Online registration is now closed. Walk-ins will be accepted on a space available-basis only.
"The Middle East and Global Energy - A Fresh Perspective"
September 26 - 29, 2010 | Grand Hyatt Doha | Doha, Qatar
Approved for 13.5 hours of State Bar of Texas CLE credit and 13.5 hours of AAPL credit.
The Middle East, like the rest of the Global Energy industry continues to change. The outdated perception of the Middle East as just an oil exporting region characterized as complacent and bureaucratic no longer applies. This old view has been replaced with a New Perspective of a dynamic, growing and diversified region which is now starting to fully realize the promise of its abundant natural resources. The Middle East provides substantive examples of many of the current trends impacting our industry. Whether it’s adapting to the growing influence of the NOC’s and the changing strategies of the IOC’s, dealing with the impact on project development and project financing resulting from the Global financial crisis, addressing the ever shifting political landscapes impacting oil and gas development or responding to societal expectations to address to climate change issues; the Middle East both reflects and influences the mega trends shaping our Global industry. As such the conference will use specific Middle East examples (e.g. Qatar, Iraq, Libya) coupled with other examples from around the World to paint the current picture of our industry, to identify future trends, opportunities, challenges and keys to success, with the goal of leveraging these lessons to capture future opportunities and to ultimately pass these lessons to the next generation of petroleum negotiator.
The conference is under the patronage of His Excellency Abdulla Bin Hamad Al Attiyah, Deputy Premier, Minister of Energy and Industry.
Program topics will include:
• Oil and gas developments in the Middle East
• Impact of unconventional hydrocarbons on worldwide demand for Middle East oil and gas
• Challenges facing the gas sector in the Middle East
• CO2 Management in the Middle East
• Energy markets in a recovering global economy
• Perspectives from the Gas Exporting Countries Forum
• Internationalization of National Oil Companies
• Qatar’s oil and gas industry
• Perils and prospects of open-sea piracy
• Developments in corporate and social responsibility
• Special Young Negotiators session
Conference Co-chairs
Sultan M. Al-Abdulla, The Law Offices of Sultan M. Al-Abdulla
Dan LeFort, Qatar Petroleum
Nick Wallace, ExxonMobil
Download the Conference Program Here
Welcome Reception, Sunday, September 26, Rocca Pool, Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel
Spend the evening relaxing by the Rocca Pool overlooking the magnificent Persian Gulf. Take advantage of this opportunity to network and meet other AIPN members and conference attendees. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served.
The attire for this evening is business casual.
Networking Dinner, Monday, September 27, The Diplomatic Club
The Diplomatic Club is renowned for its authentic setting, as well as for its creativity and quality of food. Set against the dramatic backdrop of palm trees, gleaming skyscrapers, hotels and the paved Corniche, the Club will host the Monday night Networking Dinner. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served as well as a buffet dinner.
The attire for this evening is business casual.
Gala Dinner, Tuesday, September 28, Museum of Islamic Art
Enjoy an elegant evening out at the Museum of Islamic Arts. The building, an architectural masterpiece, was designed by Pritzker Prize laureate, I.M. Pei. Pei decided to locate the museum on an artificial island so that it would never be overshadowed by development on the sea front. The museum encompasses 45,000 square meters, and is protected from the sea by a concrete crescent cape. It houses a magnificent collection of artwork dating from the 7th to 19th centuries, representing the full scope of Islamic art. The collection is mapped to offer a narrative that is tailored to a modern audience, offering museum visitors a journey through time, across cultures, religions and eras. Guests will be served an elegant dinner in the Museum’s Atrium while enjoying the spectacular architecture and magnificent views.
The attire for the evening is suit and tie for men and a suit or dress for women. Women, please note, if you wear a dress, the dress must come below the knee and cover your shoulders.
Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel
P.O. Box 24010
Doha, Qatar, State of Qatar
Tel: +974 4448 1234
Fax: +974 4448 1235
The Grand and Sea View rooms are now SOLD OUT. Club rooms are still available for QR 1150 ($ 315.89).
