Saturday 03 / May / 2025
Muscat: Leading heavy oil professionals will gather on Monday in Muscat at the World Heavy Oil Congress & Exhibition (WHOC) to examine and deliberate how rapid innovation and technological advancements in the heavy oil sector are reshaping the future oil mix.
In an exclusive interview, Times of Oman speaks to Salman AbouHamzeh, Event Director, Middle East at DMG Events, the organiser of WHOC to know about the various aspects of the event.
What was the objective behind selecting Oman to host this year’s World Heavy Oil Congress & Exhibition?
A third of the world’s heavy and extra heavy oil resources are in the Middle East and Oman has made substantial growth not only within the industry but with playing a role in the development of new and innovative technology that is pushing forward the standards when it comes to heavy oil. With a high quantity of petroleum production and an incredibly competitive infrastructure that continues to expand, Oman is making its mark within the industry, going beyond traditional oil extraction and considering energy convergence as well as innovative technology’s role in its future. The country continuously makes an impact through collaborations, innovations and investments making it the ideal host for World Heavy Oil Congress & Exhibition (WHOC).
Why is the World Heavy Oil Congress of significance to Oman’s energy sector?
Oman has ongoing heavy oil field developments using both thermal and polymer flood processes – this being an integral part of country’s daily production making Oman the hub for several areas of experiences to share as well as learn from the thousands of attendees coming to Oman for WHOC 2018 from nearly 25 countries. Not only does this help to showcase the Sultanate as a country but also sheds light on the significant industry accomplishments being made within the country. WHOC will bring together industry experts, companies and participants with opportunities to generate new business, gain market insight, and share technical expertise and Oman continues to play a major role.
What will be the key messages and important takeaways for stakeholders and attendees of the Strategic and Technical conferences respectively?
The three-day technical conference will be a platform for technical knowledge to be exchanged and include networking sessions across the heavy oil value chain. Attendees can expect to gain valuable information from regarding EOR, downstream processing, heavy oil technologies, exploration and more.
The Strategic Conference will consist of 10 sessions across two days and cover topics on investments, creating agile business models, collaboration between heavy oil producing countries, and unlocking refining potential and value chain performance. Led by CEOs and industry leaders the strategic conference provides an opportunity to share insights into the business of heavy oil.
The international exhibition is where regional and international NOCs, IOCs, service and technology providers will showcase the best of technologies, products and services within the heavy oil sector. The exhibition is a platform for all participants including government representatives, project owners, consultants, contractors and investors to meet, do business and maximizes the evolving opportunities in the heavy oil sector globally and across the Middle East.
