Honeywell and Gulf Downstream Association Introduce New Training Course for Next Generation of Engineers

HONEYWELL AND GULF DOWNSTREAM ASSOCIATION INTRODUCE NEW TRAINING COURSE FOR NEXT GENERATION OF ENGINEERS

Honeywell UOP and the Gulf Downstream Association to tackle the industrial skills gap in the refining and petrochemicals industry

          
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 22, 2018 – Honeywell UOP and the Gulf Downstream Association (GDA) are collaborating to train the next generation of engineers in the Middle East refining and petrochemicals industries. Together, they plan to deliver a series of industry courses, catering to entry-level chemical engineers, as well as engineers from various disciplines moving into the refining and petrochemicals industry. These courses are being delivered at a time when regional governments in the Middle East are striving to address a growing industrial skills gap.

The first course on refinery process fundamentals was held in two batches in the Kingdom of Bahrain during August and September of this year. A total of 45 delegates from Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO), Saudi Aramco, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Kuwait Integrated Petroleum Industries Company (KIPIC) benefitted from the course.

“The refinery process course provides a broad overview of the fundamentals of refinery operation and production,” said Jim Moshi, regional general manager, Honeywell UOP, Middle East. “Using the refinery schematic, key processes are examined as individual units and in the context of the whole refinery.” 
“This course is part of Honeywell’s investment in building up engineering talent in the Middle East,” he added. “By working with GDA we aim to reduce the industrial skills gap prevalent within the Middle East so younger talent can continue to improve the productivity and efficiency of the oil and gas industry.”
The three-day course illustrates how downstream units function, the effect of temperature and pressure parameters on unit performance, and the impact each unit has on the refinery’s profitability.

“At the Gulf Downstream Association (GDA), we are committed to developing young talent in the Middle East and giving them the chance to explore specialist fields such as the refining and petrochemicals industry,” said Audah Al Ahmadi, secretary general, Gulf Downstream Association. “We are delighted to collaborate with Honeywell UOP, a company that has been a trusted advisor to the Middle East oil and gas industry for many years.” 

“This collaboration offers an academic experience to the younger generation of engineers looking to advance their careers in the oil and gas industry and supports GDA’s mission to provide a platform for sharing knowledge, experience and best practices,” he added. “We are delighted to host participants from across the wider Middle East region and mentoring them to harness their interest and abilities within the industry.”

About Honeywell UOP

Honeywell UOP (www.uop.com) is a leading international supplier and licensor of process technology, catalysts, adsorbents, equipment, and consulting services to the petroleum refining, petrochemical, and gas processing industries. Honeywell UOP is part of Honeywell’s Performance Materials and Technologies strategic business group, which also includes Honeywell Process Solutions (www.honeywellprocess.com), a pioneer in automation control, instrumentation and services for the oil and gas, refining, petrochemical, chemical and other industries.

Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 software-industrial company that delivers industry specific solutions that include aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings and industry; and performance materials globally. Our technologies help everything from aircraft, buildings, manufacturing plants, supply chains, and workers become more connected to make our world smarter, safer, and more sustainable. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywell.com/newsroom.

About GDA

The Gulf Downstream Association (GDA) was founded by Saudi Aramco, Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO),  Kuwait Petroleum International (KPI), Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) as a non-profit organisation that aims at exchanging information, experiences, and outstanding technical practices, and raising the efficiency of employees in the sector of refining, distribution and associated facilities, as well as contributing to the economic and social development of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

In addition, strengthening generally the position of the petroleum industry in the growth of the global economy. The approval on the establishment of the Gulf Downstream Association (GDA) took place at the Cabinet meeting in the Kingdom of Bahrain held on 11 July 2016. For more information and membership inquiries, contact +973 1711 6000  or visit the Association’s website at www.gda.org.bh.