Magazine issued by ADNOC Distribution, 11th issue (July - October) 2016.
ADNOC Distribution Signs 50-Year Musataha Agreement with Abu Dhabi Ports
2
Opening letter FROM the CEO
The second quarter of 2016 has been a busy one for us at ADNOC Distribution. Most notably, we signed a 50-year Musataha agreement with Abu Dhabi Ports, strengthening our capacity to develop new projects at Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (Kizad) and provide logistical support to its existing developments. Our achievements in the previous quarter also include the expansion of our service station network across various parts of the UAE. Among others, we opened the Al Manara service station in Mohammed Bin Zayed City, a new marine service station at the fishing port in Umm Al Quwain, Motor World service station in Abu Dhabi, and an ADNOC Oasis 365 outlet in twofour54 - Abu Dhabi’s media free zone. In another key step forward, we enhanced our social media presence with the launch of our Instagram and YouTube channels and the upgrade of our LinkedIn page. The new, visually-led Instagram and YouTube accounts focus on brand positioning and affinity, while the company’s fullyfledged LinkedIn page aims to position ADNOC Distribution as a thought leader within the energy industry In the past quarter, we also won three leading regional and international industry recognitions. Apart from being included among the UAE’s Superbrands for the third consecutive year, we topped two categories at the prestigious Cards and Payments Middle East Awards 2016 - Best Payment Innovation of the Year for our newly-introduced ADNOC Wallet, and Best Contactless Solution for the Smart Tag technology.
Saeed Mubarak Al Rashdi Acting Chief Executive Officer
As part of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, our service stations across the country once again offer visitors dates and water to break their fast during iftar, encouraging them to refrain from overspeeding to reach their destinations. To conclude, I would like to reiterate our continued commitment to providing our customers with best-in-class services that ensure their overall satisfaction while meeting the increasing demand in line with the highest quality and safety standards. 11th issue, 2016
3
Contents 10
ADNOC Distribution News • • • • • •
22
• • •
•
Technology is Inevitable - Artificial Intelligence
Ali Al Hilali, A/Recruitment Department Manager
Employee’s contribution •
4
ADNOC Distribution Honours Winners of Health, Safety and Environment Programme
A day in an employee life •
46
Service Stations Fully Managed by National Talents.
Information Technology •
44
38
Health, Safety, Security and Environment •
42
ADNOC Distribution Opens Kaber and Marine Service Stations in Umm Al Quwain ADNOC Distribution Opens Al Manara Service Station in Mohamed bin Zayed City ADNOC Distribution Opens Motor World Service Station in Abu Dhabi ADNOC Distribution Reopens Service Stations after Upgrade • Al Jazeera Service Station in Abu Dhabi • Al Abraj Service Station in Umm Al Quwain • Embassies Area Service Station ADNOC Distribution Opens ADNOC Oasis 365 Outlet in Abu Dhabi’s Twofour54 Media Free Zone
National Talents •
38
ADNOC Distribution Offers Customers Dates and Water during Holy Month of Ramadan
Expansion projects •
32
10
Products and services •
24
Minister of Energy Visits ADNOC Distribution Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Vehicle Conversion Centre ADNOC Distribution Continues to Scoop Prestigious Industry Awards: The Company Receives ‘UAE Superbrand’ Award for Third Consecutive Year ADNOC Distribution Wins Two Accolades at Middle East Smart Cards and Payments Awards 2016 ADNOC Distribution Participates in the Sixth Base Oil & Lubes Middle East Conference 2016 ADNOC Distribution Launches Instagram & YouTube Channels and Upgrades LinkedIn Page
UAE: A Pioneer in Renewable Energy - By Engineer Khalid Nasser Mohamed Yousuf
44
cover story
Vice president - Marketing & Corporate Communications Division & Editor-In-Chief
Khalid Mohammad Hadi khalid.hadi@adnocdistribution.ae Managing Editor & Art Director Amin Abdel Rahman Nour El Dein Editorial Board
6 ADNOC Distribution Signs 50-Year Musataha Agreement with Abu Dhabi Ports ADNOC Distribution and Abu Dhabi Ports signed a Musataha agreement in mid-May to set up a lubes and grease plant as well as strategic storage warehouses at Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD). Set to shore up its product distribution operations in different emirates to meet the high demand for its superior value products and services, ADNOC Distribution will commence operations in the new location by the beginning of 2022.
Nawal Abdul Kareem Al Menhali Lubna Mohamed Al Muhairi Luciana Blackwell Eman Abdel-Wahab Fatima Al Zaabi Atif Badruddin Osama Al Dagamseh The Editorial Board are Team Members of Marketing & Corporate Communications Division of ADNOC Distribution AFAQ Magazine is issued by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company for Distribution «ADNOC Distribution» Copyright © 2016 ‘AFAQ’ magazine is an official publication of ADNOC Distribution However, articles can be used with full acknowledgement to ‘AFAQ’ Magazine, ADNOC Distribution official publication For contributions and more details: P.O. Box 4188, Abu Dhabi - UAE Tel.: 02 6959894, Fax: 02 6722322 afaq.edit@adnocdistribution.ae
COVER STORY
ADNOC Distribution Signs Musataha Agreement with Abu Dhabi Ports to Open New Facilities at KIZAD • Company to enhance production and storage capacities, strengthen growth prospects • Operations at new location to commence by early 2022
ADNOC Distribution and Abu Dhabi Ports signed a Musataha agreement in mid-May to set up a lubes and grease plant as well as strategic storage warehouses at Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD). Set to shore up its product distribution operations in different emirates to meet the high demand for its superior value products and services, ADNOC Distribution will commence operations in the new location by the beginning of 2022. 6
COVER STORY
The facilities will strengthen ADNOC Distribution’s capacity to further drive new projects and provide logistical support to its existing developments in line with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 - that aims to create a strategic shift in the emirate’s economy and achieve greater integration with the global economy. Holding a 50-year validity, the agreement was signed by Saeed Mubarak Al Rashdi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of ADNOC Distribution, and Mana Mohammed Saeed Al Mulla, Chief Executive Officer of KIZAD.
Lubes and grease plant The initial production capacity of the lubes and grease plant will reach 100,000 tonnes per year with the possibility to further drive production up to 200,000 tonnes per year in the future. The new plant will manufacture vehicle lubricants, marine lubricants, industrial lubricants, greases and various specialty fluids.
