Three Shell experts to present key addresses at Middle East Petroleum & Gas Conference

Region's major annual energy conference to take place at Al Bustan Rotana, Dubai, from April 3 to 5, 2005

April 2, 2005

Three senior Royal Dutch/Shell Group (Shell) experts will deliver key addresses at the 13th Middle East Petroleum & Gas Conference (MPGC), which will take place at the Al Bustan Rotana Hotel, Dubai, from April 3 to 5, 2005. The Shell-sponsored conference is to be held under the theme, "Changing Cycles or a New Plateau: A Dramatic New paradigm in Middle East Oil".

Rob Routs, Executive Director, Downstream (Oil Products and Chemicals), will present a keynote address on the second day of the conference on "Delivering Downstream Profitability in Changing Markets.

John Darley, Director Exploration & Production Technology, will address the forum on the role of upstream technology, as part of the Chief Executive Panel on the opening day of the conference.

Charles Watson, Gas & Power Director for Middle East, North Africa and South Asia, will lead the Middle East Gas and LNG Roundtable at the second day's plenary session, in which regional players will provide insights into the key issues of natural gas, with the focus on, "The Changing Face of The Gas Business in the Middle East."

"As the leading regional conference on oil and gas, MPGC provides an important forum for Shell to project its strategies and network with the industry's leading players," said Michael Megarry, VP External Affairs for Shell. "We are delighted that three of Shell's most senior executives will be making such a significant contribution to this event. The conference will help highlight Shell's growing role in all aspects of the oil and gas business across the region."

Regional Forum on Reinventing Government in Arab states

Shell-sponsored event prepares way for forthcoming Global Forum in Seoul

March 22, 2005

Shell has announced its sponsorship for the Regional Forum on Reinventing Government in the Region of Arab States, which is held in Dubai from 21-23 March 2005 and organised by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs and the UNDP Programme of Governance in the Arab Region (POGAR), in partnership with the Dubai School of Government in the UAE.

One of several regional events worldwide, the Dubai forum is one of the preparatory activities leading up to the 6th Global Forum on Reinventing Government which will be held in Seoul, Republic of South Korea from 24-27 May 2005 and whose theme is 'Toward Participatory and Transparent Governance'.

"In a dynamic and fast-changing world, governments hold the key to societal development, prosperity and welfare," said Hussain Al Mahmoudi, External Affairs Manager, Shell. "The task of spreading the message of good governance is synergistic to Shell's philosophy of the need to promote sound values, democracy and accountability. We are delighted to support this highly important event as part of our worldwide commitment to social welfare."

The objective of the forum is to assist governments in the achievement of their efforts to increase integrity and increase transparency and accountability in public agencies. It also aims to build the capabilities of government institutions and civil society to work together towards instituting a culture of integrity in the delivery of public services.

"The forum offers participating countries an opportunity to share their experiences and to examine the outcomes of their initiatives. It serves as a platform for discussing feasible solutions, as well as a base from which to build a network among participating countries to ensure continued learning and the joint development of best practices," said Al Mahmoudi.

Beside the national consultants who are preparing country-specific case studies for this event, international experts from the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the World Bank and the TIRI Organization (UK) are sharing their experiences. The conclusions and recommendations of this forum will be presented at the 6th Global Forum on Reinventing Government next May.