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The agreement signing. (Image source: QatarEnergy)

Exploration & Production

QatarEnergy, with its partners Shell and Sonangol E&P has signed an agreement with Angola’s National Agency for Oil, Gas, and Biofuels (ANPG) to hold interests in Blocks 8 and 22 offshore the Republic of Angola

Under the agreement, and subject to the relevant governmental approvals and final contractual arrangements, QatarEnergy will hold a 30% working interest, while Shell (the operator) will hold 50%, and Sonangol will hold 20% in the two offshore blocks.

For QatarEnergy, the agreement marks another important step in advancing its ambitious international exploration strategy, with maximising value from upstream being one of its five key strategic pillars in its vision to be one of the best energy companies in the world.

QatarEnergy acquired a 40% stake in the North Rafah block, offshore Egypt in October 2025, following hard on the heels of the acquisition of a 27% participating interest in the North Cleopatra block offshore Egypt, operated by Shell. QatarEnergy has also acquired exploration licences in the Republic of Congo, Algeria and Namibia.

His Excellency Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, the president and CEO of QatarEnergy, said: “QatarEnergy is pleased to sign this agreement and to establish a presence in the energy sector of the Republic of Angola as part of our international upstream exploration strategy and growth efforts. We would like to thank the Angolan authorities, and our partners Shell and Sonangol, for their cooperation and support. We look forward to a longstanding and fruitful partnership.”

The agreement was signed in the Angolan capital Luanda on the sidelines of the Angola Oil & Gas Conference, where the Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas, Diamantino Azevedo, highlighted the contribution of oil activity to the diversification of the economy and outlined the main lines of the Executive's vision for the sector.

ANPG formalised a series of offshore entries, risk-service contracts and other agreements with international oil companies at the show, advancing exploration across the Kwanza and Congo Basins.

Sonangol presentations emphasised the national oil company's contribution to boosting the market, attracting capital, and consolidating strategic partnerships.

The newly established MoU outlines a comprehensive framework designed to integrate the energy sectors of both nations more closely.

Industry

In a decisive move to safeguard global energy markets, Saudi Arabia is actively considering storing its crude oil and petroleum products within Egypt.

This strategic pivot comes in direct response to the profound disruptions experienced earlier this year, when Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz sent shockwaves through international oil supplies.

The announcement, which underscores the deepening ties between the two Middle Eastern powerhouses, was formally cemented through a new memorandum of understanding (MoU). The landmark agreement was signed in Riyadh on Sunday by the energy ministers of both nations, Saudi Arabia’s Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman and his Egyptian counterpart, Karim Badawi. By looking to Egypt’s geographical advantages and expanding infrastructure, the world’s largest oil exporter is actively seeking robust alternatives to ensure maximum export capacity during periods of geopolitical crisis.

Strengthening bilateral petroleum cooperation

The newly established MoU outlines a comprehensive framework designed to integrate the energy sectors of both nations more closely. The Egyptian petroleum and mineral resources ministry confirmed that the deal was inked “for enhancing cooperation between the two countries in the fields of petroleum, natural gas, and their derivatives,” signalling a long-term commitment to joint energy security.

According to a statement published on the ministry's website, the strategic vision behind the agreement is broad and multifaceted. “The MoU aims to expand cooperation and integration between the oil and energy sectors of both countries, maximizing the utilisation of available capabilities and expertise,” the ministry outlined.

To achieve these ambitious goals, the partnership will focus on a variety of critical operational areas. The ministry further detailed the practical steps that will be taken: “This will be achieved by strengthening cooperation in the trade, handling, transportation, storage, and distribution of crude oil, petroleum products, and natural gas, as well as developing the infrastructure and logistics services associated with these activities…this will support the efficiency of energy markets and enhance the resilience and reliability of supply chains and energy security.”

Key Areas of Cooperation Outlined in the MoU:

  • Enhanced trade and handling of crude oil and petroleum products.

  • Joint development of transportation and distribution networks.

  • Strategic storage of natural gas and oil reserves in Egypt.

  • Significant investments in associated infrastructure and logistics services.

Mitigating the impact of the Strait of Hormuz crisis

The urgency of this bilateral agreement is deeply rooted in recent geopolitical turbulence. In late February, the eruption of the US-Iran conflict culminated in the unprecedented closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This narrow, highly strategic waterway is a critical artery for the global economy, typically handling nearly 20 per cent of the world’s seaborne oil trade. Its sudden bottleneck severely compromised the stability of international energy markets.

