Innovation and Transformation Key to Growth of Oil and Gas Sector, Says GOTECH 2019 Chairman

September 14, 2019 - Dubai, United Arab Emirates

More than 100 top drawer companies will be exhibiting their cutting-edge technologies and solutions at GOTECH 2019, the third annual conference of its kind to be held at Dubai World Trade Center from 21 – 23 October 2019. 

GOTECH 2019 is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance of UAE, Chairman of Dragon Oil.

Organized by renowned UAE-based oil and gas operator Dragon Oil, GOTECH 2019, the largest gas and oil technology showcase and conference in the region, expects to widen its purview and engage more government organizations, companies and professional societies. 

This initiative, which has grown tremendously since 2017, is designed to tangibly support the oil and gas industry and enhance matters of mutual benefit and is now widely acknowledged by the industry and by governments as a very powerful platform where the leading players in the oil and gas industry can meet and share their views on moving ahead and addressing issues of common interest.

Scheduled at the conference are over 150 high caliber and interactive technical papers to be shared thereby providing sharp insight into the industry and its priorities.  These readings will be further strengthened by the presence of 5 Technical Panels where experts recognized in their fields of endeavor will put the spotlight on the pressing needs of the hour where the industry is concerned. 
Industry leaders, each a name to reckon with, will discuss latest developments and innovations and bring attention to some debatable perspectives in the industry tackling pertinent topics such as artificial intelligence in oil and gas, well construction, production optimization, health and safety and advanced geophysical applications.  

This year’s Technical Conference is organized by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) who are supporting GOTECH 2019 with their vast experience in the industry.

There will also be an open house Plenary session with industry leaders where a no holds barred question and answer approach will generate new ideas, mark aspirations and underscore concerns with reference to the paths to take to a successful future for the oil and gas industry. 

GOTECH 2019 will also focus special attention on Research and Development, which, according to Dragon Oil CEO Mr. Ali Rashed Al Jarwan, is seen as integral to a better tomorrow and needs to be organic and dynamic as innovations change ways of working and give the sector that flexibility to adjust to new winds. 

“We firmly believe that such a coming together of the top minds as in GOTECH 2019 is an imperative and stands the sector in good stead,” said Al Jarwan. “We believe the emphasis on Research and Development is a high priority and our company will always encourage new trends and breakthroughs.” He also stated that safety as an issue was on the front burner and added that corporate strategy had to be commensurate with the fluctuation in oil prices. 

As a major investor on global oil and gas exploration, Dragon Oil is a logical spearhead in backing an event of such importance.  Al Jarwan indicated that the company expansion into new territories remains on track and over the past year, buoyed by its success in Iraq and Cheleken, Turkmenistan, Dragon Oil has also ventured into exploratory efforts in Algeria, Egypt, Afghanistan and Tunisia.

Another key feature of this year’s program is the emphasis on academia and the encouragement given to educational institutions to take active part in the sessions and bridge the gap between theory and the practical aspects of the industry by being exposed to the best in the business.  A special exhibit of over 40 poster presentations will also concentrate on best practices, the increasingly important role of innovation and the options to taking on the challenges of tomorrow. 

GOTECH 2019 Technical Director, Mr. Fareed Al Hashmi expressed his satisfaction with the agenda for the conference and stated that the lessons learnt here and the exchange of views will be an enriching experience and the delegates will leave with a fresh clarity of purpose and a storehouse of ideas. 

“I firmly believe that we are investing in the next generation by inviting academic institutions to be part and parcel of the conference so it gives the youngsters a headstart in the real world.” 

He also added that with cost optimisation being a major issue the expert views would shed new light on the many methods that can be harnessed to keep the industry on an even keel.

Emphasizing the vital role being played by the annual coming together, Halliburton, one of GOTECH 2019’s key partners, offered a strong testimonial, with a top official saying, 'GOTECH provides an enormous opportunity to network, collaborate and learn from each other as we work to best address challenges presented by our evolving market. Halliburton looks forward to participating in this premier event that gives attendees great insight into the digital and technologic innovations changing our industry.'