IADC Drilling Middle East 2025 Conference & Exhibition

07:30 Conference Registration, Coffee Service, Open Exhibition & Poster Session – Sponsored by H&P

08:30 Welcome, Introduction & Safety Briefing: Hisham Zebian, Vice President Eastern Hemisphere, IADC

08:35 Keynote Presentation: Faisal N. Al- Nughaimish, Senior Vice President Drilling & Workover Operations, Saudi Aramco

08:50 Opening Presentation: Miguel Sanchez, Chief Executive Officer, SANAD

09:05 Market Outlook

09:35 Networking Break, Open Exhibition & Poster Session – Sponsored by H&P

10:05 Featured Presentation

10:35 Panel: Implementing AI, Managing the Fear as You Invite AI into Your Business
Moderators: Liban Hussein-Ismail, Director of Operations, SANAD & Gary Castell, Senior Business Development Manager, Altrad Sparrows
This panel discussion will investigate the entry of Artificial intelligence into a business, how to deal with the natural challenges, from personnel, and legal, as well as security so that the use of AI can then commence its journey into the business as a project enhancement tool at multiple levels.

• Mohammed Murif Hassan Al-Rubaii, Drilling Foreman, Saudi Aramco
• Raed Ghali, Well Operations Manager, SLB
• Nitish Kumar Choudhary, Technical Sales Engineer, Cyberloop
• Matteo Buzzoni, Software Engineering Manager, Drillmec Spa

11:45 Luncheon, Open Exhibition & Poster Session

13:15 Offshore Efficiency Through SimOps
Session Chair: Farid Khamchane, H&P

Simultaneous Completions Operations Improves Efficiency in Offshore Wells: Lolwa Al-Majed, Completions and Workovers Engineer, Clynz Francis Harripaul, Sergei Lopovok, QatarEnergy LNG
The journey of batch PST SimOps in Qatar’s offshore development projects, how it was initiated, developed, and successfully implemented. It will cover PST SimOps mechanism, methodology and safety precautions. It will conclude with Key results and outcomes and way forward. PST SimOps is a first-time application globally on a jack-up rig, the presentation will showcase this achievement to share valuable insights and knowledge with wider oil and gas industry.

13:35 Barrier Management in Well Control
Session Chair: Farid Khamchane, H&P

My Well Barriers (Process Safety): Kenny Adams, Head of QHSSET Eastern Hemisphere Land Drilling, H&P
The drilling industry has improved its safety record, with H&P leading efforts to reduce incidents while emphasizing the importance of vigilance against Major Accident Hazards. All rig personnel, including clients and service hands, share responsibility for maintaining safety barriers. The initiative “My Well Barriers” was created to clarify safety-critical well control tasks for each job role, developed through collaborative analysis and practical application in rig operations.

13:55 Technology & Innovation
Session Chairs: Amira Maza, Marketing and Contracts Manager, Africa, Med, Middle East and India, Noble Corporation & Ibrahim Al Meshref, Operation Excellence and Efficiency Director, ARO Drilling

Internet of Things (IoT) for Real Time Drilling Operations: Saves 30% NPT: Dheeraj Kapoor, Consultant, Halliburton
This presentation refers a brief look into the evolving role of IoT in the oil and gas sector and its potential to continue transforming drilling operations. It’s an amalgamation of cloud solutions with on-premise version contributing to optimized operations using advance technologies.

PLC Control Systems Integration on Rig and Innovative Training and Simulation Technologies: Mohammad Elouri, Manager, Operation Performance, ARO Drilling
The rapid advancement of technology and innovation in the industrial sector has significantly transformed operational efficiency, safety, and training methodologies.

Twelve Years of Real-Time Operations Evolution: Transforming Monitoring Centers for Proactive Well Integrity and Risk Mitigation in KSA: Arnott Dorantes, Operations Integrity Center Manager, Diana Melissa Torres Doria, Mauricio Corona, Raed Ghali, SLB
This paper presents the 12-year evolution of monitoring centers for global LSTK projects in Saudi Arabia, starting in 2014 with the award of SLB for an LSTK project. Initially focused on post-mortem analysis, real-time data collection from rig sensors and well construction participants have since enabled proactive risk identification and mitigation, enhancing safety and operational efficiency by addressing issues such as stuck pipe, washouts, BHA integrity, and early well control detection.