New storage warehouses The storage warehouses will increase ADNOC Distribution’s ability to supply Abu Dhabi with different fuel products such as diesel, E Plus-91 and Special 95 using cargo trucks. The warehouses will also supply Abu
Dhabi International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport with Jet-A1 fuel as well as deliver gas oil to Al Taweelah Power and Desalination Complex via pipelines. The new warehouses at KIZAD will offer storage capacity of 545,000 cubic metres in total – of which 75,000 cubic metres will be dedicated to storage of fuel such as E Plus91. 105,000 cubic metres will store the Special 95, 180,000 cubic metres will be earmarked for diesel fuel, and a dedicated 180,000 cubic metres allocated for Jet A1 fuel. This remaining will serve as a full back-up in case of any disruption of operations at the existing Mussafah Terminal.
A clear strategic geographic and qualitative expansion Commenting on the agreement, Saeed Mubarak Al Rashdi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of ADNOC Distribution, said: “Within ADNOC Distribution’s future strategic plan, we have clear direction for expansion - both geographically and qualitatively in terms of the products, services and facilities we provide. As part of our objective to achieve the best results, we are keen to enter strategic partnerships and
implement a range of specialised and targeted studies to identify opportunities that will support us in meeting the growing demand for our products and services. Al Rashdi added: “In line with our efforts to articulate the objectives of Abu Dhabi’s national economic agenda and to promote partnership initiatives between different economic and investment bodies, ADNOC Distribution is keen to leverage this agreement with Abu Dhabi Ports to achieve the highest economic value for both parties. Towards this priority we will move some of our operational facilities to the new site and establish expansive platforms to benefit from the advanced infrastructure at KIZAD - which can support hosted industrial and investment projects of various sectors in the region and globally.”
Logistical support In keeping with the agreement, ADNOC Distribution will allocate three logistical shipping lanes the first linked to Khalifa Port, the second that parallels the main logistical lane in KIZAD and a third lane allocated outside of the industrial zone. The terms of the agreement also mandate the allocation of a jetty at Khalifa Port to receive shipments of petroleum products from the Ruwais refinery.
11th issue, 2016
7
COVER STORY
ADNOC Distribution contributes to articulating the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports, said: “ADNOC Distribution’s decision to be present at KIZAD significantly contributes to Abu Dhabi’s economic growth. The company marks a vital addition to our portfolio of strategic partners. We are confident that the KIZAD’s geographical location near Khalifa Port and our logistical services and world-class infrastructure offerings, will significantly shore up ADNOC Distribution’s ability to meet the huge demand for petroleum products – a priority resource in economic and industrial projects.”
8
Within ADNOC Distribution’s future strategic plan, we have clear direction for expansion - both geographically and qualitatively in terms of the products, services and facilities we provide. Saeed Al Rashdi, Acting CEO
ADNOC Distribution News
Minister of Energy Visits ADNOC Distribution Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Vehicle Conversion Centre
During a visit to ADNOC Distribution’s service station located in Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa City, His Excellency Suhail Mohammed bin Faraj Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy, was offered an overview of the innovative techniques and mechanisms adopted at ADNOC Distribution’s network of service stations with regard to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). His Excellency also reviewed the Vehicle Conversion Centres and the infrastructure implemented at these facilities. Saeed Mubarak Al Rashdi, Acting Chief Executive Officer, ADNOC Distribution welcomed His Excellency Al Mazrouei and his accompanying delegation and offered the delegates a guided tour of the company’s facilities. Abdulla Salem Al Dhaheri, Director, Sales and Marketing Directorate, ADNOC Group, and other members of the company’s senior management were also present. ADNOC Distribution launched its Natural Gas for Vehicles (NGV) and Vehicle Conversion projects in collaboration with GASCO in 2011, as part of an economic and
10
environmental initiative aimed at using an alternative fuel for vehicles - with the company carrying out the conversion in a reliable manner at three of its service stations across Abu Dhabi. They include the Khalifa City service station, Mushrif service station and Zakher service station in Al Ain. The company has also fitted out 20 of its stations to supply vehicles with natural gas. His Excellency Suhail bin Faraj Al Mazrouei said: “The Ministry of Energy (MoE) is committed to generating power through environmentally friendly and less carbon-intensive methods. Relying on clean and renewable energy is at the core of our strategy and ADNOC Distribution’s natural gas and vehicle conversion stations are among the country’s most prominent projects in this field.” Saeed Mubarak Al Rashdi, Acting Chief Executive Officer, said: “ADNOC Distribution is committed to working side by side with the MoE in its quest to achieve the vision of the national strategy that has been designed to meet the demand for the new wave of renewable and clean energy sources. Our work across our
ADNOC Distribution News
service stations positively contributes to reducing the adverse impact on the environment.” Al Rashdi added: “In line with the UAE’s environmental sustainability standards, ADNOC Distribution’s pilot project in 2011 promoted natural gas as an alternative fuel for vehicles. The company is keen to adopt and implement its plan to provide all the service stations within its network with natural gas fuelling options. We have in addition, established a group of vehicle conversion centres in the emirate of Abu Dhabi to maintain a clean and safe environment.” ADNOC Distribution in cooperation with specialised operators works to convert vehicles that run on petrol to a bi-fuel system in reliable conversion centres where the entire process does not exceed six hours. Also, the conversion process does not require any modifications on the vehicle’s engine. The main components of the bi-fuel system are Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) cylinder, regulator, an injection system and pipeline. Bi-fuel vehicles run on CNG and petrol both stored in separate tanks.
11th issue, 2016
11
ADNOC Distribution News
ADNOC Distribution Continues to Scoop Prestigious Industry Awards The Company Receives ‘UAE Superbrand’ Award for Third Consecutive Year For the third year in a row ADNOC Distribution won the UAE Superbrand award that is given away by the Superbrands Council of the UAE. Saeed Mubarak Al Rashdi, Acting Chief Executive Officer, ADNOC Distribution, received the award in the presence of Khalid Hadi, Vice President of Marketing & Corporate Communications Division, ADNOC Distribution. The prestigious award was granted to ADNOC Distribution to recognise its excellence in the distribution of petroleum products and services on local, regional and international levels. Speaking on the achievement, Saeed Mubarak Al Rashdi said: “We see this award as an encouragement for all of us to continue to work hand-in-hand towards greater accolades in the future. I congratulate all the staff of ADNOC Distribution and thank them for their hard work, great efforts and commitment in implementing the tasks entrusted to them. This award reiterates their efforts in achieving the strategic and operational objectives of the company.” Al Rashdi added: “As a leading national company, ADNOC Distribution is committed to working consistently to articulate the the development goals of all departments and sectors so that we can achieve our service and commercial aspirations - based on the directives of our wise leadership that prioritises the provision of best-value services for the UAE citizens.” For his part, Khalid Hadi, Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications Division at ADNOC Distribution, said: “We are extremely pleased to attend this honouring ceremony for the third time in a row, to receive this prestigious award that emphasises the distinctive value of the services and products provided under our brand to all our customers.” ADNOC Distribution seeks to increase the total number of cutting-edge service stations service stations within its network to more than 450 by 2017. The company also provides a variety of petroleum products that include fuel and oil for all modes of land, sea and air transport, as well as commercial products and services catering to a wide range of sectors including industrial, utilities and construction.
