UAE
Conoco, ADNOC sign long-awaited Abu Dhabi gas deal
Conoco, ADNOC sign long-awaited Abu Dhabi gas deal
(Reuters)8 July 2008
DUBAI – ConocoPhillips and Abu Dhabi National Oil Co (ADNOC) signed a long-expected deal on Tuesday to develop sour gas reserves in the United Arab Emirates for a cost that could exceed $10 billion.
The partners did not release the expected project cost after signing the deal, saying only they would ‘jointly share’ any investments in developing sour gas reservoirs within the onshore Shah field.
An ADNOC spokesman declined to comment on the investment costs related to the project.
Costs of the project have escalated, as they have worldwide in the energy sector as producers strain to bring new capacity online to meet rising demand.
‘Completion of final joint venture agreements … is expected by year-end,’ ADNOC and Conoco said in a statement.
The sour gas deal is one of the largest upstream projects in the past year open to international companies competing for limited access to the Middle East’s oil and gas fields.
Saudi Arabia, home to the world’s largest oil reserves, keeps its oilfields closed to international firms.
ConocoPhillips beat competitors — including Exxon Mobile, Occidental Petroleum and Royal Dutch Shell — for the project to process 1 billion cubic feet of gas per day at Shah and produce 570 million cubic feet of network gas.
Developing sour gas at the Shah field would cost at least $10 billion, an industry source told Reuters in February.
Conoco and ADNOC would set up a joint venture firm to manage and operate the Shah project, with Abu Dhabi owning 60 percent and Conoco 40 percent, they said on Tuesday.
Record oil revenues from a sevenfold rise in oil prices since 2002 have fuelled economic expansion and rapidly rising demand for gas from both the power sector and the Gulf Arab state’s growing heavy industry.
The UAE holds the world’s fifth-largest gas reserves at nearly 214 trillion cubic feet, much of it sour.
The gas has a content of around 30 percent of potentially deadly hydrogen sulphide, making it tougher and more expensive to produce than conventional gas reserves.
ADNOC unit Abu Dhabi Gas Industries Ltd said in May it would invest about $25 billion in gas-processing plants and pipelines as it develops more fields to meet surging demand.
Adnoc and ConocoPhillips to develop Shah gas field
Adnoc and ConocoPhillips to develop Shah gas field
(By a staff reporter)KHALEEJ TIMES 9 July 2008
ABU DHABI – In a major development, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) and leading US oil exploration company ConocoPhillips have signed an Interim Agreement to developing on-shore Shah gas field in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Both companies also agreed to setup a company, to manage and operate the oil fields, upon completion of the project.
Adnoc will have majority 60 per cent interest in the company, while rest of 40 per cent will be held by ConocoPhillips.
According to the details, Adnoc and ConocoPhillips will jointly share the cost of the Shah gas field development project.
It is expected that final joint venture agreements will be completed between the two parties by year-end.
This large-scale project involves the development of sour gas reservoirs within the Shah field, located on-shore approximately 180 km south-west of the city of Abu Dhabi.
Industry analysts put the value of the project at $10 billion, which will pump gas at a time when fast expanding economy needs the most.
The project will involve several gas gathering systems, construction of processing trains to process one billion cubic feet per day gas at Shah to produce 570 million cubic feet per day of network gas, in addition to new gas and liquid pipelines and the construction of sulfur exporting facilities at Ruwais in the emirate.
Great attention was given during the Front End Engineering and Design (FEED) stages to select state of the art HSE systems as a result of extensive risk assessment and recovery studies.
ConocoPhillips is an integrated energy company with interests around the world.
Adnoc to finalise Abu Dhabi gas deal
Adnoc to finalise Abu Dhabi gas deal
Tamsin Carlisle for THE NATIONAL July 07. 2008 7:48PM UAE
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) and ConocoPhillips, the US oil and gas company, will finalise a long-awaited deal to develop Abu Dhabi’s first major sour gas project at a signing ceremony later today in the capital.
According to industry sources, the companies are likely to announce a 30-year partnership to develop the US$10 billion (Dh36.7bn) onshore gas project, which last year was the biggest Middle Eastern energy development open to bids by international oil companies.
The goal of the technically challenging Shah project is to produce up to one billion cubic feet per day (cfd) of gas to help boost Adnoc’s current output of about 4.5 billion cfd of gas to a targeted six billion cfd. The gas, which could start flowing in 2011, is urgently needed to fuel power and industrial developments in the emirate.
