The World Refining Association (WRA) today announced the return of Middle East Downstream Week (MEDW) 2012. The conference will highlight the significant benefits that can be achieved in the downstream industry through diversification strategies, integrations plans and key business improvements during times of financial unrest where crude is priced at US$100 per barrel.

To be held at the Beach Rotana Hotel in Abu Dhabi, UAE, MEDW will take place from 25 – 28 March 2012.

Preceding the conference will be Axen’s complimentary Middle East Seminar on Refining and Petrochemical Technology. The seminar will provide downstream operators with an in-depth understanding of the practical and daily challenges faced at refineries and petrochemical plants.  In addition, it will highlight the efficient use of technology to facilitate productive development, along with ways to meet market demand.

Key highlights of the Axen’s complimentary seminar include: Middle East refining and petrochemical challenges; Hydrocracking Axens’ catalyst and technology outlook; present challenges for Middle distillates hydrotreatment; options for resid upgrading; and Flexene and Olicrack technologies.

Arianna Neri, Project Director, MEDW, said: “MEDW 2012 is once again Axens’ partner of choice for their Middle East downstream seminar. This partnership considerably strengthens MEDW’s credibility in the region. Furthermore, it is the ideal conference to discuss the status of the industry in an organic and holistic way.  The concerns of various stakeholders from industries that include refining, fuel, marketing, integrated refining/petrochemicals, technology providers and others will all be addressed in detail and a comprehensive strategy to efficiently and effectively ensure regional and global downstream success will be defined.”

Day one of the conference will provide attendees with a comprehensive analysis on the latest technologies available to help develop smart refineries. Speakers will discuss the need for innovation and the importance of research and development in order to develop more efficient and profitable refineries.

Downstream industry leaders, experts and professionals will convene on day two of the conference to highlight and implement the various strategies necessary to build a successful downstream industry. Speakers will explore the regions advantage in crude availability along with how to subsequently implement modern technology to become a global leader in the refining industry, and what measures companies can take today to meet the increasing demand of energy in the Middle East region.

In addition, a series of roundtable discussions will be held to discuss: catalyst innovation; project execution; and research and development.

On the final day, the Abu Dhabi Oil Refining Company, TAKREER, will provide a limited number of participants access to its Ruwais Refinery Project for a private tour. The US$10 billion project aims to increase TAKREER’s refining capacity by 417,000 barrels per day and almost double its production of transportation.

Jasem Ali Al Sayegh, CEO, TAKREER, said: “We are proud to announce our role as co-hosts of MEDW for the fifth consecutive year. We understand the significance of a strategic platform for regional and international downstream experts. This conference is the perfect place to gather, discuss and debate with industry professionals and leaders who have the future of the Middle East’s refining industry in mind.”

The WRA and Honeywell Process Solutions, will bring together global progressive thinking executives to participate in the by invitation-only 2012 Global Petroleum Executives Summit. Topics of discussion at this summit will include: solutions for achieving top quartile business performance; reducing risk and increasing efficiency in implementing world-class mega projects; embracing nationalization targets and a skilled workforce; expanding operations and increasing global footprint; and adapting to volatile economic and political situations.

Key speakers at MEDW 2012 include: Jasem Ali Al Sayegh, CEO, Abu Dhabi Oil Refining Company; Jean Jacques Mosconi, Senior VP, Strategy, TOTAL; Anand Sansare, General Manager, Reliance Industries; Dr. Gabor Kenessey, General Manager, Supply Chain Management, ORPC; Jamal Mohamed Ba-Amer, General Director, Samir Refinery; and others.

For more information on MEDW, please visit: www.wra-medw.com.http://www.wra-medw.com/">www.wra-medw.com.>

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