•Approximately 4% growth annually forecasted

•Officially supported by ADNOC, 3rd ISA Automation Conference and Exhibition 2015 will reveal tactics to combat low oil prices challenges-

Abu Dhabi, U.A.E - 23 May, 2015: The Middle East's oil and gas automation and instrumentation market is set to witness significant growth over the next few years, according to industry experts gathering this week in Abu Dhabi for the ISA Automation Conference & Exhibition 2015.

According to a market research report by marketsandmarkets.com, the global process automation and instrumentation market in the oil & gas sector is expected to reach up to $31.24 billion by 2020, at an estimated CAGR of 8.23% from 2013 to 2020.

With 810 billion barrels in proven reserves (50% of global total) and 28 million barrels-per-day in production (30% of global total), Middle East is set to drive 50% of this growth. It is estimated that the region's oil and gas automation market is set to witness approximately 4% growth annually.

Commenting Neil Enright, Regional Sales Director, Middle East, Rockwell Automation said: "Low oil prices are driving operational efficiency and productivity to the top of the agenda for the industry. While this could be a short term concern, the growing population, increase in industrialisation and consumerism have transformed the Gulf states and the region into key energy consumers. As the industry continues the search for new reserves, addresses capacity issues, and upgrades ageing plant and infrastructures, it is increasingly seeking to implement advanced control and automation solutions to optimize production processes and enhance business performance"

The outlook is positive as recent findings state that the ICT spending in the Middle East is also predicted to top $96 billion next year, making it one of the top three fastest-growing markets in the world.

Just last week, ADNOC announced that it is on track to hit the emirate's target of raising oil production to 3.5 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2017, with plans to expand refining capacity to 920,000 bpd. The company is also backing its growth with increased investments of Dh119 billion in 2017, Dh72 billion in 2018 and Dh66 billion in 2019.

In line with the growing need for automation excellence, International Society of Automation (ISA) and DMS Global will hold the 3rd ISA Automation Conference & Exhibition 2015 on 26 & 27 May at St. Regis Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Commenting, Mohammed Loch, President & CEO, DMS Global said: "Today, most of the businesses recognize the need to achieve greater efficiency as one of their prime goals. Employing the right networks, tools and consulting expertise can go a long way in helping firms achieve and maintain operational efficiency. This is what we aim to assist companies and the industry achieve through 3rd ISA Automation Conference & Exhibition 2015."

ISA Automation Conference & Exhibition 2015 is a full-scale conference and tradeshow in the Gulf Region dedicated for process automation. The comprehensive industry exhibition will showcase latest automation technologies and products from the vendors across the world. This conference will offer a unique opportunity for automation professionals, equipment manufacturers and service providers to share and exchange experiences and explore the latest products and most recent innovations and technologies.

The event is supported by ADNOC (Official Supporter), Rockwell Automation (Diamond Sponsor), Saudi Aramco (Titanium Sponsor) and IMI Critical Engineering and Yokogawa (Gold Sponsor), Prosoft Technology,  Endress &Hauser, Easy World Technology, Samson (Silver Sponsor).

As the Diamond Sponsor for the event, Rockwell Automation, the world's largest company dedicated to industrial automation and information will be showcasing its latest products and solutions and also hosting a session on Rockwell Connected Enterprise.

-Ends-

Founded in 1945, the International Society of Automation (www.isa.org) is a leading, global, nonprofit organization that is setting the standard for automation by helping over 36,000 worldwide members and other professionals solve difficult technical problems, while enhancing their leadership and personal career capabilities. Based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA, ISA develops standards; certifies industry professionals; provides education and training; publishes books and technical articles; and hosts conferences and exhibitions for automation professionals. ISA is the founding sponsor of the Automation Federation (www.automationfederation.org).

DMS Global is a global marketing specialist for the energy sector. It has various divisions, namely the DMS Projects, DMS Publishing, DMS Events, DMS Cybernation and DMS Promostation DMS operates globally through its operations in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, India, China, Singapore, Russia, UK, Italy, Spain, Canada & USA. For more information please look at www.dmsglobal.net

Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), the world's largest company dedicated to industrial automation and information, makes its customers more productive and the world more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., Rockwell Automation employs about 22,500 people serving customers in more than 80 countries.

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© Press Release 2015