To achieve this, ConocoPhillips and Adnoc would tap deadly sour gas deposits, containing a high concentration of toxic hydrogen sulphide, from thousands of metres below ground. The partnership, in which Adnoc is likely to hold a 60 per cent controlling stake and ConocoPhillips a 40 per cent interest, would call on the US company’s international experience with such developments to render the gas safe.
The deal has been many months in the making. Adnoc surprised the industry in January, when it picked ConocoPhillips as the front-runner for the Shah project, which was expected to go to one of Adnoc’s existing partners – a select congregation that includes the Anglo-Dutch energy group, Royal Dutch Shell, and the US oil companies, ExxonMobil and Occidental Petroleum, all of which submitted bids.
ConocoPhillips may have had to agree to some exceedingly tough terms from Adnoc to gain a foothold in the Middle East and access to the region’s coveted oil and gas reserves analysts said. For instance, it may have agreed to produce Shah’s gas free of charge, in exchange for a substantial share of the liquids that are extracted from the gas and sulphur when the hydrogen sulphide is removed.
The strategy would be extremely risky for the international partner, especially with a forecast of volatile commodity prices. “They would be relying on prices for liquids and sulphur remaining high,” said Ross Cassidy, an analyst with the British energy industry research firm, Wood Mackenzie.
“Adnoc would continue to get a cheap source of gas, which I think has been their objective all along,” he added.
Still, natural gas liquids such as ethane, propane and butane – which are used as petrochemical feedstock and often trade at a premium to crude – are currently fetching near record prices on world markets. Likewise, the price of sulphur, a yellow solid used to make fertilisers and sulphuric acid, has soared more than 10-fold since the beginning of this year to unprecedented heights.
The end game for ConocoPhillips may not be development of the Shah project, but the chance to participate in future energy projects in Abu Dhabi and the Gulf region. Total, the French energy company, is thought to have the best chance of winning a contract for Adnoc’s next sour gas development, the proposed Bab project near Abu Dhabi’s Gulf coast.
But the US company may have set its sights on the emirate’s oil projects.
The 75-year oil concessions that are held by Occidental, ExxonMobil, Shell and other Adnoc partners are due to expire in the next decade, some as early as 2012.
Whether ConocoPhillips would eventually reap an acceptable financial return from joining the UAE concession holders’ club is an open question, although it would certainly be able to book substantial oil and gas reserves. “I do not think Adnoc is going to give anything away as a favour. When these other projects come along, they will be just as competitive,” Mr Cassidy predicted.
However, the US company has already established a beachhead in one Gulf state, Qatar, where it is a partner with the state-owned Qatar Petroleum in a large gas production and liquefaction project. Qatar is the world’s leading exporter of liquefied natural gas.
Last December, ConocoPhillips and Qatar Petroleum signed another deal to pursue joint energy projects outside Qatar.
Adnoc officials could not be reached yesterday for comment, and ConocoPhillips did not return calls.
tcarlisle@thenational.ae
New system being installed at Dubai airport to detect fake travel documents
New system being installed at Dubai airport to detect fake travel documents
By Bassma Al Jandaly, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS Published: July 07, 2008, 18:02
Dubai: The Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD) reinforced its employees’ skills and ability to spot falsified documents and passports following an extensive training on the Electronic Documentation Information System on Network (EDISON) for verifying various passport security features and examination of questioned documents.
The system which is currently implemented by DNRD at the Dubai International Airport various terminals to assist passport control officers in detecting forged travel documents containing images of over 1,400 genuine and fake travel document samples from over 190 countries and is recognised as a global reference for testing the authenticity and validity of travel documents.
Questionable documents are taken to a specially-set laboratory at the DNRD offices at the DIA to avoid any delays inflicted on regular passengers.
A delegation from the International (EDISON) Committee headed by Diederik Fabius recently met with Major General Mohammad Ahmad Al Merri, Director of DNRD to discuss the next phases of the implementation of the system.
Abu Dhabi announces major road projects
Abu Dhabi announces major road projects
By Binsal Abdul Kader, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS Published: July 08, 2008, 00:09
Abu Dhabi: Major road projects, including the upgrade of the international highway and reconstruction of the Mafraq interchange, will have a huge impact on Abu Dhabi mainland, a senior official told Gulf News.
