Middle East/Africa Luncheon

A critical region celebrates a bright future

Mick Swiney, SEG Staff

Pictured, from left: Fela Aromolaran, Don Steeples, Yogaani Bhatia, Said Mahrooqi, Shaun Graham, Bill Ayres, Bob Hardage, and Ram Thakur.

A festive and bustling atmosphere persisted in the Middle East/Africa Luncheon at the SEG 2012 Annual Meeting. And no wonder, as this is an area which is the subject of intense attention not only from SEG, but from the oil industry and the world.

As the luncheon got started, the crowd sampled some fine masterpieces of Lebanese cuisine while enjoying the upbeat bass, violin and accordion of the local Andalus Trio.

In addition to the fine food, attendees could enjoy a buffet of information about goings-on in the region, from active student chapters and sections/associated societies to upcoming events and meetings and Honorary and Distinguished Lecturer tours, both in the form of handouts on tables and a slideshow on the big screen at the front of the room.

Outgoing SEG President Bob Hardage kicked off the ceremonies after an introduction from GAC Regional Coordinators Bill Ayres and Ram Kumar Thakur. "What we need desperately is what SEG needs to do as a society: to support the growth and expansion of applied geophysics in the Middle East and Africa region," Hardage urged the attendees. "To prove that what I say are not just idle words, we've set up an office to take care of this region."

This set the stage for the introduction of Yoganni Bhatia, head of SEG's new office based in Dubai, UAE, who was quick to point out that 63% of SEG's membership is located outside the United States, 21% of them in the Middle East and Africa. In a vibrant and passionate address Bhatia shared some of the upcoming events and planned initiatives for the region, which should witness significant activity in coming months.

Lastly, after some heartfelt words of farewell from outgoing Chair of the Global Affairs Committee Fela Aromolaran, the crowd settled in for an energetic and engaging presentation from Said Mahrooqi, Head of Geophysical Operations, Petroleum Development Oman, on "The Quantum Leap of the Geophysics Footprint in MENA E&P".

Said Mahrooqi was thanked for his presentation with a gift from Global Geophysical, represented by Shaun Graham.

In the course of his informative and highly accessible lecture, Mahrooqi touched on such pertinent topics as the need to increase awareness of geophysics at all levels of education and to encourage technical and R&D development in the Middle East and Africa, all while urging members to use influence and mentoring to create a strong network of geoscientists in the region, and beyond.

Through it all, however, there dominated a theme of the staggering importance of the region to the future of the industry and the world, and the advances which continue to make this region more ready to enjoy such a bright future.

In the end, it became clear that luncheon attendees were gathering for more than just a good meal, good company, and a festive ambience - they were also celebrating the changing world that continues to push this region to the forefront and embracing the challenges it presents.