Exxon, Chevron Executives Cancel Gulf Visit Over Security Concerns

ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods and Chevron upstream president Clay Neff have opted against attending next week's ADIPEC conference in Abu Dhabi, citing security concerns, according to Reuters. The event, one of the oil industry's largest annual gatherings, was scheduled for November 2-5. Woods remains listed on the conference roster, but neither company has provided a statement regarding their cancellations.

The timing of the conference, just after the November 3 midterm elections, has raised security concerns in light of recent tensions between the United States and Iran. President Trump has stated that the U.S. would not launch military action against Iran before the election, though he has since hinted at the possibility of additional military operations.

The United Arab Emirates has managed to avoid Iranian attacks since May, while neighboring Saudi Arabia has faced more challenges. Recent Houthis strikes have targeted key Saudi infrastructure, prompting the U.S. State Department to order some American diplomats to leave the country. Saudi Arabia has postponed its annual Future Investment Initiative until 2027 due to these attacks, and the WPC Energy Congress in Riyadh took place earlier this month, despite the absence of several major oil executives.

ADIPEC is still expecting record participation, with nearly 240,000 attendees expected last year. BP CEO Meg O'Neill and Equinor CEO Anders Opedal have retained their speaking slots, as well as Caturus chairman Ben Dell, who withdrew from a scheduled panel. The United States will be represented by over 120 companies at the conference, with China as the second-largest participant.

However, the cancellation of Exxon and Chevron's senior executives from the event has been attributed to security worries.