IPTC Summit to spotlight impact of AI on upstream operations

Energy and technology leaders will convene at the IPTC Summit on AI for the Energy Industry to examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping upstream operations and the broader energy value chain

Taking place at the Conrad Hotel in Dubai from 13-14 January 2026 with the theme Transforming Energy Through AI: Innovation, Intelligence, Impact, the event will bring together decision-makers, technologists and domain experts.

Pinar O. Yilmaz, IPTC Summit chair, said, “IPTC is uniquely organised by four professional societies: AAPG, EAGE, SEG & SPE, serving as the only fully integrated major joint event in the Middle East and Asia. We are a vital hub for geoscientists and engineers, fostering collaboration on integrated technical solutions to address the evolving needs of the energy sector while promoting impactful decarbonisation solutions.”

Summit co-chair Abdulkarim AlMaazmi, managing director E&P and CEO of Dragon Oil, said, “The theme reflects our industry’s shift toward smarter, more efficient upstream operations. AI, automation, and digital technologies are transforming subsurface imaging, drilling performance, production optimisation, and safety – IPTC will showcase this impact.”

The two-day programme features two keynote sessions, two executive plenary sessions, four executive panel sessions, 15 technical sessions, dedicated ePoster sessions, and a technology showcase. Senior executives and industry leaders confirmed to participate include Waleed A. Al-Mulhim, senior vice president, Petroleum Engineering and Development, Aramco; Amir Gerges, group chief HSE officer, ADNOC; Steven Deng, president of Oil & Gas Industry, Huawei Technologies; Jose Bayardo, chairman, president and chief executive officer, NOV; Mohd Nazlee Rasol, vice president of Development, Upstream Business, PETRONAS; Thanasit Vichaipairojwong, senior vice president, Digital Technology Center of Excellence Division, PTTEP; Jesus Lamas, president, Middle East and North Africa, SLB; Niall O’Doherty, vice president, Global Industry Strategy, Teradata; and Sophie Zurquiyah, CEO, Viridien, among others.

Umar A. Al Nahdi, IPTC Summit co-chair and director, PE Application Services at Aramco, said, “Attendees will benefit from access to high-level technical content, exposure to emerging technologies, and opportunities to connect with global experts shaping the future of energy. The summit will provide valuable insights, collaboration opportunities, and practical knowledge that participants can apply within their organisations. Ultimately, the Summit aspires to inspire new thinking, strengthen partnerships, and support the development of a more efficient, reliable, and sustainable energy sector.”

The summit will also host the IPTC Excellence Awards, recognising standout technological, sustainability, safety, and leadership achievements across the global energy industry.

The IPTC Summit, the flagship multidisciplinary technical event in the Eastern Hemisphere, is supported by a broad cross-section of the industry. Principal sponsors include Aramco, Dragon Oil, and SLB, with NOV and Saudi Arabian Chevron serving as Diamond Sponsors. Baker Hughes is the Titanium Sponsor, while AMD, ARO, and Viridien are Gold Sponsors. Lane-Link and Quorum Software participate as Associate Sponsors.

For more information, go to www.iptcnet.org.