The 17th Annual Technical Conference of the Gas Processors Association - GCC Chapter was successfully held on Wednesday May 6th, 2009 at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort in Abu Dhabi.

The theme for this year's conference was "Gas Optimization ... A Key for Success" where nine technical papers were presented from all over the GCC. There were five papers from Saudi Aramco; in addition, papers were also presented by Banagas, Qatar Petroleum, OryxGTL and LINDE. The papers covered a wide range of topics related to the gas processing industry highlighting the latest developments and available technologies in this important industrial sector in the region.

The opening session of the conference included a speech from the Chairman of the Chapter, Mr. Saad A. Turaiki, Vice President Southern Area Oil Operations-Saudi Aramco. The keynote speech of the conference was provided by Mr. Ismail Al-Ramahi, Manager, Gas Processing Division, Exploration & Production Directorate, ADNOC.

This Technical Conference attracted over 100 participants from all over the GCC and other countries including guests from UAE University, Chemical Engineering Department and ADNOC's Petroleum Institute. The feedback received from various participants including, industry's managements, engineers, and academia's, show satisfaction and enthusiasm for participation in the forthcoming conference to be held in Oman.

The GCC-Chapter of the Gas Processors Association was formed in 1993, and based in Bahrain, to provide a forum for the GCC Companies working in the gas industry to exchange information and share best practice. The Chapter's membership comprises 25 of major member companies within the GCC gas and oil industry.