On 19 October 2008, GDI hosted the “First” IADC Middle East Operations Forum at Sharq Village & Spa one of Doha’s most interesting properties, designed to be a modern version of an ancient Qatari village attended by managers from drilling contractors across the region.

Al-Dasha ballroom held the 2 hours program which included an overview of the status of various IADC activities and programs by Mr. Ken Fischer, IADC regional vice president – Middle East & Asia emphasizing issues that will or could impact drilling operations in the Arabian Gulf region. These included environmental issues, technical and engineering challenges and the status of training and accreditation.

This was followed by presentation by Dr. Mark H. Weichold, Dean and CEO of Texas A&M University at Qatar, titled “Meeting the Challenge of Engineering Education in Qatar.” giving his views on the current and future trends in higher education in the region.  And focused particularly on how the region’s educational resources can be utilized to help drilling contractors attract the “best and brightest”.

The next Middle East Operations Forum meeting will be hosted by National Drilling Company in Abu Dhabi in early 2009.