14:55 Networking Break, Open Exhibition & Poster Session – Sponsored by H&P

15:25 Panel: Shaping the Future: How to Attract, Inspire, and Keep Young Talent
Moderators: Andrew Stratton, General Manager, IRE & Nikolay Dimitrov, Senior Commercial and Business Development Manager (Middle East), H&P
The future of the drilling industry depends on its ability to engage, inspire, and retain the next generation of talent. This panel brings together industry leaders and young professionals to explore how companies can better connect with emerging talent through innovation, purpose-driven work, and inclusive workplace cultures. Join us for a candid discussion on the challenges, opportunities, and strategic actions needed to ensure the long-term vitality of our workforce.

16:25 Regional Chapter Updates

16:40 Poster Presentations
Moderator: Ahmed Khalil, Senior Quality Analyst, HMH

A 5-minute presentation of 4 posters

• Roxana Shirkhorshidi, Marketing Director, Veunex
• Aiman Al Mughaizwi, Operation Well Engineer, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO)
• Jaro Aarseth, Senior Vice President Energy & Emissions, Esgian AS
• Unnikrishnan M. Pillai, Drilling Supervisor, Khafji Joint Operations, KJO

17:00 Networking Reception, Open Exhibition & Poster Session

07:30 Conference Registration, Coffee Service, Open Exhibition & Poster Session

08:30 Welcome, Introduction & Safety Briefing Hisham Zebian, Vice President Eastern Hemisphere, IADC

08:40 Keynote Presentation

08:50 Opening Presentation

09:05 Featured presentation

09:25 Wellbeing
Session Chairs: Noor Alenezi, On-Demand Solutions Director, Baker Hughes, Baker Hughes & Daniel Semerjian, Business Development Manager, NOV

Mental Health and Wellbeing – Addressing Post-Pandemic Challenges Through Proactive Digital Supports: Vladimir Karpenko, Senior Medical Advisor, Clinics & Medical Services, Anthony Renshaw, Shane Stockil, International SOS Al-Rushaid
Mental health challenges faced by rotational workers in the energy sector during and after a pandemic will be explored in this presentation. Despite organizational efforts, issues like anxiety, sleep disturbances, and reduced well-being persist, particularly in isolated onshore and offshore sites. A qualitative review of mental health consultations highlights gaps in service accessibility and the growing need for alternative support mechanisms. The study emphasizes the role of mobile applications and remote consultations in improving mental resilience and addressing the shortage of behavioral health professionals across remote energy operations.

10:05 Networking Break, Open Exhibition & Poster Session

10.35 Panel: Transforming Safety Practices Through Innovation and Technology
Moderators: Chris French, Business Development Executive – Consultant, The REACH Group & Husain Sultan, Manager, Drilling, Bapco Upstream
Join our panel session to explore innovative methodologies and technologies that support drilling operations in achieving safer and more efficient outcomes. We’ll delve into topics such as implementing a safety incentive program, leveraging AI for dynamic risk management, using incident data to shape personal safety principles, and the power of collaboration in enhancing safety practices. This session will highlight how these advancements contribute to identifying and mitigating workplace hazards and positively influence behaviours and safety culture.

• Nicolas Le Gouhinec, Director, Quality, Health, Safety & Environment, ARO Drilling
• Yahya Badar Nasser Al Amri, Senior Well Engineer, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO)
• Christiaan Mcleod, Founding Director, Mission Performance
• Gabriel Miranda, Chief Digital Officer, Lopez Performance Solutions

11:35 Poster Presentations
Moderator: Ahmed Khalil, Senior Quality Analyst, HMH

A 5-minute presentation of 5 posters

• Phillip MacDonald, Senior Manager, Operations, Semco Maritime Ltd
• Wael Akkad, Business Development Manager – MEA, NOV
• Prasanth Rajan, Managing Director, EnerGen Solutions
• Fernanda Sola Ramos, Proactive Management of Mental Health in the Offshore Industry, CEPEM Business Psychology
• Saad Wasim, Petroleum Engineering Student, Suez University

12:00 Luncheon, Open Exhibition & Poster Session

13:30 Energy Expansion
Session Chairs: Billy Arnold, Vice President Business Development, NOV & Mohamed Housny, VP Marketing and Sales Area Manager – MEA, Drillmec S.p.A.

