Royal Dutch Shell says Abu Dhabi will continue to be a leader in world energy matters.

Abu Dhabi has an impressive record of serving global customers, according to Malcolm Brinded, executive director of exploration and production at Royal Dutch Shell.

He says a "strong commitment to developing the necessary skills and capabilities for the future" has aided this leadership.

"Major producing countries like Abu Dhabi have a key leadership role: in maintaining vital oil and gas supplies, in driving the development of new technologies and in helping to establish the global conditions necessary for progress," Mr Brinded adds.

He explains that oil and gas industries would be transformed over the first half of this century and the change would be very challenging.

Last month Petrofac opened its latest operations centre in Dubai, which is geared towards equipping professionals with skills relevant to the industry.

The centre is part of the firm's long-term goal of increasing the proportion of nationals within the oil and gas industry.

5th Global Education & Training event for Oil and Gas: Exploration & Production