A student team from SQU has secured first place in the Middle East regional round of the prestigious Imperial Barrel Award (IBA) competition, organised by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG). This international platform simulates real-world decision-making processes within oil and gas companies, where participants assume the role of a geological exploration team tasked with analysing geological and geophysical data to identify optimal drilling locations for exploratory wells.

The winning team comprised Anas bin Rashid Al-Maamari, Maathir bint Ibrahim Al-Rawahi, Zainab bint Ali Al-Mahdali, and Ayman bin Mohammed Al-Ghafri from the College of Science, along with Qasim bin Abbas Mulla Ibrahim from the College of Engineering. The team was academically supervised by Dr. Mohammed Farfour, Associate Professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at the College of Science, who provided expert guidance and support throughout the project.

Teamwork played a vital role in the group’s success, with members demonstrating strong collaboration and a well-coordinated approach to their respective tasks. This synergy allowed the team to fully leverage their diverse skill sets and share knowledge effectively. Their comprehensive project included a detailed study of reservoir and rock properties, accurate hydrocarbon resource estimation, and the development of a well-structured and efficient exploration plan.

The cohesion and unified spirit of the team not only enhanced the overall quality of the project but also highlighted their ability to tackle complex scientific and technical challenges with confidence and professionalism. This was especially evident during their final presentation before the judging panel at the Abu Dhabi Energy Centre, where the team impressed with their analytical insights and presentation skills.

As a result of this outstanding performance, this team will represent the Middle East region in the global finals of the Imperial Barrel Award, scheduled to take place this May. The competition will feature top universities from around the world.