Energy Transition-Aligned Drilling Contract Model: Amira Maza, Marketing and Contracts Manager, Africa, Med, Middle East and India, Noble Corporation
An introduction to the Energy Transition-Aligned Drilling Contract Model (ETDCM)—a next-generation contractual framework designed to align the operational, commercial, and environmental interests of all drilling stakeholders. The ETDCM integrates low-carbon KPIs, incentivizes cleaner technology adoption, embeds ESG reporting obligations, and promotes collaborative risk-sharing models to accelerate energy transition goals. the presentation will cover Why a New Contractual Model is Needed, Key Elements of the Energy Transition-Aligned Drilling Contract, Comparative Analysis: Traditional vs. Energy Transition Contracts, Legal and Commercial Implications, Case for Adoption: Benefits and Challenges, Conclusion and Call to Action.

Digital Twins and Industry 4.0 in Energy Systems: A Literature-Based Exploration of Optimization Strategies for Renewable Energy and Data Centers: Ahmed Baghdadi, Senior Geomechanics Specialist and Technical Sales Geoscientist, Mahmoud AlGaiar, Baker Hughes
The results show that DT technologies are robustly applied in renewable energy systems – especially offshore wind farms, microgrids, and hybrid systems – where real-time diagnostics, predictive maintenance, and performance optimization are key outcomes. Several papers propose architectural strategies for integrating IoT frameworks and edge/cloud computing to enhance data streaming and analytics. Predictive algorithms such as Prophet and NSGA-II are used to predict faults and optimize energy dispatch, while ontological frameworks and semantic models support effective system modeling.

Optimizing Fuel Consumption in Batch Drilling: A Practical Step Toward Decarbonizing Offshore Operations: Deep Shah, Rig Manager, Shelf Drilling, Alessandro Caia, id3 Software, Steve Manz, Cyanergy
Drilling is essential for oil and gas production but also a significant, often overlooked, source of greenhouse emissions. A new data-driven approach targets fuel reduction during batch drilling by analyzing repeated phases across wells to establish baselines, identify best practices, and set savings targets. Integrating sensor readings with daily reports, it examines engine use, load demands, and fuel consumption during key tasks—BHA handling, build-and-hold drilling, tripping, casing, cementing, and slip management—to generate actionable KPIs. Applied in a two-month offshore campaign in India, the method delivered measurable efficiency gains and is adaptable to conventional operations. This framework demonstrates that modest, data-guided changes can advance sustainable drilling.

Geothermal Presentation

14.50 Networking Break, Open Exhibition & Poster Session

15:20 Panel: Ensuring an Implemented AI Package Provides ROI, and Does Not Become a Business Gimmick
Moderators: Liban Hussein-Ismail, Director of Operations, SANAD & Gary Castell, Senior Business Development Manager, Altrad Sparrows
This panel will discuss the concept of AI once it has been embedded into a business, and the process of the workforce now starting to use that as a tool within the workplace, how the AI develops in the workplace, and examples of improvement that have been made in operational efficiency, safety and cost, combined with employee uptake as confidence and skills are enhanced with the technological tool.

• Michael Fry, Director, ModuSpec
• Yuanlin Jiang, Beijing JJC Technology Co., Ltd.

16.20 Adjournment

Poster Session & Unassigned Papers of Note:

The following paper proposals are presented as posters and will be included in the conference during the poster presentation sessions. If a scheduled paper becomes unavailable, then the posters will be included in the conference as a paper. In addition, these presentations will be made available in the IADC conference proceedings, should the author so desire.

Practical Steps for Enhancing Rig HSE Through Responsible AI: Roxana Shirkhorshidi, Marketing Director, Ahetesum Biswas, M.J Karbasian, Veunex
This presentation explores the responsible deployment of AI-integrated CCTV systems on drilling rigs to enhance HSE outcomes, safety culture, and communication. It outlines practical steps to address key challenges such as data privacy, regulatory compliance, and workforce acceptance—through setting clear objectives, engaging stakeholders, reinforcing positive behaviors, and implementing AI ethically. Field results include >99.7% detection accuracy, a 5x increase in hazard observations, a 15x reduction in reporting time, a 7% improvement in safety behaviors, and a 30% boost in communication effectiveness. Attendees will gain actionable insights into applying AI to achieve sustainable improvements on drilling rigs.

