Staff at EIC Regional Awards Middle East, Africa and CIS 2023
Marking 20 years since establishing its presence in the region, EIC to host landmark celebration with strategic partners, industry leaders and members.
London, 25 April 2024 —The Energy Industries Council (EIC) marks this day the 20th anniversary of the establishment of its regional office in Dubai, a milestone that commemorates two decades of unparalleled commitment and service to the energy sector in the Middle East. Founded on the robust foundation of helping EIC members to facilitate business opportunities and foster industry advancements, the EIC’s Dubai office has been a cornerstone of the region's energy landscape since its inception in 2004.
Reflecting on the journey, Ryan McPherson, EIC Regional Director for the Middle East, Africa, and Commonwealth of Independent States, said, “As Regional Director for the past five years, it fills me with immense pride to mark the 20th anniversary of the establishment of our Dubai Office. I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all those, past and present, who have contributed to our remarkable journey of success. Our dedicated team consistently exceeds expectations, ensuring that our members derive maximum value from their association with EIC.”
Ryan McPherson, EIC Regional Director for the Middle East, Africa, and CIS, speaking at EIC Connect UAE 2023
The EIC Dubai office was first established following a recognised need for a local presence at an EIC-managed exhibition in Almaty, Kazakhstan in 2003. Overcoming numerous challenges to establish and expand in the Dubai Airport Free Zone, the office has since delivered more than 300 events, more than 50 trade missions, and has grown to have more than 300 UAE-based members, which is equivalent to one third of the energy supply chain in the country, as tracked on EICSupplyMap. The EIC’s presence and investment in the region has significantly impacted the energy sector's development across the Middle East, Africa, and CIS regions.
Former EIC Regional Director Terry Willis, reflecting on the early days, noted, “The decision to establish an office in Dubai was a pivotal moment. It not only addressed the immediate needs of our members but also laid the groundwork for the EIC’s long-term presence in one of the world's most dynamic regions. Our achievements over the years have only been possible through the hard work and dedication of our team and the invaluable support of our members.”
Terry Willis, Former EIC Regional Director, 2008
The EIC’s 20th anniversary will be celebrated at a special Anniversary Celebration Lunch on Thursday, 6th June, where industry leaders, members, and partners will gather to honour past achievements and discuss future plans.
Simon Lyons, Chief Business Development Officer at Kent, the largest UAE member company which also runs the biggest stand at EIC’s ADIPEC pavilion, added, “We'd like to extend our congratulations to EIC for marking two decades of unparalleled dedication to fostering industry advancements. For Kent, being a part of the EIC has not just been a membership but a partnership that has contributed to our growth and positioning in the region.”
He added: “Our journey with the EIC has expanded our network and enhanced collaborations across the supply chain. This alliance has empowered us to stay at the forefront of industry trends and enabled us to make informed decisions.”
For more information about EIC, please visit: https://www.the-eic.com
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Notes to editors:
The EIC is an award-winning global trade association for the energy supply chain with a worldwide membership of over 900 companies covering all energy sectors. Established in 1943, EIC advocates for its members by working closely with governments and key stakeholders. We work on behalf of our members across governments and agencies to reflect their needs and raise the voice of the supply chain globally. Our expert analysts and consultants produce insightful reports and bespoke market intelligence. In recognition of our commitment to excellence, the EIC was honoured to receive the prestigious King's Award for Enterprise in 2023.
EICSupplyMap is an EIC database that tracks the capabilities of companies within the energy supply chain across several regions of the world, including Brazil, Malaysia, the UAE, the UK, and the US (specifically Texas). To be included in this database, a company must be active in the energy supply chain and must either have revenues exceeding £1 million or employ 10 or more people. In the UAE, EIC tracks nearly 800 companies that meet these criteria and has more than 300 members, comprising both local UAE companies and British companies with subsidiaries in the UAE.