Latest news with #AhmadAl-JaberOilandGasExhibition
Arab Times
02-07-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait Hosts GCC Energy Workshop
KUWAIT CITY, July 2: A high-level Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) workshop on protecting the infrastructure of the oil and gas sector and crisis management kicked off Tuesday, at the Ahmad Al-Jaber Oil and Gas Exhibition in Ahmadi, Kuwait. The three-day event is jointly organized by the United Nations Office of Counterterrorism, Kuwait Oil Company (KOC), and the GCC Emergency Management Center. During the workshop, GCC Secretary General Jassem Al-Budaiwi said in a recorded speech that GCC energy supplies represent a fundamental pillar of global supply, concurrently noting that the Gulf states are working to implement ambitious development plans, which in turn would lead to an increase in local energy demand. The GCC chief said that the developing world is witnessing rapid progress and a growing demand for energy, noting that the Asia-Pacific region is expected to account for 50 percent of the global GDP by 2040, making it one of the fastest-growing regions in the world. GCC faces three main challenges; adapting to the global energy transition, meeting increasing domestic demand, and ensuring the security and stability of the global energy market, he pointed out. The security and safety of energy assets in the Gulf region are fundamental to the global market, as ongoing developments and conflicts in the region indicated that any future events in the Middle East could directly impact three out of the world's seven strategic maritime chokepoints: the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Suez Canal, Al-Budaiwi stressed. The current conflicts not only threaten global supply chains, Al-Budaiwi emphasized, but also affect national and cross-border development projects such as connectivity initiatives between the European Union and the Middle East, which rely on safe passage through the Levant and the Mediterranean Sea. In a similar recorded statement, United Nations Undersecretary General for Counter-Terrorism Vladimir Voronkov emphasized that the meeting takes place amid a period of escalating global security threats. He highlighted that UN General Assembly Resolution 77/298 unequivocally condemns terrorist attacks targeting energy infrastructure and underscores the need for strengthened cooperation among governments, international organizations, and the private sector. Voronkov further noted that the Security Council has introduced a technical guide for the protection of critical energy infrastructure from terrorist threats, developed with the support of the Russia and Turkmenistan. He underscored that the guide is the product of in-depth research, broad international consultations, and the collective expertise of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact, in collaboration with the Working Group on Emerging Threats and Infrastructure Protection. In her remarks at the workshop, UN Resident Coordinator in Kuwait Ghada Al-Tahir emphasized that this meeting offers a key opportunity to promote best practices, share expertise, and highlight the Gulf countries' progress in building comprehensive security frameworks regionally and nationally. Al-Tahir highlighted that, for decades, the Gulf states have served as a cornerstone of global energy security and sustainable development, being home to vast reserves of oil and natural gas and playing a vital role in ensuring stable energy supplies worldwide. She reaffirmed the UN's role, especially the Kuwait office, in supporting shared security goals, expressing confidence that the meeting would yield practical, impactful results. Dr. Rashid Al-Marri, Head of the GCC Emergency Management Center, emphasized that the meeting offers a vital platform to boost cooperation to protect oil and gas infrastructure; key pillars of Gulf economies and global energy stability. He highlighted the need for greater readiness amid growing threats, including terrorism, cyberattacks, and geopolitical tensions. He noted the center's role in coordinating crisis response among member states, developing a regional emergency plan covering 13 types of risks, and working closely with the UN Office of Counterterrorism on training and capacity-building. On his part, KOC's Assistant CEO, Musaed Al-Rasheed, stressed the importance of strengthening regional and international partnerships to secure maritime routes and energy supplies, especially as the industry faces complex geopolitical, industrial, and natural threats.(KUNA)
Arab Times
01-07-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait stresses need for oil sector security amid geopolitical risks
KUWAIT CITY, July 1: Nasser Al-Buhairi, Director of the Health, Safety, and Environment Department at Kuwait Oil Company (KOC), underscored the critical need for comprehensive security preparedness and risk readiness within the oil and gas sector to ensure its continued stability and resilience. Al-Buhairi made these remarks to reporters on the sidelines of a high-level Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) workshop focused on protecting oil and gas infrastructure and managing crises. The workshop commenced at the Ahmad Al-Jaber Oil and Gas Exhibition in Ahmadi City and is a collaborative effort between the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, Kuwait Oil Company, and the GCC Emergency Management Center. He highlighted that Gulf oil companies are actively enhancing the capabilities and readiness of their personnel and systems to effectively confront potential risks and emergencies. 'The workshop primarily concentrates on the security of oil facilities and the coordinated preparedness of GCC member states,' Al-Buhairi noted, adding that existing plans will be reviewed and improved through the exchange of expertise among the Gulf countries. He emphasized the workshop's significance in addressing the vital role of the regional oil and gas industry and the array of risks it faces amid current geopolitical and economic challenges. Al-Buhairi further stated that the workshop aims to generate key recommendations to boost both scientific knowledge and practical skills within the Gulf oil sector, while also strengthening assurances for global markets regarding the reliable provision of secure energy resources. He described the GCC Emergency Management Center as a cornerstone institution within the Gulf framework, pivotal for sharing expertise and coordinating collective responses to potential threats. Regarding Kuwait's role, Al-Buhairi affirmed the country's commitment to advancing its efforts to safeguard this essential sector. He praised the Kuwait Oil Company's pool of specialized national talent and explained that sector development is pursued through identifying needs, executing strategic plans, and transferring expertise to national personnel. 'The continuous development of this sector is achieved by recognizing its requirements, implementing well-structured plans, and building the capacities of our national workforce,' he concluded.
