Record numbers of exhibitors and delegates are set to arrive at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island for the MENA Industrial Gases Conference which starts tonight (18th November).
The sharp increase on the 2022 event – with more than 270 delegates attending and over 30 exhibitors on site this year – is indicative of the region’s rising stature in the new energy landscape, and pivotal role in the established sectors.
Following the welcome reception, attention turns to a busy two-day programme covering market, decarbonisation, helium, hydrogen and broader industrial gas developments and trends.
© W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
Headline speakers include Swapnil Vichare at Global Gases Group, Matthias Kocher at Herose, Fabio Margheritti at SIAD Macchine Impianti, Inoxcva’s Savir Julka and Dr. Faye Al Hersh at Masdar. To view the full agenda, click here.
gasworld Content Director Rob Cockerill said the strong interest was testament to the strength of the industrial gases sector to MENA economies and their key role in the energy transition.
The region is not only home to an enviable climate in terms of renewable resources and investment, but has outlined bold visions with decarbonisation, green energy leadership and industrial value chains.
“We’re delighted to return to Abu Dhabi, a location that’s close to our hearts as it hosted our first international gasworld event in 2007,” he said.
“We saw the potential in MENA back then, although it has grown beyond all recognition since. Now it is poised to change once again – to borrow a phrase, ‘with great power comes great responsibility’. If we are going to reach Net Zero targets and tackle decarbonisation then there is no doubt that the MENA region will be critical to achieving climate change goals. Fortunately leading companies such as Masdar, ADNOC and Aramco are demonstrating leadership domestically and internationally, at a time when we need it most.”
Growth continues to be ‘subdued’ in MENA because of geopolitical uncertainties, according to a recent World Bank report, which highlights how peace and stability are the bedrock of sustainable development.
The report forecasts the region’s overall gross domestic product (GDP) growth to rise modestly to 2.2% in 2024 in real terms, up from 1.8% in 2023.
This uptick is driven by Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, where growth is projected to rise from 0.5% in 2023 to 1.9% in 2024.
“From Saudi to Oman we are seeing incredible amounts of activity now, right across the hydrogen, ammonia and low-carbon value chain,” added Cockerill.
Exhibitors are drawn from across the industrial gases sector
“Only last week we heard plans for a new chemicals port here in Abu Dhabi (click here). With the outlook supported by strong leadership, there is no doubt the transition will become a reality. The challenge will be ensuring that the industry can keep up with demand, providing the necessary supporting infrastructure in terms of knowledge development and skills training to ensure foundations for future growth remain strong.”
Despite challenges limiting emissions, investment in clean energy infrastructure investment this year will total $2trn globally, double the amount spent on fossil fuels.
The conference programme is being held in the Great Room near the lobby in the hotel, while the exhibitor space is located a short walk away in the Yas Conference Centre opposite.
gasworld extends special thanks to principal sponsor Rawabi; feature sponsors SinoCleanSky, Chart and SASPG; supporting sponsors Hangyang, EKC, Cryolor Asia Pacific, Herose, SIAD and Nikkiso Cosmodyne; and lanyard sponsor Inoxcva for making the event happen.
