In The Spotlight
The development will deliver 200mn standard cubic feet per day (scfd) of gas before the end of the decade. (Image source: ADNOC)
ADNOC has announced the Final Investment Decision (FID) for the SARB Deep Gas Development, a strategic project within the Ghasha Concession located 120 km offshore Abu Dhabi
The project comprises a new offshore platform with four gas production wells which connect to Das Island, where gas will be tied into ADNOC Gas facilities for upstream treatment, maximising the integration with other ADNOC projects.
The development will deliver 200mn standard cubic feet per day (scfd) of gas before the end of the decade, enough energy to power more than 300,000 homes daily. This technically advanced project will embed advanced technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) and will be operated remotely from Arzanah Island, leveraging existing infrastructure to maximise efficiency and enhance safety.
Musabbeh Al Kaabi, ADNOC Upstream CEO, said, "We are pleased to confirm the final investment decision for the SARB Deep Gas Development. This strategic project within the Ghasha Concession reinforces the progress we are making to fully unlock Abu Dhabi’s world-class gas resources, supporting UAE gas self-sufficiency and strengthening the nation’s role as a reliable exporter to international markets. The development will leverage advanced technologies and AI and maximises synergies across ADNOC’s offshore infrastructure, unlocking efficiencies and value.”
The Hail & Ghasha Project project will play a vital role in meeting the UAE’s goal of gas self-sufficiency and rising demand for exports. The Ghasha Concession is targeted to produce 1.8 billion standard cubic feet per day (bscfd) of gas and aims to operate with net zero emissions, capturing 1.5 million tonnes per year (mtpa) of carbon dioxide (CO2), and providing low-carbon hydrogen that can replace fuel gas and further reduce emissions. The project will also leverage clean power from nuclear and renewable sources from the grid.
Adnan Bu Fateem, chief operating officer at Mubadala Energy. (Image source: Mubalada Energy)
In an exclusive interview, Adnan Bu Fateem, chief operating officer at Mubadala Energy, discusses how AI can be scaled up in the energy sector and how Mubadala Energy is leveraging AI and digitalisation to drive efficiencies in upstream operations
How do you view prospects for the development of the energy/AI nexus? How critical will deploying AI be to ensuring a secure and stable energy future, and how critical will it be to invest in energy systems to meet the growing AI energy demand?
AI is one of the most powerful tools to make energy systems safer, more reliable, and lower-carbon intensive. At the same time, it is becoming a major new source of energy demand, particularly to power data centres. In that sense, the relationship between energy and AI is mutually reinforcing that the energy sector is both an enabler of AI and a user of it.
Currently, the global energy systems are already under increasing strain, with more complex grids and growing demand. As a result, energy security is becoming an even higher priority for governments and communities. At Mubadala Energy, we believe energy security isn’t only about supply volumes; it’s also about reliability, resilience, and operational excellence. This is where AI plays a critical role. For example, when it comes to system resilience, AI helps operators respond faster to demand variability, extreme weather events, and grid constraints. When it comes to safety, AI plays a significant role in anomaly detection, operational surveillance, and helping operators in decision making that can reduce incident likelihood and support stronger process safety performance.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects global electricity use from data centres will more than double by 2030 to ~945 TWh, with AI as the most significant driver, with electricity demand from AI-optimised data centres projected to more than quadruple by 2030.
The IEA further estimates that electricity generation needed to supply data centers will rise from ~460 TWh in 2024 to over 1,000 TWh in 2030, underscoring why investment in the energy sources which can drive this technology is so critical for a range of global communities.
For the energy industry globally, both at a grid level and in upstream, AI is going to play a key role in simulating power demand and ensuring the infrastructure is in place that supports future economic and social prosperity.
How can AI help to accelerate the energy transition and decarbonisation?
AI can accelerate the energy transition by improving how energy systems are planned, operated, and optimised across the entire value chain, particularly as power systems become more complex and more electrified.
Mubadala Energy strategy focuses on natural gas and LNG as a transition fuel that balances energy security with energy transition, and we see digitalisation and AI are increasingly important enablers of decarbonisation to operate more efficiently and reduce overall emissions intensity without compromising reliability, while also supporting better capital allocation and faster decision-making.
From our perspective, these benefits are reflected in how we apply digitalisation and AI across our own operations, such as improving subsurface understanding, project design, and scenario modelling. We also use AI for advanced analytics, monitoring and digital tools to improve efficiency, enhance safety and strengthen emissions visibility.
We are pleased to see how all these efforts are leading to tangible outcomes. In 2024, we reported a 36.5% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions, alongside a 55% reduction in flared gas intensity, and we have recorded zero oil spills since inception. These results show how improved efficiency, better monitoring and data-driven decision-making can support decarbonisation while continuing to deliver safe and reliable energy.
What are the main factors needed to scale up AI in the energy sector, and what do you see as the main constraints?
To me, the most fundamental factors in scaling AI in the energy sector are people’s capabilities and partnership. We have seen our industry evolve significantly over the past two decades, and every major change whether in safety, efficiency, or technology, has been enabled by collaboration and continuous upskilling. AI is no different. These fundamental factors will pave the way to the other factors such as having high quality data, clear operational use cases, the right infrastructure and having strong governance in place.
At Mubadala Energy, this is reflected in our E-VOLVE initiative, an outcome-led digital transformation program implemented back in 2019 that provides a structured framework for integrating digital solutions into operations and building digital capability for our people across the organisation.