To counter this vulnerability, Saudi Arabia has been working round the clock to offset the resulting decline in export capabilities. The Kingdom's primary strategy has been to boost its export volumes via a network of pipelines that deliberately bypass the contentious straits. However, the addition of Egyptian storage facilities introduces a vital new layer of redundancy and logistical flexibility, ensuring that Saudi crude can reach global markets even if primary shipping lanes are compromised.

Egypt’s expanding role in energy logistics

For Egypt, the agreement perfectly aligns with its own domestic and regional ambitions. The nation has recently embarked on extensive plans to expand its oil and gas storage facilities, a programme that was notably accelerated following the US-Iran conflict and the subsequent maritime disruptions. By positioning itself as a secure, high-capacity hub for Saudi oil, Egypt is reinforcing its status as a vital logistical bridge between the energy-rich Gulf and the energy-hungry markets of Europe and beyond.

Ultimately, this collaborative approach between Riyadh and Cairo highlights a crucial evolution in energy security strategies. By prioritising infrastructure development, shared expertise, and supply chain resilience, both nations are taking proactive steps to stabilise global markets against future uncertainties. The successful implementation of this MoU will not only fortify the energy sectors of Saudi Arabia and Egypt but will also provide a much-needed buffer for the broader international economy.

    The agreements will expand the chemicals ecosystem. (Image source: ADNOC)

    Petrochemicals

    TA’ZIZ, a joint venture between ADNOC and ADQ, has signed long-term agreements spanning offtake, feedstock and sales across its chemicals portfolio, valued at US$28.5bn (AED104.6bn)

    Signed at the Make it in the Emirates Forum, the agreements, valued at US$28.5bn, secure both global offtake and reliable local feedstocks, allowing for large-scale chemical production within the UAE and reinforcing TA’ZIZ’s role in building a fully integrated domestic chemicals ecosystem. The deals include sale agreements with ADNOC and Proman for methanol; Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) for caustic soda; Mitsubishi Corporation for ethylene dichloride (EDC), vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) and caustic soda; Mitsui & Co. for EDC and caustic soda; Sanmar Group for EDC and VCM; Tricon for PVC, EDC and caustic soda; and Vinmar for EDC and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

    ADNOC Gas secured a 25-year feedstock agreement to supply natural gas to the TA'ZIZ methanol project valued at over $5 billion (AED18.4 billion). TA’ZIZ also agreed a 20 year salt supply agreement with Abu Dhabi based Sama Salt to support production at its PVC complex.

    Mashal Saoud Al-Kindi, CEO of TA’ZIZ, said, “These long term agreements represent a defining milestone for TA’ZIZ and for the UAE’s industrial growth ambitions. By securing both global demand and reliable local feedstock, we are translating vision into delivery, anchoring world scale chemicals production, strengthening domestic value chains and creating enduring economic value, jobs and supply chain resilience for the UAE.”

    Together, these agreements leverage local resources to secure a reliable and sustainable supply of critical raw materials, further strengthening domestic value chains and advancing the UAE’s industrial self sufficiency.

    TA’ZIZ is a manufacturing, industrial services, logistics and utilities ecosystem that enables the production of transition fuels and new products across the chemicals value chain, supporting ADNOC’s ambition to become a top three global chemicals player as well as the UAE’s industrial development and economic diversification ambitions.

    The TA’ZIZ Industrial Chemicals Zone is set to produce 4.7 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of chemicals once construction is completed in 2028. This includes a 1 mtpa ammonia plant, a 1.8 mtpa methanol plant and 1.9 mtpa of marketable products from its integrated polyvinyl chloride (PVC) complex. The PVC complex, which produces PVC, ethylene dichloride (EDC), vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), and caustic soda, will be one of the world’s top three largest single site PVC complexes.

    Also at the Make it at the Emirates Forum, TA’ZIZ and Alpha Dhabi Holding announced a strategic collaboration agreement for around US$10 bn (AED36.7bn) in capital investment in new industrial chemicals in the TA’ZIZ industrial chemicals ecosystem in Al Ruwais Industrial City, Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi.

    The partnership could produce up to 14 new chemicals, delivering around 2.2mn tonnes per annum (mtpa) of additional chemical capacity in the TA’ZIZ industrial chemicals ecosystem in Al Ruwais Industrial City. The new chemicals, which include styrene and polystyrenes, acrylic acid and derivates, polyols, MDI, epoxy resins and linear alpha-olefins, are based on domestic demand and could substitute key products currently imported into the UAE, while strengthening local supply chain resilience. The partnership supports the UAE’s national industrial priorities, including the Make it in the Emirates (MIITE) initiative and the country’s industrial strategy, by strengthening domestic manufacturing capability and advancing self-sufficiency in strategically important chemical products.

    illie Morrison, Managing Director at Viking Completion Technology (left) alongside Abdulrahman Algosaibi, Chairman at AG Holding (right).