12
ADNOC Distribution News
11th issue, 2016
13
ADNOC Distribution News
ADNOC Distribution Wins Two Accolades at Middle East Smart Cards and Payments Awards 2016 ADNOC Distribution won awards for Best Payment Innovation of the Year and Best Contactless Solution at the annual Middle East Smart Cards & Payments Awards. The company topped both categories amidst stiff competition from major financial institutions and government entities from the UAE, Middle East and North Africa (MENA), India, Sri Lanka and Turkey. ADNOC Distribution scooped up the Best Payment Innovation of the Year award for ADNOC Wallet that allows customers to manage their payment accounts and fuel consumption using smart and secure features from anywhere, at any time. They have the choice of three different options: the Smart Tag, the ADNOC Plus card, and Emirates ID linked to the ADNOC Wallet and activated for payments. It was one of the above mentioned payment methods, Smart Tag, that brought the company its second win, this time in the Best Contactless Solution category. ADNOC Wallet customers can take advantage of the Smart Tag, installed at the vehicle’s fuel tank inlet, at a number of ADNOC Distribution service stations.
14
ADNOC Distribution News
Saeed Mubarak Al Rashdi, ADNOC Distribution’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are proud to have won these prestigious industry awards, which are testimony to our commitment to providing ground-breaking solutions.” He added: “ADNOC Distribution launched its smart payment initiatives in line with Abu Dhabi government’s strategy to adopt smart solutions in service delivery and financial transactions. We are committed to studying the feasibility of any suggestions to improve the standards of our SMART service that we may receive from the public. Moreover, we strongly encourage our employees to come forward with innovative ideas that will offer added convenience to our customers.”
On his part, Khalid Hadi, Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications at ADNOC Distribution, elaborated: “In line with the rapid shift towards a more convenient lifestyle that our region is witnessing at the moment, ADNOC Wallet and Smart Tag offer our customers effective solutions that save their time and enable them to take full control of all their interactions with our company using the internet or mobile devices.” He concluded: “ADNOC Distribution adopts a clear pragmatic approach based on the highest standards of excellence in all operations that we carry out. Winning the two smart service categories as well as the recent UAE Superbrands 2016 award is a confirmation of our success in achieving our vision.”
11th issue, 2016
15
ADNOC Distribution News
ADNOC Distribution Participates at the Base Oils & Lubes Middle East Conference (BLM 2016) Hosted by ADNOC in late April 2016, the Base Oils & Lubes Middle East Conference (BLM 2016) was organised by Conference Connection Group, following the 24th edition of the Middle East Petroleum and Gas Conference (MPGC) and Petroleum and Gas Week in Abu Dhabi.
16
ADNOC Distribution News
This year’s conference was unique due to the announcement of the launch of a range of important projects in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. The conference drew the participation of more than 60 companies from 15 countries. Participants listened to 19 study presentations by specialists in the field from the Middle East, Europe and America. Eng Saber Al Ammari, Lube & Grease Plants Department Manager at ADNOC Distribution, headlined the conference and made a presentation titled ‘Synthetic Oils Blending – UAE an Ideal Choice’, in which he provided an overview of the company’s main activities especially in the field of industrial oils. He also offered a summary of the UAE’s oil market and its future trends, expansion and growth. As part of his presentation, Al Ammari also detailed the commercial factors that offered the UAE a strategic advantage in the field of synthetic oils, as well as the logistical factors that make the country
a leader in this domain. Stressing the UAE’s status as a global hub for essential oils trade, Al Ammari elaborated on the high quality of oils produced by ADNOC Distribution. The company’s plant factory is specialised in the production of industrial oil in accordance with stringent best-in-class international standards and is subject to an annual assessment, which is implemented jointly by the Higher Corporation for Specialised Economic Zones (ZonesCorp) and the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology. During the conference, Al Ammari familiarised participants with ADNOC Distribution’s most prominent, approved future projects, with specific focus on the new plant to manufacture oils and grease, which the company has innitiated in Khalifa Industrial Zone (KIZAD). It is expected that the initial production capacity of the plant will reach up to 100,000 tonnes annually, with the possibility of increasing production to 200,000 tonnes per year. 11th issue, 2016
17
ADNOC Distribution News
ADNOC Distribution Expands Social Media Portfolio
Company launches Instagram & YouTube channels and upgrades LinkedIn page In April 2016 ADNOC Distribution enhanced its social media portfolio with the launch of its Instagram and YouTube channels and the upgrade of LinkedIn. The visually-driven Instagram and YouTube focus on brand positioning and affinity, while the company’s fully-fledged LinkedIn presence aims to position ADNOC Distribution as a thought leader within the energy industry. ADNOC Distribution started its social media journey in October 2015 with the launch of its customer-focused Facebook and Twitter pages, targeting the UAE’s motorists and residents.
18
ADNOC Distribution News
Capitalising on social media’s marketing value Speaking on the move, Saeed Mubarak Al Rashdi, Acting Chief Executive Officer, ADNOC Distribution, said: “There are 400 million active Instagram accounts in the world and 25 million of these belong to the MENA region. YouTube is currently the world’s third most visited site, and the growth in viewing time on YouTube is up more than 80% year-on-year. We understand the massive marketing value of all of these channels, and we are now ready to step up our presence among the local community.” Khalid Hadi, Vice President, Marketing & Corporate Communications, ADNOC Distribution, said: “The fact that we are now present across all major social media platforms reinforces ADNOC Distribution’s vision to be a consumerfocused company, reaching its customers on the channels they most use.”
ADNOC Distribution on Instagram Khalid Hadi pointed out: “We believe in Instagram’s ability to move people and inspire them to see
a business differently or take immediate action. Audiences are looking to be inspired, and we, at ADNOC Distribution, are now ready to share our stories.” Through its Instagram account, ADNOC Distribution aims to increase its brand awareness with a mix of visually-driven content and images taken by our customers. With three content pillars divided into ‘Getaway’, ‘Motion’ and ‘Real life’, the platform shares interesting moments that take place at the company’s locations, posts videoclips optimised for Instagram, and promotes ideas of escape and relaxation powered by ADNOC Distribution.
