The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company will host a virtual roundtable discussion this month that will gather chief executives of global energy companies to discuss the challenges facing the industry in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Abu Dhabi CEO Roundtable, which will be held on June 16, will allow top executives to discuss some of the most critical issues affecting the energy industry and share best practices that were adopted when responding to the Covid-19 crisis.
“The Abu Dhabi CEO Virtual Roundtable is a great opportunity to share best practices and exchange views, as we continue to meet the health and economic challenges of Covid-19,” Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and Adnoc Group chief executive said.
“While we continue to place the highest priority on the safety of our people and business continuity, we are seeing encouraging signs of a rebalancing oil market and the beginnings of economic recovery.”
In addition to Dr Al Jaber, the roundtable will be attended by chief executives of major oil companies including Patrick Pouyanné of Total, Bernard Looney from BP, Claudio Descalzi of Eni and Mukesh Ambani, chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries Limited.
Takayuki Ueda, president and chief executive of Japan’s Inpex, Dai Houliang, chairman of CNPC, Vicki Hollub, president and chief executive of Occidental Petroleum, Vagit Alekperov, president and chief executive of Russia’s Lukoil, among others will also take part.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has virtually brought the world to a standstill and altered entire mankind’s way of functioning in a profound manner,” Mr Ambani, said. “This has impacted every country, every industry, every society, every human in ways never imagined before. The energy industry, which is the lifeblood of the world economy, has done well to navigate the immediate challenges.”
Occidental's Vicki Hollub said she is looking forward to coming away from the discussion with "actionable next steps".
"Occidental is committed to working with Adnoc to continue the safe and efficient production of hydrocarbons to meet the world’s energy needs,” she said.
The discussion will be moderated by energy economist and Pulitzer-Prize winning author Daniel Yergin, who is also the vice-chairman of IHS Markit. He said the meeting would be a valuable chance to identify the challenges and opportunities as the world comes out of the crisis.
"The Covid-19 crisis has put the global oil and industry through a shock of huge dimensions, for which there is no precedent. Through all the turmoil, the industry has, with great creativity and flexibility, continued to deliver on its commitments to people all around the world," he said.
Oil prices have seen wide swings this year, mainly due to the coronavirus pandemic that reduced energy demand while supply of crude remained steady.
A key benchmark, the West Texas Intermediate – a blend of US crude grades – took a dive below zero on April 20, trading at -$40 per barrel at one point as severe mobility restrictions were put in place globally to counter the outbreak of the coronavirus. However, WTI rose above $40 per barrel earlier this week after Opec+, which is an alliance of Opec members and non-members led by Saudi Arabia and Russia, extended a pact to continue cutting production by 9.7 million barrels per day for another month.
“The oil, gas, and petrochemical industries will play an essential role in enabling economies as they begin to reopen by providing reliable, affordable, and sustainable supplies of energy. It is important to find creative ways to partner smartly and balance efficiency with responsible investments to ensure our industry’s resilience as a key enabler of economic growth," Dr Al Jaber said.
Farage on Muslim Brotherhood
Nigel Farage told Reform's annual conference that the party will proscribe the Muslim Brotherhood if he becomes Prime Minister.
"We will stop dangerous organisations with links to terrorism operating in our country," he said. "Quite why we've been so gutless about this – both Labour and Conservative – I don't know.
“All across the Middle East, countries have banned and proscribed the Muslim Brotherhood as a dangerous organisation. We will do the very same.”
It is 10 years since a ground-breaking report into the Muslim Brotherhood by Sir John Jenkins.
Among the former diplomat's findings was an assessment that “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” has “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
The prime minister at the time, David Cameron, who commissioned the report, said membership or association with the Muslim Brotherhood was a "possible indicator of extremism" but it would not be banned.
if you go
The flights
Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes.
When to visit
March-May and September-November
Visas
Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.
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Going grey? A stylist's advice
If you’re going to go grey, a great style, well-cared for hair (in a sleek, classy style, like a bob), and a young spirit and attitude go a long way, says Maria Dowling, founder of the Maria Dowling Salon in Dubai.
It’s easier to go grey from a lighter colour, so you may want to do that first. And this is the time to try a shorter style, she advises. Then a stylist can introduce highlights, start lightening up the roots, and let it fade out. Once it’s entirely grey, a purple shampoo will prevent yellowing.
“Get professional help – there’s no other way to go around it,” she says. “And don’t just let it grow out because that looks really bad. Put effort into it: properly condition, straighten, get regular trims, make sure it’s glossy.”
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
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How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
