Oil remains the staple commodity of the Middle East with the bulk of the world's hydrocarbons concentrated in the Gulf.

And proven global reserves have doubled in the last two decades almost entirely due to regional exploration, according to Saudi Aramco vice-president and Middle East Oil Show (MEOS) chairman Saad A Turaiki.

''Within the Gulf, recent significant activity includes Kuwait's initiative to raise oil production capacity to 3.5 million barrels per day (bpd) by 2005,'' he explained.

''Kuwait is now welcoming foreign assistance in pursuing this goal and strong interest is being shown by BP Amoco, Chevron, TotalFina, the Royal Dutch/Shell Group and Exxon-Mobil.''

Turaiki said that Saudi Arabia is focusing on improving recovery techniques from existing wells utilising new technological developments and drilling capabilities.

''Gas is now increasing its profile as a fuel for the future with demand increasing because it is a cleaner and more efficient fuel than oil or coal,'' he continued.

Turaiki said techniques for its extraction and transportation also are improving and that the Gulf now accounts for more than a third of the world's proven reserves.

Much excitement surrounds developments in Saudi Arabia, in particular the Kingdom's invitation to international oil majors to submit investment proposals for gas production, treatment and distribution, as well as petrochemicals and power generation.

On show at MEOS will be the latest technologies developed worldwide to assist Saudi Arabia in its quest to maximise hydrocarbon production and maintain output at some of the lowest costs on earth.

''The significance of gas is further exemplified by the $10 billion Dolphin project, perhaps the most ambitious energy scheme in the world,'' he added.

The first phase of the project, said Turaiki, aimed to supply 30 billion cu m of gas annually from Qatar's North Field to the UAE, and then to Oman. ''The second phase will extend the network to Pakistan,'' he continued.

Turaiki said the project will have a large infrastructure requirement and provide supplies to the industry with huge sales opportunities.

He pointed out that these new projects, as well the existing gas and oil industries of the Gulf, have drawn worldwide participation in this year's MEOS exhibition and conference, which opens today at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre.

The four-day programme is being organised by Arabian Exhibition Management (AEM).

MEOS, continued Turaiki, has served the needs of the region's energy community for more than two decades. ''The programme, which is held every two years, has now evolved into the focal point for technology, buyers and suppliers to meet and do business,'' he said.

Turaiki said this year's show will continue to build upon the trend, with national pavilions from the US, UK, European Union, Italy and Canada.

''Complementing the international pavilions will be key individual firms, including Schlumberger, Baker Hughes, Halliburton, The Shell Group of Companies, British Petroleum, Texaco, Chevron and the Daniel Industries.''

Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco), Saudi Aramco, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) and Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) are taking flagship stands at the show.

''A major highlight is the conference, which is being organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE),'' Turaiki continued.

The high level conference which runs parallel to the exhibition takes place this year under the theme 'Optimising Oil and Gas for an uncertain future: Innovation, Integration and Technology.'

More than 130 technical papers addressing issues at the cutting edge of oil and gas development are being presented by industry professionals, providing delegates with an unrivalled opportunity to exchange ideas and know-how face-to-face, according to AEM.

Turaiki said the last programme drew 3,754 visitors industry professionals, including petroleum engineers; managers; reservoir pipeline, process mechanical, electrical and civil engineers; refinery managers; geologists and geophysicists; marine rig, drilling rig and supply vessel managers and operators.

More than 250 companies from 20 countries have signed up to showcase the latest products and technological advances for this year's event, according to the organisers.