MEOS 2011 organisers have issued a statement relating to travel advice for the upcoming conference and exhibition in Bahrain.
“As of 16 February, the demonstrations being reported from Bahrain are neither threatening nor targeting overseas visitors. No major infrastructure disruptions have occurred. Business continues as usual and there are currently no concerns regarding safety,” reads the statement.
Organisers do encourage any international participants who wish to seek further advice on travel to Bahrain, to contact their local embassy directly.
The conference sessions run 20 – 23 March, with the exhibition element running 21 – 23 March.
The Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre, where the Society of Petroleum Engineers event is being held, remains unaffected by the popular protests, and this year’s installment is expected to go ahead as planned.
ArabianBusiness.com has been running hourly updates as the situation on the ground in Bahrain unfolds.
On Monday night, after a week of “wait-and-see” diplomacy between Bahrain’s race committee and Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone, the decision to cancel or postpone the opening race of the Formula One calendar, scheduled for March 13th will be going was made. There is a chance the Bahrain race could be squeezed in to the final weeks of the season, ahead of Abu Dhabi’s closing race.
 The organisers will forfeit tens of millions of dollars already paid to the F1 franchise for the failure to deliver a grand prix.Â