Role of technology in education and sustainability in MENA region opens  Day 2’s discussions at the Third Sharjah FDI Forum Sharjah, 20 September 2017:  The UAE Undersecretary for Foreign Trade and Industry Affairs, Ministry of Economy, HE Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Saleh opened Day 2 of the Third Sharjah FDI Forum with promising remarks on the role foreign direct investments (FDIs) will play in fulfilling the SDG 2030’s vision, globally, saying that the UAE is both a global destination for and an exporter of FDI. Among other high-profile attendees were Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Sharjah Investment and Development (Shurooq); HE Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of Shurooq; and HE Mohamed Ali Rashed Alabbar, Founder and Chairman of Emaar Properties.   Observing how the UAE’s ......read more

Around 100 Oasis convenience stores to feature popular school products Abu Dhabi, 18 September, 2017:  ADNOC Distribution, the UAE’s leading operator of service stations and convenience stores, has launched a ‘back-to-school’ promotion as part of a range of initiatives to help customers celebrate special events and holidays throughout the year. Around 100 Oasis convenience stores are hosting ‘back-to-school’ promotional stands, featuring popular school products such as Minion’s stationary. ADNOC Distribution is also promoting a ‘Little Falcons’ offer until 30 September, where customers who spend AED15 or more on back-to-school supplies at 10 selected Oasis convenience stores in Abu Dhabi will receive a free collectable cooler bag. Saeed Mubarak Al Rashdi, Acting Chief ......read more

ENEC Executives amongst 600 nuclear energy professionals participating in World Nuclear Association (WNA) Symposium, London, UK.  ENEC CEO, Eng. Mohamed Al Hammadi, updates industry leaders on evolution of ENEC and the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program Abu Dhabi, UAE – 16 September 2017:  A senior delegation from the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), led by Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Mohamed Al Hammadi, has participated in the World Nuclear Association (WNA) Symposium, taking place in London, U.K. During the opening session of the conference, Mr. Al Hammadi  shared a number of lessons learned on the quality and safety-led development of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program with the international nuclear energy community.   On the cusp of becoming the 31st country to generate ......read more

The 2nd phase upgrades the existing station infrastructure and installs new fuel pump technologies The final phase will involve adjunct facility providing 8 fuel pumps and 6 rental spaces for cafes and fast-food restaurants   Abu Dhabi, 16 September, 2017: ADNOC Distribution, the leading operator of retail fueling services outlets in the UAE, today announced the completion of the second phase of the development and expansion of the Officers City Service Station located on the Arabian Gulf Road in Abu Dhabi.    During the second phase of the project, ADNOC Distribution has upgraded the existing station infrastructure and installed new fuel pump technologies. The service station currently provides super-98 fuel products, Special 95 and E-Plus 91, as along with Green Diesel and Natural Gas for Vehicles ......read more

Chairman’s Interim Report Dear Shareholders: On behalf of the Board of Directors of RAK Petroleum plc (the “Company”), I am pleased to present the Half-Year Financial Report for the period ending 30 June 2017. The Company’s fundamental objective is to generate significant total shareholder returns from investments in the oil and gas industry, with a focus on the Middle East and Africa. We currently hold interests in two oil and gas companies, DNO ASA (“DNO”) and Foxtrot International LDC (“Foxtrot International”). DNO DNO is a publicly listed Norwegian exploration and production company focused on the Middle East-North Africa region and the North Sea with interests in oil and gas blocks in various stages of exploration, development and production, both onshore and offshore. ......read more

ADNOC’s Voyager branded engine oil and lubricant to be sold in Ethiopia and Yemen Abu Dhabi, 13 September, 2017:  ADNOC Distribution, the UAE’s leading operator of retail fuel service stations and commercial fuelling services, has signed two agreements to sell its popular Voyager branded engine oil and lubricant in Ethiopia and Yemen. The new supply agreements with Ethiopia’s Kinsi General Trading Company and Yemen’s Myco General Trading Company are a further milestone in ADNOC Distribution’s drive to increase business, optimise performance and secure greater access to international markets. Mr Saeed Mubarak Al Rashdi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of ADNOC Distribution, commented: "With a combined population of approximately 130 million people, Ethiopia and Yemen offer markets that ......read more