    Technology

    The drive towards a highly resilient, localised supply chain is rapidly reshaping the industrial landscape of the Middle East.

    Viking Completion Technology (Viking) has officially established a formidable new manufacturing, testing, and service facility within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    This strategic move represents a major milestone in localising the production of crucial completion tools. By establishing a formally recognised entity and an API-certified, in-country operation, the organisation is actively securing the regional equipment pipeline. It demonstrates a structural shift from relying solely on international imports to nurturing high-specification domestic manufacturing.

    A strategic joint venture in Dhahran

    To execute this ambitious in-country expansion, Viking has formed a pivotal Joint Venture with Abdulrahman Algosaibi Holdings (AGH). This collaboration is anchored by AGH’s regional expertise, operating locally established businesses that include Intelligent Energy Services (i-Energy) and Extreme Precision Company (XPRECISION).

    Situated in Dhahran, a historical nexus for the Kingdom's energy industry, the newly launched operation complements Viking’s established premises in Dubai. For nearly three decades, the Dubai facility served as the sole international supply hub for the organisation’s global customer base. Now, the Dhahran base introduces a dual-hub dynamic, providing a dedicated commercial vehicle to directly supply locally manufactured equipment to Saudi Arabian end users, decisively mitigating lead times and logistics issues.

    Elite API certification and localised manufacturing

    The inauguration of the Dhahran site is the culmination of half a decade of intensive investment and effort. Over these five years, the primary objective has been to firmly establish Viking as a premier, locally stationed supplier of completion equipment.

    Crucially, the new operation is distinguished by its elite industry credentials. It stands as one of only two facilities within Saudi Arabia to hold a highly specific suite of API licenses, which are essential for manufacturing products to the rigorous specifications demanded by end users.

    The facility boasts the following capabilities and certifications:

    • Accreditations Held: API Q1, API 14A, API 11D1, API 19AC, and API 14L licenses.

    • Locally Manufactured Products: Advanced completion tools including Safety Valves, Packers, and Seal Assemblies.

    • Additional Components: Sliding Side Doors (SSD’s) and Landing Nipples.

    Previously, Viking maintained a robust track record of out-of-country supply into Saudi Arabia. By shifting this capacity inward, the organisation is fundamentally altering how rapidly critical infrastructure can be deployed in the field.

    Aligning with Vision 2030 objectives

    The transition toward localised manufacturing carries profound economic implications for the region, aligning flawlessly with broader national industrial strategies and local value initiatives.

    Willie Morrison, Managing Director at Viking Completion Technology, commented: "Achieving API-certified status and launching our Saudi Arabia entity is a huge milestone for our dedicated team, which I am immensely proud of, and would not have been possible without the support of our Joint Venture partner. With AG Holding's local manufacturing capability, Viking is ideally placed to deliver as an In Kingdom Total Value Add supplier in line with the key objectives, social and economic requirements and strategic importance of the Saudi 2030 vision."

    This vision is shared by the Joint Venture leadership, emphasising the technical readiness and future capacity of the new site.

    Abdulrahman Algosaibi, Chairman at AG Holding, commented: “This new facility is fully equipped with the latest capabilities for assembling and testing products, as well as for make-up and testing of completion assemblies. Skilled and experienced field personnel have been responsible for successful trial tests in Saudi Arabia over the last three years, meaning that in addition to our API Certification, we also have a wide range of catalogued products currently supplied from Out of Kingdom. Over the next 12 months, Viking will perform further trials while supplying several new product variations. We are proud to be part of such a significant development for Viking in nearly three decades of operating. We look forward to welcoming customers to the facility and to keep demonstrating what we are capable of in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."

    By establishing this API-certified footprint, the partnership ensures that top-tier completion technology is engineered and delivered right at the heart of the region's energy sector.

    Competence is a must for high-risk tasks. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

    Webinar

    How do complacency and human factors contribute to workplace injuries, and how can you prevent complacency-related injuries and incidents?

    That is the subject of a webinar hosted by HSE Review in association with SafeStart, to take place on Wednesday 1st April 2026 at 2pm GST, which will shine a light on the neuroscience behind competence, complacency and human factors.

    Safety professionals have known for years that “complacency is a silent killer.” They have also suspected that complacency was a contributing factor in almost every unintentional injury or incident. Unfortunately, from a neuroscience perspective, it is impossible to stop people from becoming complacent once they are competent. And for high-risks tasks in particular, competence is a must.

    Even more unfortunately, many (most) companies do not know what to do to help their employees deal with complacency, which leads to mind not on task/risk.

