Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE

تحت رعاية صاحب السمو الشيخ محمد بن زايد آل نهيان، رئيس دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة

Supported by

Richard Ward

EVP Field Operations

Weatherford

Richard
Richard

Richard Ward joined Weatherford in 2024 and brings over three decades of international expertise in managing large-scale oilfield operations and effectively leading teams in oilfield services. His experience guiding corporate strategy teams across industrial sectors and geographical boundaries positions him to add significant value as we pursue growth opportunities and navigate the dynamic industry landscape. After receiving a BS in Geology from London University, Richard joined Baker Hughes, where he spent his career before joining Weatherford. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President of Subsea Production Systems and, throughout his tenure, held leadership roles in the US, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Session Overview
Tuesday, 4 November
11:25
Digitalisation & AI Conference Room A 11:25 - 12:05
Upstream unleashed: AI from discovery to production

From the first seismic shot to steady-state production, upstream success hinges on countless interdependent decisions, many of which are still made with siloed data, human bias and hours-old information. An integrated AI fabric spanning exploration, drilling and completions, and day-to-day production is the breakthrough that can turn upstream into a self-optimising value engine. This next-generation approach reduces exploration uncertainty and accelerates prospect identification by using synthetic data and enhancing subsurface models. Facilitated by AI's powerful analytics capabilities, this progressive energy strategy promises to uncover drastic cost reduction opportunities across the entire upstream workflow, allowing us to harness every available energy source.

Attendee insights:

Learn how AI can be leveraged across exploration, drilling and production to secure a competitive advantage and position businesses at the forefront of energy innovation.

Monday, 4 November
15:15
Decarbonisation Conference Decarbonisation Theatre 15:15 - 16:15
View Session
Optimising operations to advance decarbonisation: a digital and cultural shift

The operating environment for energy-related stakeholders is rapidly evolving, with increasing pressure for transparency and accountability around emissions, sustainability metrics, and net-zero progress. By adopting a digital-first mindset, that leverages data analytics and emerging technologies, and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, organisations can optimise operations for decarbonisation and contribute to a sustainable future. However, there are challenges in leveraging operational excellence including establishing accurate emissions baselines, accounting for value chain emissions, aligning incentives, and engaging the entire organisation in decarbonisation efforts. Overcoming these challenges requires companies to take a holistic, collaborative approach that embeds decarbonisation into their core operating model and gives it the same importance as improving efficiencies and reducing costs.

Attendee insights:

Understand the role of digital technologies and cultural integration in optimising operations for reduced emissions and impactful decarbonisation.

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