Joint venture will operate as a UL and GCC Lab Company based in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Partnership will combine resources, knowledge and expertise to expand services to the region’s renewable energy market. Dubai, September 11, 2017:  Global safety science organization, UL, has announced a joint venture with Saudi-based GCC Lab aimed at strengthening the Middle East’s Renewable Energy Infrastructure.    UL’s regional base operates out of offices in Dubai and its new, state-of-the-art lab facility in Abu Dhabi. The joint venture will operate as a UL and GCC Lab Company and will be based in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, to cater to customers in parts of the Middle East, including Egypt.   The joint venture will support the region’s renewable energy market by leveraging both ......read more

Abu Dhabi, 10 September, 2017:  ADNOC Distribution has announced today the new retail price of unsubsidized LPG cylinders for the month of September 2017. As per the announcement that is made on the 10th of every month, the new retail price is as follows: AED55 per 25lb, and AED110 per 50lb.  Saeed Mubarak Al Rashdi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of ADNOC Distribution, said: “Our competitive LPG cylinder prices are set every month to reflect adjustments in international market prices for LPG. With our customers at the heart of our business, we are determined to build on our eminent reputation for delivering an excellent, client-focused service while meeting the nation’s energy needs and helping to sustain its rapid growth.” For holders of Rahal e-Gas cards, ADNOC Distribution continues to offer LPG at ......read more

Umm Ghafa station opening meets growing fuel and convenience store demand in Al Ain City ADNOC Distribution now has 362 retail service stations in the UAE  Abu Dhabi, 5 September, 2017:  ADNOC Distribution, the UAE’s leading operator of fuel service stations and convenience stores, has celebrated the opening of its 362nd station in the UAE.    The new 24-hour Umm Ghafa service station in Al Ain city can serve 12 vehicles simultaneously and includes a popular Oasis convenience store, a fast food restaurant and facilities for oil change, automatic car wash, an LPG cylinder depot and a tyre centre.   Saeed Mubarak Al Rashdi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of ADNOC Distribution, commented: "We are delighted to offer our customers in Al Ain greater service, choice and convenience with ......read more

Government and private sector leaders assemble to unlock geothermal’s 200GW of potential  Abu Dhabi, U.A.E., 5 September 2017:  Leaders and ministers from more than 25 governments will meet in Florence, Italy on 11 September, to accelerate the global adoption of geothermal energy. The Global Geothermal Alliance (GGA) meeting represents the largest such ministerial gathering dedicated to geothermal energy development. Geothermal energy today accounts for just 0.3 percent of globally installed renewable energy capacity. However – once start-up costs are met – it is one of the lowest-cost and most reliable renewable energy sources available. The global potential for geothermal is estimated to be in the region of 200 gigawatts.  Entitled: ‘Working Together to Promote Geothermal Energy ......read more

Dr Mohammed Shaker shared his vision for the sector  UL presented its insight on the latest technologies and developments Collaboration on future projects will be aimed at helping improve the sector and the lives of the Egyptian people Abu Dhabi, 04 September 2017:  The Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy met with a global safety science firm to gain some valuable insight to the latest technologies in the sector and the safest methods of adopting them.   Dr Mohammed Shaker received the delegation from UL, a renowned expert with a long heritage of helping governments and large corporates to identify and minimize risks of new technologies being implemented.   The organizations now plan to collaborate on various aspects of electricity and renewable energy with a particular focus on ......read more

ADIPEC Programme Will Include Downstream Industry for the First Time 900 Speakers Scheduled for More Than 200 Technical and Strategic Conference Sessions Abu Dhabi, UAE – 28 August 2017:  Organisers of the annual Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC), hosted by ADNOC, have confirmed the event’s technical conference, already the world’s largest for oil and gas professionals, will see a significant increase in scope for 2017 to include the downstream industry for the first time, as well as more sessions for specialised areas including offshore and marine exploration and production. With around 900 speakers scheduled for more than 200 sessions, the conference will bring together the industry’s most respected experts, global leaders and top decision makers, with around ......read more

