Oil and gas conference in Abu Dhabi will focus on unconventional fossil fuels

A conference in the capital will explore major developments in the oil and gas industry this month.

ABU DHABI // Developments in the oil and gas industry will be discussed next week at a conference in the capital.

Hosted by the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research, the two-day 19th Annual Energy Conference begins on October 29.

This year’s event is titled Unconventional Fossil Fuels: the Next Hydrocarbon Revolution.

“It is widely known that research and forward-looking studies on energy are of the utmost importance for all countries and populations, and not just today, but for many decades to come,” said Dr Jamal Al Suwaidi, the centre’s director general.

“It is an issue that will receive ever more attention while mankind remains dependent on energy.

“The centre has hosted an energy conference every year since 1995, covering a variety of discussion areas including economic and security-related challenges to energy, the latest industry developments, various innovative techniques and technologies related to energy, renewables and their future, and the interplay and influence of both consumers and producers across the world.

“In keeping with the aim of the ECSSR to support sustainable development, not only in the UAE but also elsewhere in the GCC, the Arab World and beyond, this event seeks to explore the latest developments and technologies in the field of unconventional fossil fuels.”

Topics include fuel production, unconventional fuel development, energy policy, environmental impact and the controversial issue of fracking.

Discussion panels and research papers from global experts will also be presented during the course of the event.

Local officials attending include Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy, and Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, the director of the Climate Change and Energy Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

A session on exploration, production and development of unconventional fuels will be held by Awab Al Shwaikh, projects manager of the Sharjah Petroleum Council.