The projects will shift the focus from the city and will take development all over the emirate, in accordance with the 2030 plan of Abu Dhabi Government, said Abdullah Al Shamsi, Director of Roads and Infrastructure at Abu Dhabi Municipality, in an exclusive interview with Gulf News.
The projects will support all upcoming developmental activity on the mainland, especially in Al Gharbia (the Western Region) which will attract large numbers of people to settle there, he said.
The projects will transform Abu Dhabi into “Greater Abu Dhabi” as envisaged in Abu Dhabi government’s 2030 plan.
Al Gharbia has a population of 120,000. Abu Dhabi government has earmarked Dh98 billion for infrastructure, tourism and economic development projects in the region.
Seven cities
Al Gharbia comprises seven main cities: Madinat Zayed, Mirfa, Liwa, Ghayathi, Sila, Ruwais and Dalma Island, and is close to the borders of Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Mafraq Interchange, about 30 kilometres from Abu Dhabi City is a gateway for motorists from Dubai and Al Ain to Al Gharbia (Western Region). When the reconstruction is completed, three levels of the project, main roads, a bridge and two flyovers will smooth traffic flow said Al Shamsi.
The existing road to Al Ain will be widened as part of the project. Traffic towards Mafraq Hospital, Baniyas, Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed City and Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed City will also be improved. A more than Dh753,767,195 project started in March 2008, will be completed in March 2010.
Upgrading the international highway from Mafraq to Al Guweifat on the Abu Dhabi-Saudi border will improve the movement of people and goods from neighbouring countries to the UAE.
About 330 kilometres of road will be upgraded in four phase at a cost of Dh9.5 billion to be completed by 2011. The road will start with three lanes from the border (Al Guwaifat to Al Ruwais ) but will be widened with four lanes (from Al Ruwais to Mafraq).
A Dh651,312,549 project will support the industrial city in Mafraq. The construction of a a 38 kilometre road will start this month and is to be completed within 300 days.
The creation of a 7.1km dual carriageway on Al Fayah Road near Al Khatim will support the Industrial Cities of Abu Dhabi (ICAD) and help attract more investment and important industrial projects.
A Dh539,103,925 project for an 18 kilometre dual carriageway between Baniyas East and Al Heelieh Road will support the new cities being developed in the area. Those cities will attract people from other congested cities.
This project will also help to distribute the population to the mainland. The project will be started soon and will be completed within 550 days.
The Ghayathi-Madinat Zayed Road Construction will link the two towns. The Dh450,340,000 project started in March 2008 and will be completed by March 2010 . It will give better connectivity between the towns of Al Gharbia.
The Al Ruwais road will link the Al Ruwais industrial area to the residential area and Al Ruwais town which will be linked to the international highway. The project was started in May 2007 and will be completed by the end of 2009.
Authority for community development
Authority for community development
(Wam)8 July 2008
DUBAI — His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has issued, in his capacity as Ruler of Dubai, a local law establishing Dubai Community Development Authority (DCDA) as a government entity mandated with enhancing social development and national identity, as well as strengthening citizens and residents’ role in social life.
Shaikh Mohammed also issued a decree appointing Dr Mariam Mohammed Matar as Director-General of the DCDA.
According to the law, the DCDA shall be in-charge of regulating community development in the emirate of Dubai and overseeing provision of social services with the aim of establishing an integral and efficient social development system in the emirate.
The DCDA will combine under its umbrella a number of service-oriented entities.
It will also cooperate with the Ministry of Social Affairs. The Secretary-General of Dubai Executive Council, Ahmed bin Bayat, said the establishment of the DCDA was consistent with Dubai leadership’s approach to further strengthening social bonds in the emirate which has hundreds of nationalities living together in great harmony. —
DP World – UAE launches large scale recruitment drive for UAE nationals
DP World – UAE launches large scale recruitment drive for UAE nationals(WAM) Dubai:
DP World – UAE, the local arm of global marine terminal operator DP World has announced a major recruitment drive for UAE nationals in its various departments, mainly at DP World’s flagship Jebel Ali Port.
The recruitment campaign is in line with the company’s policy of providing opportunity to national youth to join its workforce and contribute to its growth as well as that of Dubai and the country.
There are currently over 150 job vacancies in the various departments, including the
Container Terminal, Commercial, Documentation, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Marine, Procurement and Technical departments.
DP World – UAE has reserved vacancies exclusively for the UAE nationals who have
sufficient experience and also for fresh national graduates holding high school certificates, diplomas and university degrees.
