ABU DHABI, 10th October, 2016 (WAM)--World energy leaders, government officials, decision makers, and oil and gas professionals from 125 countries are gearing up to attend the world's most influential event for the oil and gas industry, the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC 2016).

Preparations are underway as the UAE capital prepares to welcome thousands of movers and shakers in energy to address the imminent challenges and opportunities facing the petroleum sector, including the vital need to drive operational efficiency in a rapidly changing energy landscape.

Held under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, ADIPEC connects decision makers with technical experts, innovators, and thought leaders, serving as a catalyst for new ideas, policies, and technologies that drive energy sector progress.

The landmark energy event is hosted by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), and organised by the Global Energy division of dmg events.

More than 50 per cent of ADIPEC attendees are expected to have sole or joint purchasing authority, demonstrating the event's position as a powerhouse for local, regional, and international business opportunities in energy.

"As the energy sector witnesses a transformation, businesses must adapt their strategies not only to survive today's challenges, but also to create a resilient foundation for what tomorrow brings," said Ali Khalifa Al Shamsi, CEO of Al Yasat Petroleum Operations Company and ADIPEC 2016 Chairman.

"Knowledge is key to unlocking the opportunities presented by the new energy landscape. As the global meeting place for oil and gas professionals, ADIPEC offers stakeholders access to real on-the-ground intelligence and information on the latest industry developments," he added.

ADIPEC will host more than 2,000 exhibiting companies, 8,500 delegates, 700 speakers, and 25 international pavilions, including major oil producing countries, such as the US, Saudi Arabia, China, and Russia, as well as emerging markets, such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Spain.

The distinguished ADIPEC Conference Programme, organised in collaboration with the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), will commence with a prestigious opening ceremony, including keynote presentations by Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of State and CEO of the ADNOC Group of Companies, and Rex W. Tillerson, Chairman and CEO of Exxon Mobil Corporation.

Three Global Business Leader sessions will invite CEOs of the world's oil giants to the stage to shed light on critical industry topics, including a world outlook for the oil industry, the developing role of gas and LNG, and effective leadership strategies.

Confirmed speakers include Patrick Pouyanne, Chairman and CEO of Total; Bob Dudley, CEO of BP; Vicki A. Hollub, President and CEO of Occidental Petroleum Corporation, and Alexander Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Management Committee at Gazprom.

The 2016 edition of the ADIPEC Conference Programme will also feature 2 Global Ministerial Dialogues, with insights from Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy, Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Oil and Gas Affairs Minister for the Kingdom of Bahrain, and Tarek El Molla, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources for the Arab Republic of Egypt. The Conference Programme agenda also includes 8 Panel Sessions, 3 Breakfast Sessions, and 3 Luncheon Sessions, and 106 Technical Sessions.

The ADIPEC Technical Conference Programme continues to witness remarkable growth, having once again broken the world record for the number of submitted abstracts in the oil and gas industry.

This year, the programme received 2,775 abstract submissions, of which more than half were from outside the Middle East, truly underlining ADIPEC's international reach. Year on year, the quality of submissions continues to improve, according to the ADIPEC Technical Committee, with the number of technical sessions having also increased by one-third compared to last year - further cementing ADIPEC's position as the premier event for technical knowledge in the industry.

The exclusive VIP Programme is also back stronger than ever, inviting industry officials and decision makers to engage in open dialogue with members of the prestigious Middle East Petroleum Club (MEPC), the definitive networking and knowledge-exchange platform for senior oil and gas executives. Headlining this year's programme is Mohammed Barkindo, OPEC Secretary-General, who will be providing insights on the world outlook for oil.

"ADIPEC has a worldwide reputation as an event where companies within the sector achieve strong business results, and for providing essential thought leadership on the industry's most significant present and future challenges," said Christopher Hudson, President - dmg events, Global Energy.

"Because ADIPEC is a comprehensive event that addresses both technical and non-technical functions in the oil and gas industry, trade professionals, decision makers, and experts attend the event to get the most up-to-date industry information that will empower them with the knowledge they need to drive their organisations and markets to success."

Following its successful launch in 2015, the dedicated Offshore, Marine, and Heavy Equipment Zone returns to ADIPEC and is set to attract more than 100 exhibiting companies in support of ongoing global and regional investments in offshore production. Situated on a purpose-build quayside exhibition and conference theatre, the dedicated zone will feature a display of everything from rigs, vessels, and subsea drilling equipment, to pipelines, and tools for reservoir production and mapping.

Meanwhile, 8 Offshore amp; Marine conference sessions will look at industry-specific topics ranging from developing offshore oil and gas fields to new technologies and enhancing safety.

Demonstrating its commitment to meeting emerging industry requirements, ADIPEC 2016 will launch the inaugural edition of the ?Security in Energy' exhibition and conference. Supported by the UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) and the Critical Infrastructure and Coastal Protection Authority (CICPA), the programme will provide valuable insights on the growing need for worldwide industry security across the energy landscape.

The conference agenda will feature four keynote presentations by Hamad Obaid Al Mansoor, Director General of the TRA, General Sir Richard Shirreff, former NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander for Europe, Jamal Mohamed Al Hosani, Director General of the UAE National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), and Abdulrahman Essa Al Muagle, Chief Information Security Officer for the National Cyber Security Programme at Saudi Aramco.

Also returning to ADIPEC 2016 will be the ADIPEC Awards, which celebrate innovation, best practice, and excellence in energy for people, companies, projects and initiatives in the oil and gas industry regionally and internationally. Winners will be announced during a prestigious gala dinner taking place at the Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi on ADIPEC's opening night.

Challenging the perception that the oil and gas industry is a male-dominated environment, the official ADIPEC Women in Energy series will give attendees the opportunity of meeting with peers and discussing the future role of women in the energy arena, with a full day gathering on Wednesday, 9 November.

Young ADIPEC, the hugely successful programme designed to engage the younger generation in the oil and gas industry, is back for its third year and expanding its reach with the launch of the first Young ADIPEC Forum. The programme will also feature interactive ?edutainment' sessions to help students learn more about the energy sector and develop key skills.

ADIPEC 2016 takes place from 7-10 November at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), and is supported by the UAE Ministry of Energy, the Abu Dhabi Chamber, and the Abu Dhabi Tourism amp; Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi).

Strategies for the New Energy Landscape The Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) provides an unrivalled global platform for oil amp; gas professionals to do business. The world-renowned conference programme further educates and provides knowledge transfer and unparalleled network working opportunities.

Since its inception in 1984, ADIPEC has provided an unrivalled platform for industry experts to come together and share knowledge and meet with peers. ADIPEC remains in the top 3 oil and gas events in the world welcoming delegates, visitors and exhibitors from across the globe.

The multi-disciplinary conference is intended for international and regional oil and gas professionals, who are involved in both the technical and non-technical functions within the industry.