Preparations are in full swing to host the 18th Middle East Oil and Gas Show and Conference (MEOS 2013), due to be held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre from March 10th to 13th, 2013. Finance Minister and the Minister in Charge of Oil and Gas Affairs Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa held a meeting the Chairman and members of the Executive Committee of MEOS 2013 and was briefed on the latest preparations to host such a mega oil event. On the occasion, Shaikh Ahmed extended sincere thanks and gratitude to HRH Premier for his keenness to patronize MEOS since 1979. He added that y mega world, GCC and Arab oil companies, and an elite of experts and specialists will take part in MEOS 2013, a key event aimed to benefit the national economy and upgrade the competence of national human resources. The Minister also expressed delight at the kingdom’s ability to host a Biennial event for the 18th time in a row, which, he said, testifies to the facilities provided by the government for companies, exhibitors and participants, hailing the cooperation and coordination of ministries and state departments and the full support of all 6 GCC national oil companies. The Minister also pointed out to the National Oil and Gas Authority (NOGA)’s constant desire to achieve the goals of the kingdom’s national strategy and the Economic Vision for Bahrain, 2030, and promote its position as a hub of international hub of oil conferences and exhibitions. Inaugurated in 1979, the MEOS exhibition is the most established showcase of oil and gas products and services in the Middle East, attracting NOCs, IOCs and major operating companies. Regular high profile international exhibitors include Baker Hughes, ExxonMobil, Halliburton, Schlumberger and Weatherford amongst others in addition to smaller specialist suppliers, distributors and numerous new entries to the Middle East market.