ADNOC Distribution on LinkedIn ADNOC Distribution also upgraded its LinkedIn presence, with targeted ‘Home’ and ‘Careers’ tabs and a content strategy that sees a mix of industry-driven posts and insights from the company’s staff. ADNOC Distribution uses the platform to further connect with business members within the GCC and internationally, to enhance its role as an opinion leader within the industry.
ADNOC Distribution on YouTube ADNOC Distribution’s YouTube strategy is based on storytelling, to ensure the maximum level of engagement. For the launch, ADNOC Distribution has produced a series of ‘socialfirst’ videos on the theme of ‘empowering lives’, portrayed through the story of two Emirati brothers. The videos invite viewers to join brothers Mansour and Ahmed on a journey across the UAE, showcasing the country’s richness and inherent beauty. ADNOC Distribution powers the two brothers on their ride through the country’s seven emirates. Starting from Abu Dhabi at sunrise, they spend the whole day exploring the country, before arriving at their chosen destination in Fujairah to enjoy surfing – an environmentally friendly sport that has gained popularity in recent years among the community. Join brothers Mansour and Ahmed on their journey at youtube.com/adnocdistribution
11th issue, 2016
19
ȗ ŮŻŵĬǜē ŵŻİżŘ ěİűĔļ Ŧű ěēijĔŨǞē ŗĔĽšĝĸǘ ĔũŲĝťĨij ŽŘ İũĨĉŴ ijŵŁŭŨ ŮŻŵĬǜē şijĔļ ĔŲŤĔũšĝĸǘ ĚŨĵǙŤē ĚŜĔʼnŤē ŒŻĵŵĝťŤ şŵŬįĉ ĔũŲĩŭũĜ ĢżĨ
ŽŘ ĔŲĜĔĩřŀ ŹťŐ ŵŻİżřŤē ēIJű ŒŻĵŵĝťŤ şŵŬįĉ ěĴĽŬ ĚżũĸĴŤē ĔŲĜĔĖĔĹĨ śǙňĎĖ ǘĔřĝĨē ĕŵżĜŵŻ Ŵ şŵėĹżŘ ƻ ŦŻĴĖĉ ĴŲļ ŽŘ ĕŵżĜŵŻ Ŵ ŧēĴŝĝĹŬč ŹťŐ 2016
Have you watched our video? Join brothers Mansour and Ahmed on their journey of discovery across the UAE empowered by ADNOC Distribution. The video, which is part of a longer series, was released on YouTube and Facebook in April 2016 to mark the launch of ADNOC Distribution’s new visually-led channels – Instagram & YouTube.
ŒŻĵŵĝťŤ şŵŬįĉ ēŵőĖĔĜ
Follow ADNOC Distribution facebook.com/adnocdistribution twitter.com/adnocdist instagram.com/adnocdistribution youtube.com/adnocdistribution linkedin.com/company/adnoc-distribution
Hero video
ŽĸĔĸǜē ŵŻİżřŤē ŒʼnŝŨ
375K views ęİűĔĽŨ
816K Instagram impressions
ŧēĴŝĝĹŬǞē ĴėŐ ěĔŐĔėʼnŬē
Short videos ęĴżŁŝŤē ŵŻİżřŤē ŒňĔŝŨ
1.2M views
ęİűĔĽŨ
Products and services
ADNOC Distribution Offers Customers Dates and Water during Holy Month of Ramadan In celebration of Ramadan, ADNOC Distribution launched its annual initiative to offer the visitors of its service stations dates and water every day, thirty minutes before iftar. Throughout the Holy Month, the company is handing out iftar boxes at its 288 service stations across the UAE. ADNOC Distribution staff are distributing packages, each containing dates, a bottle of water and wet wipes, so that customers can break their fast on the go, without stress, and reach their families safely.
22
This campaign is part of the ADNOC Distribution commitment to social responsibility to ease the fast on citizens and reach their destinations safely.
Expansion projects
ADNOC Distribution Opens Kaber and Marine Service Stations in Umm Al Quwain Based on its customer demand studies in connection with the urban growth and economic development in Umm Al Quwain, ADNOC Distribution recently opened the Kaber and Marine Service stations in the emirate. Just like all the other service stations in the company’s network, the two latest additions are equipped to world-class standards including smart technologies.
24
Expansion projects
Strategically located, the Kaber service station has six islands that include 12 pumps with E-Plus 91 and Special 95 petrol as well as diesel and natural gas. A range of petroleum products and services is also at the customers’ disposal 24 hours a day. The Marine service station caters to the needs of fishermen, boat owners and motorists. Equipped with highefficiency marine pumps that can fill up to 45 gallons per minute, it includes three islands – two maritime and one on land – with four pumps offering a number of fuel choices, such
as E-Plus 91, Special 95 and green diesel. Built to the highest safety specifications, the station incorporates a fire-resistant design and features flood spotlights to ensure optimum visibility during night shifts, as well as state-of-the-art firefighting equipment, floating safety barriers and corridors. In addition, ADNOC Distribution has added a shaded break room, where fishermen and boat owners can get some well-earned rest while having their boats refuelled or serviced.
ADNOC Distribution continues its expansion plans, aiming to increase the number of service stations at country level to more than 450 by the 2017. The company is committed to employing different capabilities and expertise to provide the best services and facilities to meet its customers’ needs to the fullest. AFAQ 10th issue, 2016
25
ADNOC Distribution News
ADNOC Distribution Opens Motor World Service Station in Abu Dhabi’s Shamkha area
Attended by Abdulla Salem Al Dhaheri, Director, Sales and Marketing Directorate, ADNOC Group, and Saeed Mubarak Al Rashdi, Acting Chief Executive Officer, ADNOC Distribution, as well as senior officials, ADNOC Distribution has opened Motor World service station in Shamkha area of Abu Dhabi. The station is the largest within the company’s network of stations and petroleum services. Motor World service station spreads over 51 thousand square meters and is supplied with all the facilities that will provide service 24 hours a day to the dedicated market of buying and selling used cars in the city of Abu Dhabi.
