Dubai to Aberdeen: First European oil baron crowned
Posted: 27 August 2007
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Dubai ’s premier corporate social event for the oil and gas sector, the Oil Barons Ball, has made headline news in Aberdeen with its international debut. The annual made-in-Dubai event attracted over 1,400 heads of international oil & gas companies, VIPs and dignitaries with Dubai the star of the evening.
 Creator of the famous Oil Barons Ball events, Dubai ’s Eileen Michael of Reflex Publishing Middle East – Pipeline Magazine, was given a VIP welcome to Aberdeen , the oil capital of Europe .
“The message was loud and clear – forget Dallas, Dubai is the centre of the oil and gas world,” said Michael, who is now working on Dubai’s fifth edition of the Oil Barons Ball to be held at Emirates Golf Club 9th November 2007 .
“The response from the maximum capacity crowd at the Aberdeen Oil Barons Ball was simply overwhelming. Our theme for the event was originally “ Dallas ”, however Aberdeen went wild for Dubai with a majilis, camels and shisha. A huge 3D model of the emirate’s signature Burj Dubai featured centre-stage, complete with lighting colour changes – we were awe struck by the reception we received.”
The Aberdeen Oil Barons Ball has been officially declared the largest sit-down meal event in the UK for 2007, and record refreshment takings for the Aberdeen venue tripled previous events. Plans are now underway to take the Oil Barons Ball even further afield, with events booked for Canada , the United States and Australia .
“We’ve received overwhelming industry demand for this high-calibre networking event to be replicated across the globe. We think it’s high time Dubai ’s beloved Oil Barons Ball stretches its wings and truly reflects the global nature of the industry,” continued Michael.
 The first European Oil Baron to be crowned was entrepreneur Tom Smith, managing director of telecommunications specialist Nessco and joint chairman of Oil & Gas UK. Tom was judged to have made the most significant contribution to the growth and success of the North Sea energy industry over the past 12 months.
"Being the first European Oil Baron has to be the best thing that can happen in an oil & gas career. I believe this is the best industry in the world and Aberdeen 's part in it is huge. I have an enormous respect for the people who work in this industry - so to achieve this recognition is as good as it gets," commented Tom on receiving the award.
Premier entertainment during the evening was provided by the Turriff Pipe Band and a Motown extravaganza from the Four Tops and the Drifters, while the crème-de-la-crème attendees took advantage of the unparalleled opportunities to network within the industry.
Reflex Publishing Middle East - Pipeline Magazine plans future international Oil Barons events for Calgary ( Canada ), Houston (USA) and Perth ( Australia ) in 2008, 2009 and 2010 respectively.
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