24/Feb/2011: Commemorating the 50th anniversary of OPEC in Abu Dhabi.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of OPEC (The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries), OPEC50 Forum was held at the Higher Colleges of Technology in Abu Dhabi on February 14. The forum was attended by a senior UAE delegation, ADNOC officials, Petroleum Institute staff and representatives of the different International Oil Companies.
Joining OPEC – formed in 1960 - was one of the first major decisions taken by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, in 1967. When the UAE was created in 1971, it automatically joined the organization. His Excellency Mohamed Bin Dhaen Al Hamli, UAE Minister of Energy, delivered the key note speech at the forum. In his speech, HE Al Hamli said ‘Over the last fifty years, OPEC has seen moments of great drama such as the oil crisis in the early 1970s, the oil price collapse in the mid-80s, the price rise of 2008, geopolitical tensions and even wars affecting member states. However, these events are of minor significance compared to the overall achievements of the organization. These include the secure and steady supply of oil, the sustainable economic development of its members, the response by member states to the challenges posed by global warming and the initiation of an active dialogue between consumers and producers’.
At the event, several key issues facing the Energy industry were conducted at high-level moderated table discussions. Dr. Ismail Tag, Senior VP & Provost at the Petroleum Institute attended the discussion at the Shell table – moderated by Tamzin Carlisle, Senior Business Reporter (Energy) from ‘The National’ newspaper - centred around striking a new partnership balance between IOC’s and NOC’s in order to meet the demand forecasts in the coming decades. Dr. Zara Khatib, Chief Technologist for the Gas research Centre at the Petroleum Institute attended the discussion at the E.Treanormedia table – moderated Eithne Treanor Managing Director - centred on one of the most pressing issues facing the petroleum industry - developing, attracting and retaining a highly skilled talent pool and replenishing an ageing workforce with a new generation of future leaders.
In recognition of OPEC’s significant impact on its members and the world community during the past 50 years, Emirates Post has issued a special commemorative stamp. An ornamental frame containing the stamp was presented by Mr. Ali Obaid Al-Yabhouni, UAE Governor for OPEC to the forum sponsors. The stamp features the slogan 'Supporting Stability, Fuelling Prosperity,' which summarizes the two pillars of OPEC´s philosophy and operations.
From left: Mr. Ali Obaid Al-Yabhouni, UAE Governor for OPEC, Dr.Zara Khatib and Dr. Ismail Tag
