OREANDA-NEWS. January 23, 2013. The Northern Area Technical Services Department (NATSD) recently hosted a two-day exhibition in Tanajib where state-of-the-art technology and innovative developments in the oil and gas industry were on display, reported the press-centre of Saudi Aramco.

While praising attendees and event organizers in his opening remarks, Nasir K. Al-Naimi, vice president of Northern Area Oil Operations (NAOO), said, "This event manifests the experience and foresight of our employees."

Azeb M. Al-Qahtani, manager of NATSD, welcomed everybody, including the admin area management and employees, corporate guests, international oil company vendors and several entrepreneurs.

While recommending that the process of innovation be simple and effective, Al-Qahtani encouraged attendees to widen their technical awareness by visiting the various displays to review the impressive choice of high-tech equipment being exhibited. He emphasized that technology awareness and innovation is a corporate imperative.

Many success stories were highlighted, particularly the recent recognition earned by NAOO for six U.S. patents and 18 innovative ideas. At the opening ceremony, several NAOO employees were rewarded for their personal achievements during the year.

A major attraction at the event was 26 exhibition stalls, displaying the latest equipment used in the power and energy sector. In the adjacent grounds, two energy efficient model homes were on display, showing simple yet cost-effective ways to design homes in an environmentally conscious manner.

Several innovations and patents were on exhibit, featuring employees’ innovative ideas, many of which have already been successfully implemented in operating facilities in NAOO.