    In this session, participants will:
    • Understand the neuroscience behind complacency and why it cannot be eliminated once competence is achieved
    • Recognise the two stages of the complacency continuum and how human factors impact critical decision-making
    • Learn practical skills to prevent complacency-related injuries, including attentive habits, looking for risk patterns in others, analysing close calls and small errors to prevent agonising over large ones, and using self-triggering skills, to deal with rushing, frustration and fatigue which, when combined with complacency, can cause fatalities
    • Explore how concepts such as fail-safe can help compensate for complacency leading to mind not on task.

    Register for the webinar here

    Our speaker is Larry Wilson, a pioneer in the area of Human Factors in safety. He has been a safety consultant for over 25 years and has worked on-site with hundreds of companies worldwide. Larry is the author of SafeStart, an advanced safety and performance awareness programme, successfully implemented in more than 4,500 companies in 75 countries, with more than five million people trained. He is the moderator of the SafeConnection expert panels series and has authored and co-authored a number of books, the latest being “25 Years of Original Thought-Innovations in Safety, Human Error and Performance”. Larry is also an active keynote speaker at health and safety conferences around the globe (32 countries so far).

    Participants are guaranteed an hour of engaging and thought-provoking interactive discussion and debate and will take away the understanding, skills and strategies to help prevent complacency-related injuries and incidents.

    So don’t delay, register for the webinar here

    SafeStart Trainer Certification – Global Training Series

    Following strong demand last year and impact across global markets, we’re also launching the SafeStart Trainer Certification – Global Training Series, starting with Dubai on 7–8 April 2026.

    This is a practical, human factors–based certification designed to help organisations reduce incidents, strengthen decision-making, and improve overall safety performance, on and off the job.

    Find out more information and register here:

    the crisis and the increased focus on energy security are renewing interest in hydrogen and hydrogen-based fuels. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

    Energy Transition

    The conflict in the Middle East has disrupted global production and trade in hydrogen-based products such as fertilisers, fuels and industrial feedstocks, exposing vulnerabilities in supply chains, according to the latest edition of the IEA’s Global Hydrogen Review

    The report finds that the crisis and the increased focus on energy security are renewing interest in hydrogen and hydrogen-based fuels, although low-emissions hydrogen remains at a relatively small scale.

    Demand for hydrogen worldwide surpassed 100 million tonnes in 2025, according to the report, while production of low-emissions hydrogen grew by 20% to almost 1 million tonnes. However, persistent barriers including high costs, uncertain demand, complex regulations and a lack of infrastructure continue to slow the development of low-emissions hydrogen, putting 2030 targets announced by governments increasingly out of reach.

    "The current crisis has highlighted how deeply economies around the world depend on trade in hydrogen-based products and the significant role of the Middle East in those supply chains," said IEA executive director Fatih Birol. "Countries are looking for ways to make their energy systems more resilient and diversified. Low-emissions hydrogen can play an important role in those efforts over time, but stronger policy support and much faster deployment will be needed before it can make a meaningful contribution at scale."

    Fertiliser markets have been particularly affected by the conflict in the Middle East, which is home to around one-sixth of global hydrogen production, the majority dedicated to the production of chemicals, fertilisers and refined oil products. The region accounts for more than 10% of global refining capacity, ammonia and urea production, and close to 17% of methanol production.

    The region makes up over one-quarter of global trade in ammonia, almost 40% of urea trade and almost 45% of methanol trade, and one-third of its refining capacity is export-oriented. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has severely disrupted the supply of all these products. The production of hydrogen-based fuels outside the Middle East has also been affected, particularly in Asia, where countries are very dependent on natural gas imports from the Middle East.

    Disruptions to production, exports and shipping routes have contributed to shortages and price volatility across global markets with the increase in fertiliser costs posing risks for food supply chains, especially in import-dependent agricultural economies.

    Low-emissions hydrogen

    Low-emissions hydrogen production grew by 20% in 2025 to reach almost 1 Mt and is set to exceed 1% of global hydrogen production for the first time, but progress is concentrated in a small number of projects. However investment momentum weakened in 2025, with delays to final investment decisions and a shrinking pipeline of projects highlighting the challenges facing the sector.

    Despite continued policy support in some markets, low-emissions hydrogen and hydrogen-based products remain significantly more expensive than conventional alternatives in most markets. The pipeline of announced projects for producing low-emissions hydrogen by 2030 has shrunk by around a quarter since last year to 27 million tonnes due to delays and cancellations, and the number of projects likely to become operational by 2030 has fallen significantly.

    Demand uncertainty remains a key constraint for scaling up low-emissions hydrogen development, with offtake agreements at low level. This is cited by developers as one of the largest barriers to investment.