Gulf Society for Maintenance & Reliability Hosts Technical Dinner in Al Khobar: “Transforming Downtime into Uptime”
The Members & Events Committee of the Gulf Society for Maintenance and Reliability (GSMR) proudly organized a successful technical dinner themed "Transforming Downtime into Uptime," aimed at professionals within the maintenance, reliability, and asset management sectors of the oil and gas industry. The event took place at the prestigious Grand Hyatt Al Khobar Hotel in Saudi Arabia, drawing participation from esteemed professionals and experts across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region.
The evening commenced with an inspiring opening speech by GSMR Vice Chairman, Eng. Mahmood Mirza, who congratulated the GSMR Chairman, Eng. Ahmed AlJelwah, on his recent appointment as Chairman of the Global Forum of Maintenance and Asset Management (GFMAM). In his address, Eng. Mahmood underscored the pivotal role that professionals in the maintenance and reliability sector play during both pre- and operational phases, emphasizing their significant impact on operational efficiency and productivity enhancement. He also highlighted GSMR’s ongoing commitment to supporting this sector and elevating professional practices. Central to this effort is the upcoming 8th International Maintenance, Reliability, and Asset Management Conference & Exhibition (MAINTCON 2026), set to take place in the Kingdom of Bahrain from 12 to 15 October 2026. Eng. Mahmood encouraged industry professionals to participate in the conference and take advantage of the valuable knowledge-sharing opportunities it presents, while also expressing the society's ambition to expand its membership and attract new talents into the field.
The technical dinner featured two expert-led presentations. Eng. Ibrahim M. Al-Mulhim shared insights in his presentation titled "Achieving T&I Safety Excellence in 5 Gas Compression Plants," where he reviewed best practices and practical experiences aimed at enhancing safety standards and optimizing performance in gas compression operations. Following Eng. Ibrahim, Eng. Abdulrahman Aburoyan presented "Enhancing Maintenance and Reliability Performance," focusing on strategies for developing effective maintenance practices and increasing operational reliability.
Attendance included numerous industry experts who engaged in thought-provoking discussions on various topics relevant to maintenance and reliability, fostering a rich exchange of experiences and tackling professional challenges. Participants had the opportunity to connect with representatives from leading organizations, including Saudi Aramco and Bapco Energies, among others.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with participants commending the quality of the presentations and the event’s organization. Many expressed appreciation for the Gulf Society for Maintenance and Reliability’s initiatives in hosting such dedicated events, recognizing their importance in supporting practitioners in maintenance, reliability, and asset management. The evening concluded with participants reaffirming their support for GSMR and wishing the society continued success in achieving its future goals.