On the occasion of Emirati Women’s Day, Empower recognise the contribution of the nation's women in the development of UAE Dubai, UAE, 27 August 2017:  To commemorate the outstanding contributions of the country’s women, Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower), paid tribute to the Emirati women for their leading role and effective participation in national development. Emirati Women’s Day was launched by HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairperson of the General Women’s Union, President of the Family Development Foundation, and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood. The important day was added to the calendar to boost the recognition of women in the region and highlight their pivotal role in the community. The day is part of a bigger movement to increase ......read more

Dubai, UAE, 23 August 2017:  Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower), the world’s largest district cooling services provider announced energy savings of 5.2 per cent in the second month of its summer campaign – ‘Smile at 24 degrees’, compared to the same period last year.    “As the leading district cooling services provider, we’re proud of the savings generated in the second month of our summer campaign. At Empower, we want to create an environment that will allow us to achieve the vision of the UAE leadership and help us support the businesses and people in the country benefit from a sustainable development,” said Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower.   While the ‘Smile at 24 degrees’ campaign helps decrease the energy consumed for cooling, ......read more

Increasing India’s renewables would save 12 times more than it costs Abu Dhabi, U.A.E., 22 August 2017:  India can raise its renewable energy use to meet a quarter of the country's total final energy demand by 2030, according to the findings of a report presented today by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). Renewable energy prospects for India, a study from IRENA’s REmap programme, outlines action areas that can unlock India’s vast renewable energy potential, ensure clean and sustainable energy for generations to come, and enable the country to fulfill its pledges under the Paris Climate Agreement. Renewable energy prospects for India describes how solar energy will play a vital role representing the second largest source of renewable energy use with 16 per cent, followed by wind at 14 per ......read more

Dubai, UAE, 20 August 2017:  Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower), the world’s largest district cooling services provider, announced that 75 new buildings have so far been connected to its services in 2017. The company also announced good progress towards deploying its services to many other buildings in months to follow. “This is an important milestone for us District cooling is an environment-friendly technology and the way forward to achieving a green economy. We’re pleased that developers have realised the importance of this technology and in the coming years, we will see more building owners and developers converting from conventional chilling methods to district cooling,” said Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower. Over the years, Empower has boosted its production and commissioned ......read more

Masdar of Abu Dhabi awards EPC contract to develop 50 MW Dhofar Wind Power Project Muscat, Oman - August 19, 2017:  Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company, Masdar, signed an Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC) contract with a global consortium comprising GE and Spain’s TSK to build the Dhofar Wind Power Project, the first large-scale wind farm in Oman and the GCC.   The Dhofar Wind Power Project is a result of the joint development agreement that was established in 2014 between Masdar and the Rural Areas Electricity Company of Oman (RAECO). Funding for the wind farm is provided by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), a leading national entity supporting global socio-economic development initiatives.   The 50 MW wind farm takes its name from the southern Omani governorate ......read more

Ceremony held to celebrate milestone event, witness the major achievements and the remaining construction and operational readiness work Fourth reactor vessel and steam generators are the final to be installed, as per 2009 Prime Contract, positioning Barakah as a quality-driven site and one of the most efficient nuclear energy construction projects globally Abu Dhabi, UAE – 14 August 2017:  In line with the ‘Abu Dhabi Plan’, the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) has made significant progress on the construction of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, with the installation of the steam generators for Unit 4, the final unit at the plant. This milestone event coincides with the successful installation of Unit 4’s Reactor Vessel (RV).  H.E. Jassim Mohammed Buatabh Al Zaabi, Chairman of the ......read more

Abu Dhabi, 10 August, 2017:  ADNOC Distribution has announced today the new retail price of unsubsidised LPG cylinders for the month of August 2017. As per the announcement that is made on the 10th of every month, the new retail price is as follows: AED52 per 25lb, and AED104 per 50lb.   Saeed Mubarak Al Rashdi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of ADNOC Distribution, said: “The price of LPG cylinders is decided every month in cooperation with the concerned government entities in the UAE. The prices set take into account the interests of national stakeholders, consumers and household customers while also reflecting fluctuations in international LPG prices.”  For holders of Rahal e-Gas cards, ADNOC Distribution offers LPG at subsidized prices - AED20 for 25lb and AED30 for 50lb, across Abu Dhabi and the ......read more