Beyond Boundaries: Achieving Safe and Efficient Delivery of Deep Play Exploration Wells: Aiman Al Mughaizwi, Operation Well Engineer, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO)
This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of frontier exploration in deep HTHP play wells beyond 6km depth in Northern Oman, targeting deep/ sour formations. It details advancements in well design optimization, drilling dynamics, and operational efficiencies aimed at achieving critical well objectives safely, reducing costs, minimizing HSE impacts, despite challenging nature of exploration given high subsurface uncertainties i.e. PPFG wide range, highly sour environment H2S , hard rock ..etc

Energy and Data Management System (EDMS): Jaro Aarseth, Senior Vice President Energy & Emissions, Esgian AS
Energy and Data Management System (EDMS) employs advanced algorithms to identify sets of equally valuable solutions that reduce energy consumption. These solutions strike a balance between cost-effectiveness and operational impact. By considering both energy costs and operational efficiency, decision-makers can make well-informed choices to optimize the performance of their drilling rigs and support vessels.

Decarbonizing Offshore Drilling Operations: KJO’s Strategic Alignment with the Saudi Green Initiative: Unnikrishnan M. Pillai, Drilling Supervisor, Khafji Joint Operations, Hassan M. Al-Medawis, Muhammed F. Al-Uraik, KJO
KJO’s five-year business plan includes operating up to seven offshore jack-up rigs, aiming to reduce emissions through fuel optimization by potential integration of energy storage systems (ESS). In line with the Saudi Green Initiative, KJO leverages innovative technologies to address power intermittency and advance the transition to net-zero emissions. This strategy ensures a reliable energy supply while reinforcing KJO’s commitment to environmental sustainability and ESG goals, contributing to a cleaner, more responsible energy future.

Driving Energy Efficiencies within the MODU Market: Phillip MacDonald, Senior Manager, Operations, Frederik Pedersen, Semco Maritime Ltd
As a leader in offshore engineering and technology, Semco Maritime is committed to advancing energy efficiency in drilling operations. Our presentation at the IADC Drilling Middle East will explore innovative approaches to enhancing rig power and fuel efficiency, aligning with our broader sustainability goals. We will delve into cutting-edge technologies, such as AI-driven data analytics and advanced mechanization, that are transforming rig energy performance and decarbonization efforts. By integrating these technologies, we aim to demonstrate significant improvements in operational efficiency and reduced carbon footprints. Join us to discover how Semco Maritime is pioneering solutions that ensure drilling technologies remain relevant and sustainable in the evolving energy landscape.

Digital Tool Kit Enhances Real-time Decision-making to Improve Drilling Efficiency and Performance: Wael Akkad, Business Development Manager – MEA, NOV
Throughout the presentation, I will explain the advantage of utilizing digital solutions on rig sites for safer operation and improved efficiency. I will also explain the approach we are working on to identify all those beliefs and the structure of the solution. How it started and where are we today vs what is the vision for the future. In addition to how digital solutions are imminent to our industry.

Critical Spares Strategy for Operational Resilience – Drillers: Prasanth Rajan, Managing Director, Shehzad Abdul Sathar, EnerGen Solutions
This session presents a data-driven approach to Critical Parts Identification (CPI) for rigs, focused on improving uptime, reducing inventory overheads, and enhancing supply chain resilience. Learn how EnerGen’s methodology enabled global drillers to optimize rig spares in excess/obsolete inventory, and standardized design specific Inventory allowable limits for rigs.

Proactive Management of Mental Health in the Offshore Industry: Fernanda Sola Ramos, Proactive Management of Mental Health in the Offshore Industry, Josenildo Rodrigues Freire Filho, CEPEM Business Psychology
This paper presents a proactive mental health program adopted by Brazilian offshore companies since 2021. It uses pre-boarding psychological support to identify emotional distress and enable early interventions. The program has reduced critical emotional vulnerability and fostered psychological and operational safety. Its data-driven approach supports targeted actions and represents an innovative, replicable model for enhancing mental health in offshore, onshore, and complex work environments.

Redefining Drilling in the Age of Energy Transition: Saad Wasim, Petroleum Engineering Student, Amr Mohamed Abdullah, Ebrahim Kelany Ebrahim, Eslam Hesham Mohamed, Suez University
This presentation explores how the drilling industry can contribute to the global energy transition by adopting sustainable practices and technologies. It focuses on reducing carbon emissions through the integration of low-carbon technologies, electrification, and improved waste management systems in offshore drilling operations. The research shows that these changes can reduce CO₂-equivalent emissions by up to 30%, enhancing both operational efficiency and public perception. The study highlights the role of the drilling sector in achieving net-zero goals, emphasizing the importance of ESG principles and collaboration for a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.