Promising 45,500 visitors, the largest ever exhibition area and the most engaging conference programme to date, the 15th Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (Adipec) will address key energy issues locally and globally and showcase the advanced technologies needed to sustain oil and gas industry growth, senior officials representing the event’s organisers said on Thursday. Adipec 2012 will takes place from Nov.11-14 on the theme ‘Sustainable Energy Growth: People, Responsibility & Innovation’. Mohamed Bin Dha’en Al Hamli, UAE Minister of Energy, will officially open the conference programme. Covering 38,000 square metres, including a 10,500-square-metre outdoor complex, Adipec 2012 will be 8.5 per cent bigger than the 2010 show in terms of exhibition space. More than 1,600 exhibiting companies and 13 national pavilions will take part, with national oil companies from around the world represented along with leading multinationals and small to medium-sized businesses. “Adipec 2012 reflects the position of the UAE and its capital Abu Dhabi as a centre of knowledge, excellence and innovation, particularly in the oil and gas field,” said Ali Rashid Al Jarwan, CEO of Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Company and Chairman of the Adipec 2012 conference programme. Simon Mellor, SVP of dmg::events, organiser of Adipec 2012, added: “As the world’s energy challenges have grown and as the role of Gulf in meeting the world’s energy needs has evolved, Adipec has become a hub for new thinking, more innovative solutions  and business activities.” From Gulf Today