ADIPEC awards spark interest across the region

ABU DHABI– Oil and gas companies across the region are racing to make their submissions by 14 August for the esteemed Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) Awards 2014 to cement their position as industry leaders and innovators, revealed organisers.

Growing interest in the reputable awards and gala dinner, which are hosted by ADNOC, can be attributed to the commitment of industry professionals to achieve excellence in energy production and their determination to set international benchmarks, according to members of the Regional Select Jury (RSJ), the panel of experts reviewing the submissions.

“What is really underpinning this increased momentum is how fundamentally active the market is in developing new projects. All the major companies in the region are pursuing world-class projects, and, in essence, defining an era. Not in every generation do you find such a boom of activity, but this is definitely one of them,” said Paul Navratil, an RSJ member and Middle East Energy, Utilities and Mining Leader at Pricewaterhouse Coopers, UAE.

“From Iraq rebuilding its industry and Saudi Arabia taking on the role of being a global swing supplier, to the UAE and Oman developing excellent programs of economic diversification in the oil and gas value chain, there is much to talk about in such a relatively small region.”

The distinguished event is the perfect platform for professionals in the field to demonstrate their expertise and present their achievements, setting the path for sustainable energy development, say experts.

“The ADIPEC Awards are an opportunity to showcase what is both excelling in our industry and innovating our industry, as well as supporting its future development; whether that be an initiative, individual, project, or technology. As a new member of the RSJ, I look forward to reviewing entries from those companies who have a story to tell,” said Mario Aufiero, member of the RSJ and Vice President and Managing Director at Baker Hughes, Gulf Middle East and India.

Organizers and jurors say response to the highly acclaimed event has been overwhelmingly positive, with numerous submissions and enquiries from industry professionals.

“The number and quality of submissions have been increasing year on year. As jurors, we look forward to some fantastic entries and to quite some challenge in choosing the winners,” said Rafi Baghdjian, member of the RSJ and Chief Operating Officer at Shell Abu Dhabi.

The ability for industry experts to compete in such a prestigious and professional domain is an important step towards achieving excellence in the oil and gas industry, both regionally and internationally.

“Such initiatives spark both competition and ambition among engineers. I am seeing it now more than ever and it is truly remarkable – younger colleagues want to nominate themselves and are inspired to work harder to prove their capabilities,” said Mariam Al Hendi, last year’s winner of the Young ADIPEC Engineer award and a Mechanical Engineer at GASCO.

“Healthy competition gives people the motivation and drive to excel and reach milestones that help set the benchmarks for excellence in the industry.”

Experts say the ADIPEC Awards also allow industry professionals to share their knowledge with other markets as a global spotlight is shed on landmark achievements.

“What has happened in the last five years in terms of planned or initiated projects is truly phenomenal, and the ADIPEC Awards not only provide a platform for these companies to showcase and receive recognition for the significant contribution they are making to the global energy market, but also to share their good practice with the rest of the world,” Navratil added.

Oil and gas companies can enter seven categories: Best Oil and Gas Project; Best Oil and Gas Innovation and Technology; Best Oil and Gas Health, Safety, and Environment Project or Initiative; Best Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative; Empowerment of Women in the Oil and Gas Industry; Young ADIPEC Engineer; and Best Oilfield Services Company.

New for the 2014 edition, the ADIPEC Best Oilfield Services Company Award recognizes exceptional service to the region’s oil and gas industry, based on ethical and sustainable practice, adherence to timelines, cost control, and overall value.

“The Oilfield Services Company Award is a new category for ADIPEC 2014 specially requested by the 2014 Executive Committee members.  I very much look forward to reviewing entries within this category, especially entries which are able to demonstrate overall commitment to the long term future of the region’s oil and gas industry,” Aufiero said.

Held this year under the theme of “Excellence in Energy 2014”, the ADIPEC Awards are a keystone of ADIPEC 2014, one of the world’s top three energy events. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, ADIPEC 2014 will be held from 10-13 November 2014 under the theme of “Challenges and Opportunities for the Next 30 Years”.

All award entries will close on 14 August 2014, with the shortlist announced on 13 October 2014. Winners and runners-up will be announced at the ADIPEC Gala Awards Dinner at Emirates Palace on ADIPEC’s opening night, 10 November 2014.

Winners are evaluated by the RSJ, composed of 26 representatives from the region’s leading energy companies, academic institutions, and professional associations.

Posting strong growth since launching in 2010, the ADIPEC Awards 2013 received more than 290 entries from more than 20 countries and 80 organizations, while the ceremony drew more than 800 senior energy officials.