Professional Development Students from 17 Countries Recognised for UAE Seismic Analysis Project

Middle East Boot Camp study enhances understanding of Northern Emirates earthquake zone 

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 12 November, 2016:  The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) today hosted a ceremony recognising the achievements of 46 students, including 25 from the UAE, who participated in the Second Middle East Boot Camp 2016, an annual professional development program supported by ADNOC, the Petroleum Institute, and Schlumberger.

Representatives from the European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers (EAGE), and other companies supporting the boot camp, awarded the students with certificates for their work on the Dibba-Wadi Al-Fay Fault Zone, located in the Northern Emirates. The ceremony took place at ADNOC’s main stand at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC).

Abdulmunim Saif Al Kindy, Director of the ADNOC Exploration, Development and Production Directorate, said: “Professional development is a critical part of ADNOC’s business strategy. By working with academic and commercial organisations, from across the UAE and the wider region, ADNOC is contributing to the development of highly qualified professionals who will help the company maintain its competitive edge.

“The Middle East Boot Camp provides a valuable opportunity for students and researchers to apply theory in real-time field conditions, and deliver tangible benefits to the people and the economy of the UAE.”

As part of their professional development, the students were tasked with increasing knowledge of the Dibba-Wadi Al-Fay Fault Zone, which has the potential to cause earthquakes in the UAE. The study, which took place over one week at the start of the month, has enhanced understanding of the potential impact of earthquakes in the area, and will help to inform decisions about the future design of buildings and infrastructure in the area.

Emily Bell Regional Manager EAGE Middle East, said: “The boot camp is a great opportunity for students and young professionals who have never been in the field, or had the chance to experience actual working conditions. The boot camp enables these students to combine theoretical and practical lessons and work collaboratively with members of other universities who will become their colleagues in the future.”

In addition to the UAE students, 21 students, from 16 other countries, took part in the boot camp. The students’ work complemented existing high resolution seismic data with magnetic and gravity profiles of the Dibba-Wadi Al-Fay Fault Zone, an important step in assessing the area’s geologic conditions.

The camp was organised by the EAGE in association with ADNOC, the Petroleum Institute, and Schlumberger. ADCO an ADNOC operating company, Arabian Geophysical and Surveying Company (ARGAS) and Sharjah National Oil Company were key sponsors of the camp.

Dibba, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and other parts of the Northern Emirates experience mild to moderate intensity earth tremors regularly, mainly as a result of earthquakes in Iran and Pakistan.