26
Expansion projects
Commenting on the opening of the new service station, Saeed Mubarak Al Rashdi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of ADNOC Distribution, said: “We are very proud to announce the opening of Motor World, the largest service station within our network during the holy month of Ramadan, where this opening comes as a new step in our expansion plan in various regions of the UAE, and a testament to the success of the joint efforts made by ADNOC Distribution and its partners in order to support the efforts of the Government of Abu Dhabi to implement its urban plan and Abu Dhabi vision 2030.” Al Rashdi added: “At ADNOC Distribution, we are committed to keep up with the economic and urban growth movement being witnessed in UAE and we are keen to meet the great demand for our services and products. Therefore, we have
studied the location of Motor World to identify the size and type of services that will meet the needs and aspirations of the operators of motor showrooms and customers of the city. We have also employed all our capabilities and expertise to make this possible, leading to the opening of this service station today to include a very distinct variety of services.” Motor World service station contains nine islands to fill various kinds of fuel; allocating six islands (containing 12 pumps) to fill vehicles with the three types of E-Plus 90, Special 95 and Super 98. Another two islands (each containing 1 pump) are for the Green Diesel and one island (containing 2 pumps) is for Natural Gas for Vehicles (NGV), which will be available in the near future. Motor World service station provides a range of products
and integrated services, including refuelling services, the ADNOC Oasis C-store, fast food restaurants, bakery, ATM services and a mosque. In addition, the station offers one manual lane and two automated lanes for car wash, ten lanes for lube change, as well as the distribution of LPG cylinders with a capacity of 400. Due to the strategic location of Motor World service station, the future implementation plan for the station includes the completion of necessary requirements to operate a fully integrated center for vehicle inspection and licensing comprising of four inspection lanes. It will also include licensing offices, insurance and printing companies as well as many other facilities. An Autoserv will also be established at the station as well as the service to obtain Rahal E-Gas cards.
11th issue, 2016
27
Expansion projects
ADNOC Distribution Reopens Service Stations after Upgrade
During the second quarter of 2016, ADNOC Distribution reopened a number of its service stations in various locations of the UAE, having completed scheduled maintenance and upgrade works to guarantee the highest standards of service. Before the reopening, the company’s specialists inspected the results to ensure full readiness of all facilities. The list of reopened service stations includes:
28
Expansion projects
Al Jazeera service station in Abu Dhabi
Embassy Area service station in Abu Dhabi
ADNOC Distribution has announced the reopening of the Al Jazeera service station, located on Fatima Bint Mubarak Street (previously Najda Street) in Abu Dhabi, after the successful completion of a fuel services upgrade.
ADNOC Distribution announced the reopening of the Embassy Area service station, located on Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Street (formerly known as Old Airport Road) in Abu Dhabi, following a brief upgrade to a SMART service station.
Al Jazeera underwent eight-week-long maintenance works, followed by an inspection that confirmed its readiness to resume operation. In addition to roundthe-clock refuelling and complementary services, the service station offers an ADNOC Oasis convenience store and the sale of LPG cylinders.
Prior to the reopening, the company’s specialists inspected the results of the works to ensure full readiness to serve customers.
The Al Jazeera upgrade reiterates our sustained commitment to ensuring the highest quality and efficiency of our facilities through modernising our entire service station network. Amidst our ongoing effort to cope with the growing public demand for our products and services, I am delighted that the maintenance and upgrade works were completed according to plan and within record time.
In order to cope with an increasing demand for our products and services, and in an effort to reach the highest levels of excellence and compliance with international standards, we are committed to upgrading all our service stations. Like all ADNOC Distribution service stations, the Embassy Area station offers a range of petroleum products and complementary services 24 hours a day. Apart from refuelling, its facilities include an ADNOC Oasis convenience store, a fast food restaurant, an ATM, sale of liquefied gas cylinders, an automated car wash, lube change and a repair workshop.
Al Abraj service station in Umm Al Quwain ADNOC Distribution announced the reopening of the Al Abraj service station, located on King Faisal Street in the emirate of Umm Al Quwain, following a three-week temporary closure to carry out scheduled maintenance and replacement
of below-ground fuel lines. Apart from refuelling with E-Plus 91, Special 95 and diesel, the service station offers a range of petroleum products as well as complementary services, sale of liquefied gas cylinders and Rahal e-Gas cards.
11th issue, 2016
29
Expansion projects
ADNOC Oasis 365 in twofour54 media free zone ADNOC Distribution opened an ADNOC Oasis 365 convenience store in Abu Dhabi’s twofour54 media free zone. The new opening, the tenth of its kind in the emirate, is part of the company’s effort to provide the highest-quality services to its customers seven days a week, 365 days a year, which is reflected in the chain’s name. Khalid Hadi, Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications at ADNOC Distribution, said: “Our latest ADNOC Oasis 365 opening is aligned with our overarching vision to keep pace with the economic and urban growth that is sweeping the UAE. Every one of our expansions serves to meet the great demand for various services and products offered by ADNOC Distribution in all areas of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.” The new store stocks a wide variety of consumer goods, such as water, fruits and vegetables, ice cream, canned foods, dairy products, disposable tableware, as well as newspapers, magazines, mobile accessories and Salik cards. In addition, it also offers ATM facilities and other services. Run by trained personnel, ADNOC Oasis 365 stores provide an innovative retail environment that complies with the most stringent international food safety standards including temperature control, good storage practices and monitoring of perishable goods’ expiry.
30
ADNOC Distribution News
11th issue, 2016
31
National talents
Service Stations
Fully Managed by National Talents ADNOC Distribution is proud to share that four of its service stations in Abu Dhabi are fully managed by a team of young Emirati nationals. In its continuing effort to achieve and encourage national leadership across all projects and initiatives, AFAQ Magazine offers you a brief background of these employees and their experiences so that they can emerge as likely role models for young people.
32
National talents
Fatima Al Hashemi
Date of employment: 17 June, 2014 Job Title: C-Store Shift Supervisor, Al Mearad Service Station What does working at ADNOC Distribution mean to you? Personally, I believe that working for any of ADNOC Distribution’s services or facilities is an act of community service. This is because the company offers high-value products and services that play a key role in people’s daily lives on a practical and personal level. What are the daily tasks assigned to you? As a supervisor of an ADNOC Oasis C-store, there are many tasks entrusted to me. My core responsibility is to support the staff at the Oasis retail store and to ensure a superior quality service to our customers. I also oversee the handling of the team’s duties at the Oasis store. In addition, I also routinely manage any operational matters, administrative requests and follow-up requests that we receive on the private ADNOC Oasis email id. One of my most important tasks is to ensure product quality control and availability during working hours. I believe that through handling this important
task, I truly contribute to the company’s efforts to provide best-in-class quality products to our consumers. As an Emirati citizen, do you think that this job will help you achieve your ambitions? In my opinion, this job has helped me achieve not just what I aspired for in my career. It has helped enhance my life experience. I have gained much from dealing with every segment of society, and understanding their requirements, while ensuring they get the very best service. ADNOC Distribution offers many opportunities for career development for the administrators of its ADNOC Oasis stores. The company motivates me to exert my maximum efforts in performing my responsibilities. What are the daily challenges that you experience in the performance of your tasks at the service station? Right from the first day at work, I slowly began to learn about the wide range of products the company retails, the branches within the company and the services that fall under ADNOC Distribution’s remit. I have also learned more about the various areas of work within the company. The preparation has helped me fulfil the tasks entrusted to me with excellence.