Selected applicants will go through an intensive training programme according to the
respective department specialisation. The aim is to prepare and qualify them to take up positions in DP World’s UAE Region. Opportunities will also be available for many of the selected candidates to undergo training at other DP World ports around the globe.
Mohammed Al Muallem, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of DP World’s UAE Region, said: “We are committed to encouraging national talents to become part of Dubai’s and the UAE’s development efforts. In line with this policy, we open the doors to all UAE nationals who are qualified, ambitious and committed to join the team of DP World – UAE, one of the biggest national companies and one of the main pillars of the national economy.”
Omar Al Awadi, Training and HR Development Manager of DP World’s UAE Region said: “A specialised team from the Human Resources Department is working intensively to interview, evaluate and nominate the right applicants. We are keenly facilitating the recruitment procedure, including the processing of submitted applications and conducting interviews, through our website, organising Open Days as well as providing the opportunity to apply and be interviewed live on Noor Dubai radio station.
We received tremendous response over the last week, which encouraged us to organise it again during the upcoming weeks.” “The job opportunities are not restricted to the current vacancies. We are updating our website with additional details on vacant positions according to the requirements of various departments. Our primary goal is to allow the largest number of Emiratis to join DP World, which is part of the UAE’s Emiratisation policy of supporting and encouraging the national youth to enter the job market in various fields,” he added.
DP World – UAE will receive the job applications over its webpage:
Dubai launches HR Strategy
Dubai launches HR Strategy
By a staff reporter KHALEEJ TIMES 3 July 2008
DUBAI — The government of Dubai yesterday launched a Human Resources (HR) Strategy to create a high performance culture, build the workforce capacity and capability and develop HR knowledge and expertise in order to achieve the government’s excellence objectives set out in the Dubai Strategic Plan (DSP) 2015.
The eight-year HR Strategy was unveiled under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and was attended by Shaikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai.
The event was organised at the Madinat Jumeirah by the General Secretariat of Dubai Executive Council.
As part of the strategy, the focus would be on requirements of Dubai’s fast paced economic and social development and hone the technical and leadership skills of nationals. From here on, reward and recognition systems will be linked to performance and subject to regular review, celebrating outstanding levels of contribution.
The thrust would also be on the availability of credible and accessible data to drive informed decision making.
Outlining the scope of the HR Strategy, Ahmad bin Byat, Secretary General of the Dubai Executive Council, said, “Some of the priority areas inbuilt into the HR Strategy will include a strategic and forward-looking policy, promoting accountability and a result-based culture, increasing efficiency, enhancing responsiveness and customer service, and empowering and motivating public sector employees.”
He added, “The strategy will provide clear, measurable indicators of progress against HR targets, and although it covers an eight-year period, it will be adapted to respond to changing factors through regular reviews, taking into account any emerging development.”
Bin Byat said the newly launched strategy would help the Dubai government attract, retain and empower a highly motivated workforce so as to become an employer of choice for high-calibre UAE nationals.
Following the launch, Shaikh Maktoum honoured the high achievers and other qualifiers of the Professional Diploma in Human Resources programme.
Hosted by the Dubai Executive Council in collaboration with the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI), the programme aims to build the capacity of its human capital and equip them with in-depth knowledge on international best practices.
After the launch of the HR Strategy, Shaikh Maktoum handed out diplomas to the first batch of government employees who have completed the HR Professional Diploma programme.
The graduation ceremony also acknowledged the non-executive government employees who enrolled for the HR Basic programme that sought to acquaint participants with the fundamentals of human resources management.
Ministry organises awareness campaign for labourers in UAE
Ministry organises awareness campaign for labourers in UAE
Staff Report GULF NEWS Published: July 01, 2008, 16:04
Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Labour in association with New Medical Centre (NMC) is organising an awareness campaign for labourers across the UAE from Tuesday.
The campaign will focus on educating the labourers about taking care of their health while working under the hot summer sun.
Complementing the midday break rule that came into effect on Tuesday, the campaign will educate the labourers on simple and practical measures to avoid dehydration and illness. A team of experts, including doctors from the New Medical Centre (NMC) hospital, will visit labour camps for the purpose.
First implemented in 2005, the midday break rule mandates stopping of all outdoor work from 12.30pm to 4.30pm during July and August.
Petroleum Institute Abu Dhabi – Educational Opportunities
Petroleum Institute Abu Dhabi – Educational Opportunities
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