The Energy Workforce Middle East Chapter hosted its inaugural event in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the U.S. Consulate in Dhahran during IKTVA Forum 2025.
In its efforts to grow regional presence the Middle East Chapter, led by Riaz Jumabhoy, GD Energy Products, partnered with the U.S. Chamber and AmCham KSA EP to host a networking reception, sponsored by H&P. Held during the Saudi Aramco IKTVA (In-Kingdom Total Value Add) Forum, the reception at the U.S. Consulate in Dhahran provided guests an opportunity to network with U.S. based service providers to explore opportunities that drive innovation, collaboration and excellence in the energy industry.
Speakers included Consul General Jim Sindle, Energy Workforce Board Chair Scott Livingston, NOV; David Edginton, President, AmCham EP, and Liz Clark, Director Middle East Affairs, U.S. Chamber.
During his remarks, Board Chair Livingston acknowledged a longstanding collaboration between Energy Workforce and the Department of State and Commerce and the sector’s strong presence in the Kingdom:
“Over the past 32 years, the Energy Workforce Houston Energy Course has trained over 1,000 government officials in all aspects of the energy industry and has provided government and industry participants the opportunity to build lasting connections with their counterparts, including over 40 officers who were based or headed to Saudi Arabia. Energy Workforce members have a strong presence in the Kingdom and work hand in hand with Aramco to deploy their latest technologies and equipment. They are trusted partners in-country and support regional operators in achieving their enhanced safety, efficiency, and resilience goals.”
In addition to the Consul General and other high-level U.S. government officials, attendees included representatives from Saudi Aramco, TotalEnergies, Baker Hughes, Cummins Arabia, H&P, Halliburton, SLB, and Weatherford, amongst others.
Energy Workforce’s Middle East Chapter is in the process of expanding its footprint in the region and hosting several events in 2025 including an Oil & Gas 101 scheduled for April and its annual Golf Tournament in Dubai on November 7. If you would like to get further engaged with the Chapter, please reach out to VP Energy Policy, Maria Suarez-Simmons
Maria Suarez-Simmons, Senior Director Energy Policy, writes about industry-specific policies for the Energy Workforce & Technology Council. Click here to subscribe to the Energy Workforce newsletter, which highlights sector-specific issues, best practices, activities and more.
