Increased focus on the Middle East market has led to a record number of Scottish oil and gas supply chain companies attending the Adipec conference, which begins in Abu Dhabi today.
Almost 60 companies have joined the Scotland pavilion at Adipec, making it the biggest delegation to the event and almost double the number of companies which attended last year.
The number of companies will have their own stand or will join partners or agents stands brings the total number of Scottish companies attending the event to around 75.
The Middle East is a key market for Scotland’s oil and gas sector with international sales rising to £2 billion in 2013.
The UAE saw an increase in activity during the same period to £1.1 billion, particularly in locations such as Dubai which is being used as a base by many companies operating in and around the country.
The region is also ranked top for immediate growth opportunities according to the International Activity of the Scottish Oil and Gas Supply Chain Survey.
The visit has been organised by Scottish Enterprise and its international arm, Scottish Development International.
International sector head for oil and gas at Scottish Enterprise, David Rennie, said: “Despite the global challenges there still remain opportunities for Scotland’s oil and gas sector to grow.
“The Middle East is one of them and Adipec offers a great platform to showcase Scotland’s world class skills and expertise.
“Scotland has built up a strong relationship with the Middle East region over the years with it now being its second largest export market after the United States.
“We’ve developed support mechanisms to enable companies to trade with almost all the oil and gas producing countries in the region.”
Scottish Enterprise has expanded its Dubai office and opened a new office in Saudi Arabia.
Around 85,000 visitors are expected to attend the exhibition which runs until November 12.
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