EIConnect is a twice-yearly programme of events that provides a contact forum and strong networking environment where oil companies, operators and contractors present their project and procurement plans for the Middle Eastern region to key suppliers, both existing and potential. The importance of this interface can be judged from statistics provided by the EIC's specialist database, EICDataStream. These reveal that there are currently 226 active and future projects in the region, with an estimated value of over $333bn.

The presence of EIConnect in Abu Dhabi this year reflects the increasing importance and market potential offered by the Middle East to the UK supply chain. Represented at the event are leading purchasers from Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations (ADCO), Abu Dhabi Gas Industries Ltd (GASCO), Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Company (ADMA-OPCO), BP, Jacobs, Punj Lloyd, Masdar, Mott MacDonald, Shaw, Shell, Siemens WorleyParsons, and ZADCO (Zakum Development Company).

In addition to formal presentations, EIConnect also has an exhibition running during the event, and offers the chance for networking on a one-to-one basis with important decision makers from the Oil and Gas industry. This year, the Speaker’s lounge, where the networking takes place, is sponsored by WEG Middle East, the company providing hospitality to decision makers using the facility.

Commenting upon WEG Middle East’s support for EIConnect, Colin Cox, the company’s MD, said that: “WEG has attended all of the previous EIConnect events, and has found them to be very beneficial. As a result, we have decided to increase our participation, so this year we will year to be present as an exhibitor as well.

Our primary aim at EIConnect is to receive updates on strategies and projects from the keynote speakers. We expect the presentation topics to raise the increasing potential that the Iraqi market holds for the industry at large; and also expect to learn of the latest developments regarding sour gas projects in Abu Dhabi.

We are also planning to use the event as a vehicle to further expose WEG as one of the principal suppliers to the O&G industry worldwide, and to the Middle East region in particular.”