ADIPEC 2026 opened in Abu Dhabi on November 2, bringing together energy companies, government ministers and investors for four days of discussions on energy security, technology and infrastructure investment.

The exhibition, running from November 2 to 5 under the patronage of President Sheikh Mohamed and hosted by Adnoc, is expected to attract more than 239,000 attendees from over 170 countries. Organisers have confirmed a record 2,260 exhibiting companies, with all 16 halls at Adnec Centre Abu Dhabi sold out, according to Logistics Middle East.

The State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) will also participate in the event.

More than 40 government ministers are expected to attend, alongside executives from major energy companies including BP, Shell, TotalEnergies, Eni, ExxonMobil, Chevron and Occidental Petroleum. Technology groups such as Siemens, IBM and Microsoft are also exhibiting.

The event comes as governments and energy companies reassess supply security, infrastructure investment and trade routes following months of disruption to global oil and gas markets.

Artificial intelligence, electricity demand and operational efficiency are expected to feature prominently. Halliburton plans to demonstrate AI-powered drilling and production tools, while GE Vernova is showcasing gas turbines, grid modernisation and carbon management technologies. Emerson, Schneider Electric, SLB, Aveva and Honeywell are also presenting automation and digital systems.

Research released ahead of the exhibition found that 76 per cent of surveyed Middle East energy leaders had increased investment in autonomous technology over the past year. An Adnoc and Microsoft study found 89 per cent had raised AI spending, while 81 per cent of executives expect AI-related electricity demand to exceed current forecasts.

Asia is represented by 353 companies and six national pavilions from China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea. Exhibitors include Sinopec, CNPC, CNOOC, Catl, Petronas, Inpex and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

The region’s presence reflects its importance to Gulf energy exports. Before the Iran war, nearly 90 per cent of crude oil and condensate passing through the Strait of Hormuz was destined for Asia.

ADIPEC’s opening programme includes an address by Adnoc chief executive Dr Sultan Al Jaber and a ministerial discussion on energy security involving UAE Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei and counterparts from Germany, Türkiye and Egypt.