What is the message you would like to send to young Emiratis who are graduates or just embarking on their new careers? As an Emirati young woman, I suppose my work within an ADNOC Distribution service station may be surprising for some. But I believe that serving the nation is not confined to one particular job. This is what prompted me to apply for this particular job - to set a real example for my Emirati friends that serving the country and its people should not be based on certain conditions or special circumstances. I think that commitment to work and gaining more experience is the first step towards achieving success, which I experienced personally through my work over nearly two years at ADNOC Distribution. What are your future plans and aspirations to develop and enhance your career at ADNOC Distribution? I am committed to continuing the development of my career at ADNOC Distribution. The best way to achieve a managerial position is to start from the bottom of the professional ladder, which will help employees strengthen their knowledge in all areas of the business and help them face any challenges.
11th issue, 2016
33
National talents
AbdulRahman Al Seiari Date of employment: 15 July, 2014 Position: Shift Supervisor, Shawamekh (South) Service Station
What does working at ADNOC Distribution mean to you? Working at ADNOC Distribution is a great opportunity, as it means working for one of the most important companies in the field of marketing and distribution of petroleum products on a local and global level. We gain vast experience through the daily tasks assigned and have attractive career development opportunities. What are the daily tasks assigned to you? As a Shift Supervisor, I am in charge of assigning tasks to my team in the Shawamekh service station, each according to his ability and qualification. In addition to that, I am also mandated to communicate with all departments within ADNOC Distribution such as Maintenance, Information Technology and others and update them with developments at the station. As an Emirati citizen, do you think that this job will
34
help you achieve your ambitions? There are no limits to my ambitions. Within my job I work hard and put in considerable effort to reach the peaks of success I wish to. What are the challenges that you face while working at the service station? I believe that maintaining the company’s good reputation is the biggest challenge I have been entrusted with. Apart from that, dealing with a large number of clients from different nationalities, while ensuring complete customer satisfaction every time, is a challenge too. I always try to understand the client’s way of thinking and his needs with regard to the products and services retailed by the company. Is there any message that you would like to give to young Emiratis who are at the beginning of their career or to new graduates? I advise them to put working at ADNOC service stations and other departments of ADNOC Distribution on their job search priority list. The company offers unique career development programs and is a leading national company and employer of choice.
National talents
AbdulRahman Al Jneibi Date of employment: 26 February, 2013 Position: Superintendent, Shawamekh (South) Service Station
What does working at ADNOC Distribution mean to you? Working at ADNOC Distribution is an opportunity to gain new skills in different fields. I need to interact with the service station’s visitors, colleagues, my team, and the company’s suppliers. Working collaboratively with so many people has helped me improve my administrative skills and enhance my future career ambitions. What are the daily tasks assigned to you? As a Superintendent my daily tasks include keeping track of all services offered by the station and ensuring safety of our customers and team members. I am also tasked with monitoring health, safety and environmental standards at the station and carrying out duties such as fuelling, oil-change, car wash and retailing gas cylinders. In addition, I keep track of the ADNOC C-Store shopping process in order to ease the process for customers. Like any job or work place, problems may arise at any time, so I make sure to solve them jointly with my team members.
As an Emirati citizen, do you think that this job will help you achieve your ambitions? My ambitions are high. From this job I have gained the experience I need to deal with people of different ages and nationalities. In addition, I also understand now how to tackle difficult situations. I have also learned the importance of working accurately to ensure better overall performance at work. Is there any message that you would like to give to young Emiratis who are at the beginning of their career or to new graduates? I invite young Emiratis to join ADNOC Distribution, as it’s a company that offers a friendly work environment and is supportive of its employees. I believe the company works hand-in-hand with us to ensure the success of our beloved country.
What are your future plans to improve your career at ADNOC Distribution? Working at ADNOC Distribution is the beginning of my plan to gain experience. It is also the first step in my path toward the future and towards improving my skills and capabilities. Yesterday, I was service station supervisor and today here I am - a service station superintendent. My current ambition is to be a sales manager. 11th issue, 2016
35
National talents
Abdulla Al Ali
Date of employment: 10 August, 2014 Position: Shift Supervisor, Yas North-Office What does working at ADNOC Distribution mean to you? As they always say work is truly worship. ADNOC Distribution is one of the leading companies in the field of marketing and distribution on a local and global level. Therefore, I consider myself successful already through having the chance to be an integral part of such a company. What are the daily tasks assigned to you? As a supervisor at an ADNOC service station, several tasks are assigned to me. First, I am required to ensure the quality and safety of products retailed at the station. Second, I oversee that the station provides all the necessary fuelling services requested by the customer. As an Emirati citizen, do you think that this job will help you achieve your ambitions? Sure. I love my work because it helps me to discover my interests and develop my skills. My job allows me to apply the skills that I have learned and work to achieve standards of excellence.
36
What are the challenges that you face while working at the service station? The biggest challenge I face every day is with people not accepting my ideas as a citizen working at a service station. However, I don’t allow this scepticism to stop me from doing my job. I believe I need to pay back to my country regardless of the job or the field I may be engaged in. Another challenge that I face is in dealing with people of different nationalities that speak different languages and belong to different cultures. This makes it difficult to communicate. Yet, I always try to find the best way to face these challenges. Is there any message that you would like to give to young Emiratis who are at the beginning of their career or to new graduates? Usually a new employee or a new graduate feels confused in the first phase of choosing a career. He tries to discover his interest and find the job that suits him - a job he loves where he can apply his skills, a job that gives him a sense of satisfaction and helps him achieve his goals. It is only through working with such goals in mind that he can remain creative and productive. I invite fresh graduates to find their passion in their future career regardless of the position and try to become good rolemodels to the next generation.
Health, Safety, Security and Environment
Saeed Mubarak Al Rashdi, Acting Chief Executive Officer, ADNOC Distribution commended the high uptake of participants and the quality of their projects during the company’s third annual Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Award programme. Al Rashdi stressed that the company has witnessed ongoing enhancements in its HSE programme since the initiative was launched three years ago.