To make your hotel reservations, download the hotel reservation form found here.
Once you complete the form, send it via fax or e-mail to Reservations Department at the Grand Hyatt Doha: +974 448 1235 or e-mail to: reservations.ghdoha@hyatt.com.
Hotel reservation deadline is September 6, 2010
To receive the AIPN group rate of QR 1150 ($315.89) single/double, your reservation must be booked by this date. After this date, AIPN cannot guarantee rates or availability. Your hotel reservation includes buffet breakfasts, bottled water, access to state-of-the-art fitness technology at the Jaula Spa and the 400 meter private beach. Your hotel reservation does not guarantee nor include your conference registration.
Rooms are now also available at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel down the street from the Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel (Transportation will be provided if you are staying at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel).
The Ritz-Carlton Doha Hotel
P.O. Box 23400, West Bay Lagoon
Doha, Qatar, State of Qatar
Tel: +974 4848000
Fax: +974 4848484
Deluxe Rooms: QR 950 single ($ 260.91)/QR 1000 ($274.64) double
To make your hotel reservations, download the hotel reservation form found here. Once you complete the form, send it via fax or e-mail to the Reservations office at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel: + 974 4848484 or ali.anka@ritzcarlton.com or doha.reservations@ritzcarlton.com.
Visa Information
A tourist or transit visa is required to travel to Qatar. However, individuals from the following countries can apply for visas upon arrival in Qatar: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Malaysia, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, the Netherlands, USA, UK, Vatican City and citizens of the GCC countries (Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE and Oman).
The above list is not definite and is subject to change as per Qatari government. Please consult with your nearest embassy prior to traveling to Qatar.
Visas can be arranged by the Grand Hyatt Hotel. When sending your hotel reservation form, please let reservations know you need a visa and they will be happy to assist you. Please note that the visa process takes at least 10 business days. The cost is QAR 230 (approx. $63.00) per application. Your passport must be valid for 6 months or longer than the travel date. Visa approval is subject to the Doha Immigration Department and visa charges are non-refundable in case of cancellation, rejection or no-show. The visa issued will be valid for a single entry only and valid for 14 days.
As per the Qatar Immigration Office, all visitors entering into Qatar with a tourist visa must have an amount of QAR 5,000 (approx. $1,500.00) either in cash or on a credit card available upon arrival at the Doha airport. If you fail to provide this when asked, your entry into the country may be denied.
For more information on tourist visas click here.
Your conference registration includes conference materials, lunch, coffee breaks, the Welcome Reception, Networking Dinner and Gala Dinner. Your registration does not include hotel and travel accommodations.
Registration Fees
Online registration is now closed. Walk-ins will be accepted on a space-available basis only.
Early Registration (on or before September 6, 2010):
Member: $1695 | Non-member: $1895 | Student: $350
Government/Academic - Contact AIPN directly for special rates:
aipnevents@aipn.org or +1 281-558-7715, ext. 107
After September 6, registration fees will increase by $200.
Explore the natural environment, take an exciting desert safari, relax at the many beaches and pool facilities, or enjoy your favorite sport. Whatever your interest, there is something for everyone in Doha. Sahara Tours has organized a variety of tours for you during your stay. To learn more about these tours or to register, download the Optional Tours document below. Once you complete the form, send it via e-mail or fax to Sahara Tours: e-mail to: aipn@saharatoursqatar.com or fax to :+974 4413 4603. Sahara Tours will send delegates a tour confirmation with the date of tour requested, type of tour, time and pick-up location. For questions, please contact Angelique Florez at aflorez@aipn.org or aipn@saharatoursqatar.com.
Click here for the tour registration form.
