Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Opens GOTECH 2026 Energy Conference in Dubai
The prestigious Gas & Oil Technology Conference and Exhibition convenes leading energy sector executives and innovators from over 50 nations to address the future of global energy through innovation, sustainability and artificial intelligence.
The Gas & Oil Technology Conference and Exhibition (GOTECH 2026) has opened at Dubai World Trade Centre under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy. Hosted by Dragon Oil in collaboration with the Society of Petroleum Engineers, the three-day event runs until 1 October and brings together distinguished leaders, specialists and experts from across the global energy sector, representing more than 50 countries.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Chairman of ENOC Group and Dragon Oil, addressed attendees in his opening remarks, emphasising the transformative changes reshaping the energy landscape. He highlighted the UAE’s half-century journey of successfully converting natural resources into sustainable prosperity and world-class infrastructure, accomplished under the visionary leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The conference convenes at a critical juncture as global energy demand is projected to grow by more than 20% by 2050, whilst the world transitions towards a more diversified and lower-carbon energy mix. The theme, “Energising the Future through Leadership, Innovation, Sustainability, AI, and Talent,” reflects these evolving imperatives.
Clean Energy and Technological Innovation
Clean energy contributions have reached notable milestones across the Emirates. In the UAE, clean energy accounted for 32.4% of electricity generation in 2025, with a target of 35% by 2031. Dubai’s clean energy capacity share is approaching 24% by year-end, with ambitious targets of 36% by 2030 and complete decarbonisation by 2050, supporting the national journey towards net zero emissions.
UAE oil and gas companies are accelerating artificial intelligence and digital transformation adoption across drilling and production operations to enhance efficiency and strengthen global energy security. The Stargate UAE project, establishing a 5-gigawatt artificial intelligence infrastructure campus, represents the nation’s commitment to leveraging advanced computing as a driver of innovation and sustainability.
Dragon Oil’s Strategic Initiatives
Dragon Oil, the upstream exploration and production arm of ENOC, is advancing transformative projects across its international portfolio. In Turkmenistan, a landmark Centralized Power Generation & Compression project supports environmental stewardship and zero-flaring objectives. In Egypt’s Gulf of Suez, the company is deploying cutting-edge Ocean Bottom Node seismic technology to unlock advanced subsurface imaging capabilities. The approval of Phase II of the Block-9 development in Iraq demonstrates world-class facility standards and sustainable field development practices.
The conference agenda features high-level executive and technical sessions, including a CEO Plenary bringing together leading energy executives to address strategic priorities, market changes, and the role of leadership and technology in navigating rapid transformation. The programme emphasises developing young talent and capabilities, recognising human capital as central to the sector’s technological evolution.
The accompanying exhibition showcases the latest solutions, services and technologies for the oil and gas sector, with a dedicated Startup Zone providing companies and innovators opportunities to present new solutions addressing industry challenges. The event combines executive perspectives, operational experience and technical expertise with emphasis on solutions applicable across varied operating environments.
Source: WAM