Empower will offer district cooling solutions to the commercial complex for a total capacity of 3,520 RT Dubai, UAE, 9 August 2017:  Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower), the world’s largest district cooling services provider, announced that it has recently connected its services to The Opus, a prestigious development located in Business Bay. Empower will offer district cooling solutions to the commercial complex for a total capacity of 3,520 RT, which will result in energy savings of approximately 50 per cent for the development. The Opus is commercial tower in the Business Bay district of Dubai designed by the late award winning architect Zaha Hadid. It is a lively and contemporary business destination; perfect for a strategic regional or international headquarter for multinationals and even local ......read more

Uniting industry players to develop electric vehicle market Dubai – UAE, 08 August 2017:   To support the transition of the automotive industry towards green mobility and the recent initiatives taking places in the UAE, the New Energy Vehicles Club has been created under the umbrella of the Clean Energy Business Council (CEBC) at the initiative of ENGIE, an energy company, charging station manufacturer and board member of the CEBC. The creation of the club was announced on the occasion of a webinar on green mobility welcoming 400 participants including regional and global stakeholders from the public and private sectors. The Club’s role is to function as an electric vehicle and clean energy industry representative, connecting private sector players to relevant stakeholders in order to support the development of the ......read more

Financing provided by GCC based banks with syndication led by Emirates NBD The raise will support the group’s global operations to realise growth plans The Group plans to tap the Islamic Finance and Sukuk markets in Asia with focus on Indonesia and Malaysia for future potential funding Dubai, UAE, August 1, 2017:  Gulf Petrochem Group (GP), has successfully raised US$ 150 million from a group of international and local financial institutions based in the GCC. In an environment of continued low global oil prices, the financing will be used to support the group’s activities around the world.   The borrowing will take the form of an 8 year term loan which was provided by a syndicate of banks lead by Emirates NBD. IL&FS acted as the Financial Advisor. National Bank of Fujairah will be the ......read more

Dubai, UAE. July 26, 2017:  Petrofac has secured a contract extension and a new award with a combined value of more than US$100 million for construction management, engineering, commissioning and start-up services for two International Oil Companies (IOCs) in Iraq.  The awards reflect the extensive track record Petrofac has been amassing in the country since 2010.  Today’s announcement builds upon US$70 million of new awards in Iraq announced in April, giving the Group good visibility of future work in the country and securing around 250 jobs.   Mani Rajapathy, Managing Director, Engineering & Production Services East, said: “We’re delighted the IOCs in Iraq continue to choose Petrofac to support their operations.  Iraq is an important market for us and, as evidenced by the number of ......read more

Milestone testing achievement represents a significant step towards the completion of Unit 2 Tests performed demonstrate commitment to achieving the highest standards of quality.  Abu Dhabi, UAE – 25 July 2017:  The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation has successfully completed the Cold Hydrostatic Testing (CHT) at Unit 2 at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant located in Al Dhafra Region of Abu Dhabi. The completion of this milestone, which concluded approximately 12 months after the same tests were successfully completed on Unit 1, demonstrates a commitment to achieving the highest international quality and safety standards, across the four units of the Barakah Plant.    The CHT verifies that welds, joints, pipes and components of the reactor coolant system and associated high-pressure systems are ......read more

Mega-project at Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam to generate growth in the local area, significantly contributing to the modernization of the economy and supply channel in southern Vietnam  Strategically located, the Bonded Terminal System is set to make Vietnam a force in Southeast Asian for crude oil and refined petroleum products H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Khalid Bin Ahmed Al Hamed’s majority-owned Baron Point Petroleum seeks to finance the development and provide best-in-class, Abu Dhabi and American expertise  Abu Dhabi, 23 July 2017:   Abu Dhabi-based Baron Point Petroleum Services Company L.L.C. (“Baron Point Petroleum”) has joined hands and engaged a joint-venture (“JV”) with PetroVietnam Oil Corporation (“PV Oil”), the national oil and gas company of Vietnam, to finance, ......read more