“A large part of the demand for petroleum products will be led by the Asian economies, and the proximity of the Middle East to the fast-growing emerging markets in Asia serves as a tremendous opportunity for the region’s oil & gas companies,” said Mr Saeed Abdullah Khoory, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC).

Over forty speakers representing oil industry captains and thought leaders will address the forthcoming 19th Annual Middle East Petroleum & Gas Conference (MPGC 2011) in Dubai on critical energy issues facing the Middle East's oil markets, production and the financing of energy projects in the aftermath of the Arab spring.

Invensys, a leading technology provider, has confirmed its sponsorship as one of the key platinum sponsors for the 1st Middle East Process Engineering Conference and Exhibition 2011 (MEPEC), which will be taking place in Bahrain.

Dana Gas is participating and sponsoring the 2nd Middle East Prospect Exhibition (MEPEX) which runs parallelly with the Middle East Oil Show & Conference (MEOS) in Bahrain.

US oil giant Occidental will begin drilling for gas at the Bahrain Field "any time now", Energy Minister Dr Abdulhussain Mirza said.