The growing importance of the UAE in the gas industry is underlined by the selection of Abu Dhabi to host the 22nd International Gastech Conference and Exhibition in December under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.

ADIPEC has grown in reputation and participation over the years, with the 12th ADIPEC in 2006 being considered one of the main international oil and gas events held in the Middle East region. This year ADIPEC attracted a large number of industry specialists from Abu Dhabi as well as regionally and internationally.

Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the fourth Arab Strategy Forum was held in Dubai in December. The three-day programme of working sessions brought together Arab and international heads of state and government with more than 600 of the most influential leaders from business, government and civil society. The forum’s theme "Creating Opportunity from Change" helped tackle the most pressing issues faced by the Arab world today.