More than 30 Scottish energy service companies are showcasing their strengths in Abu Dhabi this week as they seek to grow their presence in the Middle East market.
Scottish Enterprise (SE) is leading the 33-strong business group at the world’s third largest oil and gas event, the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (Adipec), running for three days from today.
The Middle East is a key market, according to SE/Scottish Development International’s Survey of International Activity in the Oil and Gas Sector 2012/13, published earlier this year.
In 2012, the Middle East was the sixth largest international market for Scottish oil and gas exports – representing £700million-worth of sales.
In terms of revenue, the UAE, Egypt, Qatar and Saudi Arabia were all in the top 20 markets for Scottish firms.
More than half (58%) of survey respondents reported the Middle East as a growth region in the immediate future, with 15% saying the UAE was a strong near-term opportunity.
David Rennie, international sector head, oil and gas at SE, said: “Scotland’s energy industry is a force to be reckoned with, and we are excited to introduce such a strong line-up of companies to Adipec this year.
“Years of oil and gas production have created a strong supply chain, a skilled workforce, a renowned academic sector and a well-developed energy infrastructure.
“Additionally, our companies are backed by world-class research and development activity in Scottish academic and research institutes.
“Each year, we see that Scotland’s sector strengths are welcomed by Adipec attendees.”
North and north-east businesses at this year’s event include Asco, Aberdeen Drilling School, Centrifuges-UN-Limited, Coretrax Technology, Denvir, Flowline Specialists, Global Energy (SCS), Online Electronics Group, Peak Global Consultancy, Reactive Downhole Tools and Aset International Oil and Gas Training Academy.
The strong north-east presence extends to UK businesses attending, with law firm Pinsent Masons represented by Aberdeen-based partners Roger Connon and David McEwing.
Pinsent Masons, which has offices in Dubai and Qatar, said the increasing number of Granite City businesses operating in the Gulf region meant Adipec had become a key event for meeting clients and exploring opportunities.
Mr McEwing said: “There are a wealth of opportunities for Scottish and UK firms to do business in this hugely important region.
“It cuts both ways, with Scottish firms exporting technology and skills honed in the challenging North Sea sector to similar markets in the Middle East, but increasingly Middle East-owned enterprises are seeking a foothold in Aberdeen and the UK.”
He added: “Having a major presence in Aberdeen and working with our colleagues in Dubai and Qatar, we have genuine on-the-ground experience of ensuring market entry goes as smoothly as possible, of negotiating local trade and tax barriers and of employment and immigration issues.
“These are all major factors which can make or break successful expansion strategies for those enterprising Scottish firms who are keen to do business in the Middle East.”
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