38
Health, Safety, Security and Environment
ADNOC Distribution Honours Winners of Health, Safety and Environment Programme Al Rashdi said that the programme aimed at enhancing the health and safety standards across all facilities and subsidiaries as well as to raise awareness around these issues and promote a company-wide culture of health and safety. Committed to encouraging its departments to step up their health, safety, security and environment performance, the annual initiative registered an increase of 57% over 2015 drawing 58 submissions in 2016 as opposed to 37 last year.
11th issue, 2016
39
ADNOC Distribution News
The award ceremony was attended by Saeed Mubarak Al Rashdi, as well as senior management members and employees. The winning projects announced spanned six major categories including operations, technical affairs, CEO, retail sales, commercial sales and management. Al Rashdi also honoured the runners-up in each category, which in total had 12 projects. Speaking at the event, Saeed Mubarak Al Rashdi said: “I am pleased to congratulate the first place winners and the runners-up across all categories. Their efforts contribute significantly to enhancing ADNOC Distribution’s health, safety and environment performance and standards. We are confident that such initiatives will instill a culture of awareness for health, safety and environment across all departments and positively impact and contribute to realising the company’s overall ambitions in HSE - that are so critical to our day to day operations.” Among the first place winning projects was ‘a new concept for LPG storage’ in the operations category, and ‘CNG refuelling - a sustainable solution’ in the technical category. ‘ADNOC intelligent service stations’ won in the CEO category, and a submission titled ‘Follow the rules, carry safety tools’ received the honours in the retail sales category. Meanwhile, a project titled ‘Aviation mobile pumping and fuelling vehicle’ received the nod in the commercial sales category and ‘Let us come to you! Basic firefighting & basic first-aid training by using a mobile multifunctional safety’ took the top honours in the administration category. Runners-up submissions included ‘Complex grease manufacturing - a new technology’ in the operations category, ‘Asset life extension’ in the technical category, ‘Click, like, adopt - change practices for safety awareness’ in the CEO category, ‘Less steps, less time = effective inspection’ in the retail sales category, ‘Aircraft fuelling with dispenser engine shutoff’ in the commercial sales category and ‘Competency portfolio system’ in the administration category.
40
Health, Safety, Security and Environment
11th issue, 2016
41
Technology is Inevitable
Artificial Intelligence
Technology Oasis by:
Ali Abdul Aziz Al Ali
Vice President, Information Technology Division Welcome to the fifth edition of the ‘Technology is Inevitable’ series of articles. I have already discussed topics related to the third technology platform, i.e. mobile applications, cloud computing, big data, and social media. In this edition, we will delve into artificial intelligence (AI), robots, and the Internet of Things (IoT). I will explain in this article how all of these technologies are closely related to each other. 42
Information Technology
Artificial intelligence can be defined as programs that are designed by specialist programmers to perform specific tasks similar to what human beings do. These programs are considered artificial brains that can think, take decisions, and sometimes compete with the human brain. The term ‘artificial intelligence’ was first used in 1956 by the computer scientist John McCarthy during a scientific conference. Some may ask that since artificial intelligence is a human creation, why be worried with this technological advancement if human beings can actually control it? The answer is that this technology can, within a very short timeframe, mimic humans and even gradually compete with them thanks to its unmatched speed and capacity to analyse complex mathematical equations. Therefore, artificial intelligence can think like humans and sometimes take counter decisions that may negatively affect them. What we see in science fiction movies is not far away from reality. Scientists have achieved remarkable breakthroughs in advancing artificial intelligence by creating Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) that enjoy similar human capabilities, such as self-learning and selfdevelopment. These capabilities are called ‘Deep Learning’.
Artificial intelligence covers a wide range of medical, educational, linguistic, gaming and simulation fields. For example, this technology uses logic and algorithms in medical analysis, while in the gaming and simulation fields, AI is competing with human gamers thanks to its ability to calculate numerous possibilities and take fast decisions. The vast development of this technology has been utilised to plan trips for astronauts and study weather conditions. However, the best AI application for individual purposes, which may very well change our lives and how we use devices and programs, is the Google Assistant that is developed by Google. The application aims to connect human beings to data, enabling them to take decisions quickly based on these data without waiting to receive information the traditional way. Robots are one manifestation of artificial intelligence. For example, robots were first intended to perform simple tasks, like moving and carrying things, but then they developed and they are now used in manufacturing, production and complex surgeries. According to recent studies, robots are expected to replace workers and employees. In the near future, our bodies will be planted with nano-robots that can monitor the body internally,
diagnose diseases and even treat them. As for the Internet of Things (IoT), this concept has surfaced lately after the unprecedented expansion of internet-connected devices, such as smart phones, sensors, cars and electronics. It is expected that 12 billion devices will be connected to the internet, or to each other, by 2020. Finally, one example that combines artificial intelligence, robotics, and the Internet of things together is the selfdriving car that Google has started developing and that features an enormous amount of technologies and uses big data. ADNOC Distribution can use artificial intelligence for its advantage in many fields, such as connecting service stations to offer better services, and linking the main centre to other centres or offices like weather forecasting to understand weather conditions and respond quickly to any emergencies. As for service station clients, we can adjust the pumps so that they deal with clients through robots that inform them about offers available at ADNOC Oasis.
11th issue, 2016
43
A day in an employee life
Ali Al Hilali A/Recruitment Department Manager I am leading ADNOC Distribution’s Recruitment Department, and my role involves managing all recruitment activities and initiatives for the business. I need to ensure that we efficiently and sustainably attract and engage the best talent for the right jobs from local and global markets. My objective is to build a proficient team and help each individual achieve excellence, for themselves, and ultimately for the team.
How will your day-to-day job change now that you are a manager? I have been given more responsibility, a broader objective to ‘manage’ the execution of work. I am now responsible for the team’s performance so I need to ensure they are motivated and engaged to deliver on the key performance indicators and objectives of the department. How does it feel to manage recruitment for ADNOC
44
Distribution? I feel proud and honoured, it’s a huge responsibility. People are the most important element and probably the most complex asset of any business. ADNOC Distribution is a very large and diverse company that affects people’s lives all over the UAE. The decisions we make in acquiring talent have a direct effect on the quality of our products, services and the perceptions people have of our company.
