The Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi (DoE) has convened over 130 essential stakeholders from both government and private sectors to discuss safety, compliance, and future development in the petroleum products industry, in anticipation of forthcoming regulatory changes.
This workshop, themed “Petroleum Products Safety and Compliance,” was the second of two industry-wide sessions that focused on the impending regulatory transformation of the sector and emphasized a commitment to the highest standards of safety and compliance for public welfare.
Shared responsibilities
Dr. Saif Saeed Al Qubaisi, acting director-general of Regulatory Affairs at DoE, highlighted the shared responsibility among government and private entities in promoting growth while ensuring a safe, secure, and sustainable energy future for the emirate.
Commitment to safety
Al Qubaisi remarked that safety is a collaborative endeavor and that it is the shared responsibility of the entire sector. He noted that, as regulators, they partner with both government and private sectors to cultivate a growth-friendly environment, but they do so without compromising safety, which remains their foremost priority.
Benefits of compliance
Moreover, Al Qubaisi mentioned that adhering to safety protocols voluntarily yields substantial social and economic advantages, including safer communities, improved operational efficiency, cost reductions, and an enhanced reputation for the sector.
Upcoming regulatory changes
The upcoming regulatory changes, set to take effect in Q4 2024, will impact all non-ADNOC petroleum products and gas-related activities within the emirate. These changes will specifically target gas systems in buildings and encompass all facets of petroleum product trading, including manufacturing, packaging, buying, selling, transportation, and storage.
The DoE encourages the entire sector to embrace the new regulatory framework and safety standards, fostering growth while ensuring the safety of Abu Dhabi.
For more news on energy, click here.