AIPN Golf Tournament
Wednesday, September 29
Doha Golf Club
12:00 – departure from Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel | 12:30 – tee time start
Nothing reflects the natural beauty and diverse landscape of Qatar more than Doha Golf Club. Designed by Peter Harradine and unveiled in 1997, the 7374-yard 18-hole Championship Course provides a variety of challenges that will appeal to both the novice golfer and the seasoned professional. 8 strategically positioned lakes, 65 giant cacti, numerous imposing limestone rock formations and an abundance of lush and lengthy green fairways present a startling contrast to the desert that lies beyond.
Registration includes transportation, a boxed lunch, green fee, cart rental and practice balls.
Price: US $150 | Estimated time: 5 hours | Limited to 32 participants
AIPN Tennis Tournament
Wednesday, September 29
Ritz-Carlton Hotel
12:30 departure from Grand Hyatt Doha | 1:00 p.m. start time
The 2010 AIPN Tennis Tournament will be played at the Ritz-Carlton Doha Hotel. Discover The Ritz-Carlton in Qatar and experience the breathtaking beauty of the Gulf. From the city’s traditions and culture to its modern amenities and exciting attractions, this Doha luxury hotel provides guests with convenient access to all this unforgettable destination has to offer. Your registration includes transportation, the tournament and water and juices.
Price: US $35 | Estimated Time: 4 hours
AIPN Educational Seminar
"Today's Sovereign and Commercial Challenges for Petroleum Projects in the Middle East"
Thursday, September 30
Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel
8:30am - 5:30pm
The most contentious worldwide issue in State-to-State relations today concerns the location of national boundaries in areas of potential petroleum riches. From the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) off the Atlantic coast of Argentina to the boundary between Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire on the African west coast, from the waters off Saudi Arabia and Yemen to the South China Sea, and north to the Arctic, States compete today for ownership of petroleum deposits in disputed waters more than ever before. The morning of the AIPN Educational Seminar will be devoted to presentations by international legal experts examining the nature and methods to resolve these potentially explosive disputes.
In the afternoon, the Seminar turns from conflict to promise and accomplishment, as the speakers discuss first the increasing use of Islamic Finance in Petroleum Projects, explaining the relevance and growing importance to investments by International Oil Companies in the Middle East. The Educational Seminar concludes with an eye-opening and insightful examination of the legal work-horses of the international energy industry, the Concession Contracts, focusing on new terms, developments, and trends in these agreements that make attendance to this seminar absolutely imperative.
Download the program here.
Dear Conference Attendee,
We are pleased that you will be joining us at the 2010 International Conference. This event will take place at the Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel, in Doha Qatar, September 26 – 29, 2010. In anticipation of your arrival, we wish to provide you with information to help you in your travel planning.
1. Hotel, Airport and Transportation Information
Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel
P.O. Box 24010
Doha, Qatar
Tel: +974 4448 1234
Fax: +974 4448 1235
Al Maha Meet and Greet Service
For your convenience, the hotel concierge has two types of Al Maha Meet and Greet Service available to assist you when you arrive at the Doha International Airport. Please note that Porter Services at the airport will be charged at an additional QR 20 per guest:
- Al Maha Service – Gold @ QR 210 per guest: an Al Maha Representative will meet your guests at the arrival hall of the airport and will assist with immigration procedures
- Al Maha Service – Platinum @ QR 273 per guest: an Al Maha Representative will meet guests at the aircraft and will assist with immigration procedures
Please contact the hotel concierge at +974 4448 1234 if you’d like to book Al Maha service.
Ground Transportation
The Doha Airport is only five minutes away from the capital. Taxis are easily available at the airport and can be found outside the arrival lobby. Larger taxis are available for those with a lot of baggage. Taxis range from QR 60 – QR 90 depending on traffic.
The hotel concierge can arrange for limousine transfers at a rate of QR 150 per car per way. Please contact the concierge at least 24 hours in advance of your arrival to ensure availability.
There are many car rental desks upon exiting customs in the arrivals section. You can drive on most foreign licenses for up to 7 days.
2. Conference Registration Desk
The conference registration desk will be located in the Al Silia Foyer of the Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel. Please visit the registration desk during the hours listed below to sign for your name badge and conference materials. You will need your badge to attend all conference sessions and evening events.
