhabi to tie in with this year’s Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC), being held from November 7-10.
Supported by the UAE Ministry of Energy and the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, ADIPEC is an extensive showcase of oil and gas technology over an incredible 130,000+ m2 of exhibition space that is host to 23 national country pavilions, including Scotland, 30 regional and international IOCs & NOCs and a record breaking 8,000+ conference delegate programme.
As the ultimate business network, both Chambers are keen to explore the opportunities to develop the relationship in oil and gas between the Emirate and Aberdeen and this is just the beginning.
Any members interested in attending ADIPEC 2016 should get in touch with us and hopefully the first ever planned ‘Scottish Day’ will be a resounding success!