Nahyan Bin Mubarak Inaugurates 16th Middle East Refining and Petrochemicals Tech Forum in Dubai
Faizan Hashmi
Published September 15, 2026 | 06:45 PM
DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM – 15th Sep, 2026) Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, inaugurated the 16th middle East Refining and Petrochemicals Tech Forum (ME-TECH 2026) taking place in Dubai from 14th to 16th September.
The forum gathers officials, experts, engineers, scientists, executives, specialists and innovators from refining and petrochemicals sectors across the GCC, Middle East, Asia, Europe, North America and other regions.
Held under the theme “Empowering the Future of the Downstream Sector”, ME-TECH 2026 continues its nearly two-decade role as a specialized platform for addressing opportunities and challenges facing these industries.
The forum focuses on:
- Enhancing the efficiency and value of existing assets
- Supporting their transformation into integrated, low-carbon energy and chemicals hubs
- Leveraging digital solutions and advanced technologies
In his opening address, Sheikh Nahyan expressed enthusiasm for discussions on:
- Improving asset performance
- Achieving closer integration between refining and petrochemicals
- Utilizing artificial intelligence for measurable improvements
- Enhancing efficiency, resilience, and profitability
He thanked Euro Petroleum Consultants, Colin Chapman, and his team for organizing the forum in Dubai, emphasizing the broad international participation highlights the UAE’s significance in the sector and its vision based on progress, prosperity, and shared opportunity.
Sheikh Nahyan noted:
- The UAE has long recognized that progress accelerates when people, knowledge, capital, and ideas converge, fostering global cooperation and successful partnerships.
- Resilient nations and industries share key attributes, including leadership, adaptability, innovation, investment in people, and confidence in the future.
He underlined the UAE’s commitment to refining and petrochemicals as strategic national assets, investing in capacity, technology, and human capital to support sophisticated industries.
Sheikh Nahyan highlighted the sector’s vital role in modern life, producing fuels, fertilizers, packaging, medicines, construction materials, and countless everyday products. He added that the industry faces challenges related to:
- Improving margins
- Adopting new technologies
- Reducing energy use and emissions
- Strengthening reliability