Registration hours are:
Sunday, September 26, 16:00-18:00
Monday, September 27, 08:00-17:00
3. Conference Materials
Each full conference delegate will receive a conference binder, containing speaker presentations, biographies, and other information. This will be provided to you upon check-in at the registration desk.
The conference binder materials will also be made available on the AIPN Web site following the conference. Additionally, if you requested a CD-ROM of the conference materials, it will be produced and mailed to you after the conference.
4. Meeting Room
Conference sessions will start promptly at 08:00 on Monday, September 27 and will take place in the Al Sillia Ballroom III of the Grand Hyatt Doha hotel.
5. Meals and Entertainment
Your conference registration includes morning and afternoon coffee breaks, lunch and entrance to the Welcome Reception, Networking and Gala Dinners.
- Morning and afternoon coffee breaks will be located in Al Silia Ballroom Foyer.
- Monday and Tuesday luncheons will be located in Al Silia Ballroom II.
- Welcome Reception, 18:30 - 21:00, September 26, Rocca Pool. Please plan on joining us poolside for this reception.
- Networking Dinner, 19:00-21:30, September 27, The Diplomatic Club. Transportation to the dinner will be provided. Please plan on meeting at the Banqueting Entrance off the main lobby on the ground floor at 18:30.
- Gala Dinner, 19:00-21:30, September 28, The Museum of Islamic Art. Transportation to the dinner will be provided. Please plan on meeting at the Banqueting Entrance off the main lobby on the ground floor at 18:30. There will be a cocktail reception and facility tour from 19:00 – 20:00, followed by dinner from 20:00 – 21:30.
6. Dress Code
- The dress code for the conference, Welcome Reception and Networking Dinner is business/business casual. Please keep in mind that business dress code is more conservative in Doha. Dark business suits with ties are advisable for men. Women should wear business suits with lower hemlines and have their shoulders and arms covered.
- The Gala Dinner on Tuesday evening will be business attire such as suits and dresses; no tuxedos or evening gowns necessary. Ladies, please note that if you do plan on wearing a dress or skirt, it must fall below the knee and cover your shoulders.
- Keep in mind that the average temperatures in Doha at this time of year are: highs of 101°F/38°C and lows of 79°F/26°C. Please dress appropriately.
7. Optional Activities
AIPN Golf Tournament
Wednesday, September 29
Doha Golf Club
12:00 – departure from Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel | 12:30 – tee time start
Registration includes transportation, a boxed lunch, green fee, cart rental and practice balls.
Price: US $150 | Estimated time: 5 hours | Limited to 32 participants
AIPN Tennis Tournament
Wednesday, September 29
Ritz-Carlton Hotel
12:30 - departure from Grand Hyatt Doha | 1:00 p.m. start time
Your registration includes transportation, the tournament and water and juices.
Price: US $35 | Estimated Time: 4 hours
One-Day Educational Seminar
The International Conference will be followed by a One-Day Educational Seminar, “Today's Sovereign and Commercial Challenges for Petroleum Projects in the Middle East”, on Thursday, September 30 from 09:00-17:00. Topics include Boundary disputes affecting the international petroleum industry, finance in petroleum projects, and a Master Class on Concession Agreements.
Attendees of the International Conference will save $50 off the Educational Seminar registration fee. If you would like to register for this seminar, please visit
http://aipn.org/Events/ES2010.aspx. Space is limited.
8. Optional Tours
If you or your guest registered for one of the optional tours, he or she should receive a separate e-mail from Sahara Tours with more information about transportation and itinerary.
9. Cancellations
If you have a change in plans and cannot attend the conference, please advise AIPN as soon as possible, by e-mail: aipnevents@aipn.org, or by contacting Angelique Florez at +1 281-558-7715, ext. 107. AIPN's Refund Policy states that registration fees are non-refundable however, delegate substitutions may be permitted.
We look forward to seeing you in Doha.