What is your strategy? We have a clear strategy in recruitment, which is built around the HR strategy: to position the company as a preferred employer, attract, develop and retain talent for efficient growth of the organisation and facilitate a culture of high performance. We align ourselves with this strategy by applying a few basic principles in the way we work: measure everything we do, comprehensively understand our business and requirements, know the industry, keep up with the market, never compromise on quality and continuously look for improvements. How do you drive nationalisation? We have a holistic take on nationalisation, it is part of everything we do; nationalisation is part of our DNA. We are not only focused on increasing the numbers, but we also pay a lot of attention to the quality and background of every person we
A day in an employee life
hire and how each individual can contribute towards the success and development of UAE nationals directly or indirectly. Directly: through training, development and creating a culture of high performance. Indirectly: by introducing best practices and expertise that will improve the lives of UAE nationals. How do you attract talent and what strategies are you using? Today candidates are a lot more sophisticated than ever before, the way we attract talent is very different to the methods we used 10 years ago when I started my career in recruitment. Our sourcing strategies are centred on attracting passive talent and evolving more frequently to adapt to generation Y. We focus on our recruiters’ skills to ensure they have the competencies for modern day recruitment. Recruiting through social media platforms has been a big win. We attract more people today through social media, which has been a great tool for us in identifying and interacting with UAE nationals and
expatriate candidates on a global scale. “We have a very effective Marketing & Corporate Communications Division who have been doing a great job in positioning ADNOC Distribution as a thought leader. We work closely with them to position us as an employer of choice, promote our employer value proposition, employer branding and to give the company a strong online presence.” We have invested in systems to improve the candidate and recruiter experience. In 2012 we introduced Sniperhire, a dedicated recruitment software solution (ATS) which provides our candidates, both UAE nationals and expats, a seamless experience. The ATS enables us to work more efficiently - in 2015 alone we received close to 115,000 applications of which 95% were automatically screened by the ATS, saving us in excess of 900 hours in screening time. How do you compare against competition?
We do the basics checks such as benchmarking but we also use other metrics such as measuring our recruiters by their online presence through a recruiter index and the power of our brand using talent brand indices. In 2015, we were rated as one of the most in demand employers in the MENA region by LinkedIn, where our recruiters are also consistently achieving high rankings. I have also spent a few weeks with French oil company Total, at their offices in Paris and in London to get a good understanding of their systems, processes and recruiters. Another positive aspect is that we don’t depend on agencies to source talent; it’s all done organically. We directly source our UAE national and expatriate employees. In 2015 alone, we have employed several experienced UAE nationals and introduced five new nationalities spanning Australia to Argentina, all without spending a single dirham in agency costs. Having said that, we are always looking to improve as a department, whether it’s through developing our staff, investing in technology or re-engineering processes. What is next on the recruitment roadmap? We have been developing our upgraded careers portal, which will be launched very soon.
11th issue, 2016
45
UAE
A Pioneer in Renewable Energy
By Engineer Khaled Nasser Mohammad Yousef
46
Employee’s contribution
The UAE has made significant strides in the energy sector in recent years through improving access to and generating energy from multiple sources. This complements its efforts to pursue a peaceful civilian nuclear energy programme. Under the visionary leadership of the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the country has emerged as a global leader in renewable energy - even as it continues to invest in the advancement of the oil and gas sector to support the nation’s overall development goals. The UAE plays a pioneering role in the development of renewable energy regionally and globally. The importance attached to the renewable energy sector demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to protecting the environment and diversifying economic resources. In a bid to meet the rising challenge of urbanisation and shortages of drinking and irrigation water, the country continues to achieve major milestones with regards to generating surplus electricity. By 2020, the renewable energy sector is estimated to create investment opportunities worth US$100 billion. Reinforcing the commitment of the UAE leadership in driving a sustainability mandate, Abu Dhabi today hosts the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The UAE currently leads several ambitious projects and initiatives in the renewable energy sector, underlining the emphasis placed by the government on developing the niche sector. Most notable among these projects are the Zayed Future Energy Prize, Masdar Initiative and Masdar City - the world’s first zero-carbon city that is set for hand-over in 2025. Once completed, the sustainable city will be home to nearly 50,000 people and rely entirely on solar, wind and other forms of renewable energy. Shams 1, a concentrated solar plant with the capacity to produce nearly 100 megawatts of electricity once completed, as well as the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai - to deliver 1,000 megawatts of electricity upon completion
- are other major renewable energy projects in the country. The UAE is also spearheading regional efforts to build desalination plants powered by renewable energy such as the Ghantoot project. A major landmark for the country in the clean energy domain is the UAE’s peaceful nuclear energy programme. This initiative made the UAE the very first GCC country to establish a nuclear power plant in the region. Located in Abu Dhabi’s Barakah region, the four nuclear reactors producing electricity from nuclear energy are being built by a consortium of South Korean and US companies with the first plant set for completion in 2017, while the remaining will be ready by 2020. Aiming to meet the country’s increasing energy demand – that is estimated to double by 2020, the project is set to generate 5,600 megawatts of electricity by 2020, reducing nearly 12 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually. While clean energy is definitely the future, the UAE continues to accelerate the development of the oil and gas sector - the erstwhile financial life-lines of its economy - that still plays a crucial role in realising the country’s overall development agenda. The development philosophy pursued by the country in this sector under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan focuses on the optimal utilisation of the country’s natural resources to preserve them for future generations. Expressing this vision,
His Highness said: “The strategy of the UAE in the petroleum sector focuses on the prudent investment of our natural resources towards achieving nation-wide economic and social development. This will achieve prosperity for our country and improved livelihoods for our people. It will also ensure the active involvement of future generations in the development of our country’s precious oil wealth.” The UAE is seeking to gradually increase its investments in the oil sector through expanding its production capacity from the current 2.76 million barrels per day (bpd) to 3.5 million bpd by the end of the decade. Experts predict that the country is well positioned to achieve this goal given the huge investments that are continually ploughed into the sector. Furthermore, the country’s leadership is working to double its refining capacity from 527,000 bpd to one million bpd. As part of its continued investment to improve the supporting infrastructure, phase 1 of the Etihad Rail (Shah Habshan) was completed in end-2014, connecting a new oil well with a new refinery. The country’s oil production is also expected to surge as exploration is deepened from the current 6 billion cubic feet to 7.5 billion cubic feet by 2020. The UAE is home to the world’s third largest oil reserve, with proven reserves of up to 97.8 billion barrels. In addition, it is the world’s fifth largest producer of natural gas, with nearly two trillion cubic feet of reserves. Reflecting the growing international recognition of its leading status in the energy sector, and of its position as a top oil producer that leads regional efforts in renewable and clean energy, the UAE in October 2014 won the right to host the World Future Energy Summit 2014 - becoming the first OPEC member to host this important event in 11 years.
11th issue, 2016
47