Abu Dhabi, 12 February 2017:  A new regional conference devoted to exploring the growing role of the Middle East as the world’s largest producer of sulphur opens today in Abu Dhabi. Taking place from on Sunday 12 February to Thursday 16 February 2017, Middle East Sulphur is organised by CRU Events – a subsidiary of the business intelligence company, CRU Group, that specialises in the global metals, mining and fertilizer markets; the conference will offer  a high profile platform for showcasing the significance of this vital commodity. The inaugural conference, sponsored by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), the world’s largest producer of sulphur, will provide a thorough exploration of the entire sulphur chain – from discussions on the global market dynamics and insights into the role of the Middle East, through to demand updates from key consumers; and a focus on the operational aspects of the safe, efficient and environmentally responsible production of sulphur.

CRU’s Middle East Sulphur Conference, which will be held at Jumeriah at Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi, is fully aligned with the UAE Government’s vision to create new value for sulphur to support the continued diversification of the nation into a thriving knowledge based economy. The interactive event, which will include roundtables, top level panel discussions, workshops and technical training will bring together a wide variety of participants from both commercial and technical backgrounds, from across the international sulphur community and over 460 delegates from 33 countries are confirmed to attend. Tomorrow’s Commercial Day will feature a Welcome Address by ADNOC’s Mr. Omar Suwaina Al Suwaidi, Gas Management Director and other contributors to the day’s programme will include senior representatives from Al Hosn Gas, DNATCO/NGSCO, GASCO, OCP, Shell and CRU’s sulphur expert. 

Attendees are expected to include suppliers, producers, researchers and academics, operators and technical staff and technology providers. The event will also attract professionals working in related fields including logistics, distribution, engineering and integrated media outlets.  

The technical programme will run over two consecutive days on 14 and 15 February and will feature world-leading industry experts who will also be on hand to share their experiences and insights of encouraging collaboration to solve operational challenges and promoting peer-to-peer knowledge transfer whilst providing an ideal networking platform.  Attendees will also have access to a world-class exhibition showcasing the most innovative technologies used in the industry.

CEO of CRU Events, Nicola Coslett commented: “We are delighted to be launching the region’s first specialised sulphur conference in Abu Dhabi. .  This is a pivotal time for the sulphur industry and we expect the Middle East and particularly Abu Dhabi to continue to see supply growth throughout the next year with the region becoming an increasingly important origin for sulphur supply. 

“The conference will bring together a number of important stakeholders for lively discussions to ensure that the industry continues to grow and improve with the UAE at its core.”

Middle East Sulphur Conference 2017 is the latest sulphur related event to be organised by CRU and will take place on 12-16 February.  The business intelligence provider also hosts the industry’s flagship Sulphur International Conference and Exhibition - the leading annual event for the sulphur and sulphuric acid markets.  The next Sulphur Conference will take place in Atlanta, USA in November 2017.