Kuwait Times
26-05-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Wanhua Chemical and PIC ink MoU to boost cooperation
Kuwaiti and Chinese delegations take group photos after signing the memorandum of understanding. – KUNA photos KUWAIT: The Petrochemical Industries Company (PIC), a subsidiary of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Sunday with China's Wanhua Chemical Group to enhance cooperation in the petrochemical sector. The agreement was signed at the Ahmad Al-Jaber Oil and Gas Exhibition by PIC CEO Nadia Al-Hajji, while Wanhua Chemical was represented by company President Qu Guangguo. The signing ceremony was attended by Yu Xingtao, a representative of the Chinese government in Yintai, the company said in a press statement. The MoU aims to open new avenues for collaboration in key areas such as research and development, integrated value chains, and market expansion into high-growth regions. It builds upon a broader strategic agreement signed between the two companies in April last year, which included Wanhua Chemical's acquisition of a 25 percent stake in a cluster of petrochemical plants in Yintai, China. Al-Hajji noted that the facilities involved in the agreement specialize in producing high-value petrochemical products, adding that the partnership will invigorate the sector and foster stronger industrial cooperation between the two nations. She emphasized that the collaboration is designed to generate added value and mutual benefit. As part of their visit, the Chinese delegation toured the Ahmad Al-Jaber Oil and Gas Exhibition, where they were briefed on Kuwait's oil journey — from exploration to production — and the extensive operations of KPC and its subsidiaries in maximizing the nation's hydrocarbon resources. Al-Hajji said the newly signed MoU marks the beginning of a deeper partnership aligned with PIC's 2040 strategic vision, which emphasizes smart investments and planned expansion. She commended the efforts of the joint working teams from both sides, who, through months of dedication and professionalism, successfully translated strategic plans into actionable milestones. For his part, Qu Guangguo affirmed that the visit underscores the growing relationship with PIC, highlighting the MoU's role in promoting innovation, operational excellence and economic growth in both countries. — KUNA
Kuwait Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait committed to tech advancement
KUWAIT: Ahmadi Governor Sheikh Humoud Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah reaffirmed Kuwait's unwavering commitment to advancing technological innovation, emphasizing the country's focus on computing, artificial intelligence, and other fields that form the backbone of its developmental vision. Speaking to KUNA on Monday during the closing ceremony of the World Robot Olympiad – Kuwait 2025, Sheikh Humoud underscored the importance of nurturing digital skills and technological literacy among youth as a strategic investment in the nation's future. He praised the coordinated efforts of governmental bodies in supporting initiatives like the Olympiad, stating that such involvement reflects Kuwait's determination to keep pace with rapid global advancements and to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development goals. 'The world is witnessing rapid and continuous transformations in the fields of AI and robotics,' he said, adding that empowering the current generation of tech-savvy youth is essential for developing homegrown solutions that enhance quality of life. He expressed gratitude to the event's organizers, partners, and sponsors, and congratulated all qualifying teams, wishing them continued success. Officials participate in the closing ceremony of the second edition of the World Robot Olympiad - Kuwait 2025. Officials honor the teams that qualified for the Singapore final. Ahmadi Governor honors the winners. Ahmadi Governor honors all teams that qualified for the Singapore final. Also speaking to KUNA, Hamida Rahimi, national organizer of the World Robot Olympiad in Kuwait, noted that preparations for this year's season began in January, with more than 100 countries participating. She explained that the qualifiers concluded at the Ahmad Al-Jaber Oil and Gas Exhibition, where five teams earned spots in the upcoming finals in Singapore, while 11 other teams qualified for regional competitions. Rahimi commended the collaboration between key partners and sponsors, including the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC), the Sabah Al-Ahmad Center for Giftedness and Creativity, the American University of the Middle East, and the Public Authority for Youth. She also highlighted the significant participation from the Private Schools Union, which involved 180 private institutions. Salem Al-Baz, Director of the Technology Development Department at the Sabah Al-Ahmad Center, confirmed the center's ongoing support for participants through the provision of technical resources, training, and specialized robotics equipment. He praised the participants' dedication, noting their strong motivation and potential in the technology sector. The closing ceremony of the second edition of the World Robot Olympiad – Kuwait 2025 drew over 200 participants, including Kuwaiti citizens and residents aged between 8 and 22. Their projects were evaluated by a panel of 60 judges specializing in robotics design and programming. Five teams will represent Kuwait in the international finals in Singapore, with 11 more advancing to regional contests. — KUNA
