...from Charles Watson, Shell Gas & Power's Director for the Middle East, North East Africa and South Asia. 'Shell in the Middle East' caught up with him in Dubai, busy with the final touches to Shell's new Middle East and South Asia hub office for Gas and Power...

I'm really excited about this move - being closer to our partners and customers, in a part of the world that is very active economically, culturally and politically - and where the gas business is centre stage."

We asked him to expand on the agenda.

"The office opened in February and will be the base for some 25 staff, previously in London. Although now living in the UAE, my team and I will travel across the region, serving customers, developing existing and new relationships and forging even stronger bonds in the region.

"We chose Dubai primarily for its excellent status as a communications hub, its proximity to all the major gas resource holders and to work closely with our E&P colleagues who moved here recently.

"The gas industry has seen a sharp increase in activity over recent years, especially in the area of LNG [Liquefied Natural Gas]. A large increase in demand is predicted from North America - where domestic supplies are decreasing. Shell is very active there, and will continue to grow supplies for the East and West Coast, as well as Mexico.

"Shell is the market leader in LNG and, as the global demand for LNG increases by over 10 per cent per annum, our business has transformed into a global one.

"With this tremendous growth, it makes sense that an energy company wishing to be considered a major player in today's world markets must be big in gas and big in the Middle East which contains the majority of the world's gas reserves.

"Having lived and worked extensively in the region I recognise the importance of building strong relationships here, as well as recruiting and developing regional talent.

"Our relationships must be 'contemporary' ones, recognising the aspirations and sensibilities of our business partners, and the social and environmental expectations of societies in this part of the world. This isn't something that happens overnight. We are making progress in this area and will continue to do so as our business develops. Maintaining very high safety standards is also vital.

"Our agenda in LNG remains exciting. In Oman, OLNG has grown fast and we are working with the Government on the new Qalhat LNG project, which will be Oman's third LNG train and is currently under construction.

"Other projects are under negotiation, aiming at world markets, including India.

"The first-ever LNG cargo for the Indian market was delivered at the end of January. This was a historic achievement which marks the first step in the opening up of a new market for LNG.

"Shell's Hazira terminal in Gujarat, in northwest India, will be ready for business by the end of this year. The natural supply source for India is, of course, the Middle East.

"Another main axis of opportunity lies with Gas to Liquids [GTL]. Converting abundant natural gas into super clean, high performance products is the beginning of a new industry.

"The recent agreement between Qatar Petroleum and Shell to develop a 140kbd project is a great platform for growth. And the current trials of GTL products in Asian and European markets are positive.

"The new joint venture with Aramco in Saudi for gas exploration is also very promising.

"In fact the list goes on!" he concludes. "There is lots of business to be done, it makes sense for us to be here - and I am looking forward to a bright Gas and Power future ahead.