Partnerships are the second key enabler. The pace of AI innovation means no single organisation can do this alone. Collaborating with technology providers, digital specialists, and industry partners allows us to access cutting-edge capabilities, accelerate learning, share knowledge and apply AI where it creates the most value.
This collaborative approach is what enables us to move beyond pilots and embed AI into core operational decision-making.
A good example is our Intelligent Reservoir Management capability. This is a digital approach that brings together subsurface data from the reservoir with surface data from facilities and wells into a single, integrated system.
By combining these data sets and analysing them in real time, we gain a clearer, more complete view of reservoir behaviour. This allows us to detect anomalies early, monitor well integrity, adjust production more accurately and respond faster to emerging issues.
Governance and organisational readiness are equally important. We have a dedicated digital transformation committee that oversees how digital tools are introduced and scaled across the business.
By investing in our people, strengthening partnerships, and building the right foundations, we can scale AI in a way that improves performance, supports decarbonisation, and continues to deliver safe and reliable energy.
What impact have AI and digitalisation had on Mubadala Energy’s operations? How is Mubadala Energy leveraging AI and digital technologies to enhance its upstream operations and boost productivity?
AI and digitalisation have already delivered clear operational benefits across our upstream portfolio. One of the most important initiatives is the Pegaga Digital Twin, which is a digital replica of the Pegaga gas platform. It allows us to monitor and analyse operations in real time, helping improve performance and enhance safety.
We also use AI-enabled predictive maintenance through a Remote Diagnostic Service, which monitors equipment condition, detects anomalies and predicts potential failures before they occur. At our Pegaga gas field, this has helped prevent unplanned shutdowns and delivered significant cost savings. Production optimisation is supported through the Production Performance Tracking System, which automates production monitoring and provides live dashboards to support faster, data-driven decisions.
Digital technologies are also embedded in our health, safety, security and environment systems through our Intelligent HSSE solution. This is a proactive safety and emissions management approach that combines process safety data, HSSE reports, video and sensor technology to monitor conditions on our platforms in real time. By analysing this data continuously, we can identify emerging safety and environmental risks earlier and take preventive action to protect our people, assets and the environment.
Together, these initiatives show how we are using AI and digitalisation to improve productivity, reduce downtime and strengthen operational performance across our upstream operations.
The HyperSteer MX directional drill bit improves durability and maximises directional control. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Halliburton has launched the HyperSteer MX directional drill bit, a shankless matrix-body bit that improves durability and maximises directional control, reducing well construction time and costs
The bit delivers longer runs and fewer trips, resists erosion and abrasion, and performs reliably in high-flow, abrasive environments.
HyperSteer MX directional drill bits utilise advanced matrix materials to resist erosion and abrasion, extend bit life in abrasive, high-flow environments, and improve efficiency and reliability during operations.
HyperSteer MX directional drill bits deliver precise steerability that maximises performance in vertical, curve, and lateral sections, and minimises well time and reduces well construction costs. The bit reduces trips, lowers exposure to unplanned events, and maintains directional precision in the most abrasive environments.
HyperSteer MX directional drill bits extend the HyperSteer portfolio and reflect Halliburton’s investment in innovative engineered solutions that maximise asset value.
“HyperSteer MX directional drill bits mark a major step forward in drilling. The technology combines the precise steerability of HyperSteer directional drill bits with a durable matrix body. It allows operators to drill longer in harsh environments and supports efforts to minimise well time and maximise directional performance for customers,” said Amr Hassan, vice president, Drill Bits and Services, Halliburton.
A multi-well correlation for three wells. Shown (from left to right for each well) are gamma ray, AI-predicted lithology, and far-stack seismic amplitude with the gamma ray curve in the well position. (Image source: DUG)
A multi-well correlation for three wells. Shown (from left to right for each well) are gamma ray, AI-predicted lithology, and far-stack seismic amplitude with the gamma ray curve in the well position.
Faster. Consistent. Scalable. How AI is transforming lithofacies interpretation
Lithofacies interpretation remains one of the most fundamental tasks in subsurface evaluation – and one of the most time-intensive. Despite advances in logging technology and computing power, workflows are still dominated by manual interpretation, subjective judgement and inevitable variability between interpreters. When dozens or hundreds of wells must be assessed, particularly in early-stage screening or regional studies, this inconsistency can delay decisions around reservoir presence, interval ranking and further petrophysical review.
A new deep-learning workflow developed at DUG demonstrates how that bottleneck can be significantly reduced – delivering fast, reproducible lithofacies predictions directly from standard wireline logs. Rather than replacing geological interpretation, the approach provides a consistent first-pass screening tool that allows interpreters to focus attention where it adds the most value.
A key differentiator of the workflow is its foundation in rock physics. Any supervised machine-learning model is only as reliable as its training labels, and in this case those labels are derived from carefully curated end-member lithologies. These end members represent the cleanest and most internally consistent examples of sandstones, shales, siltstones and carbonates, selected only where wireline responses align physically and geologically. By excluding intervals affected by poor borehole conditions or noisy measurements, the resulting training dataset remains objective, consistent and firmly grounded in established rock physics relationships.
The model architecture combines a transformer-based sequence model with a one-dimensional convolutional neural network, also previously developed by DUG. This enables it to capture both long-range stratigraphic trends and local log-response variability, while handling missing data through attention masking. Crucially, the workflow accepts whichever subset of common wireline curves is available for a given well, allowing lithofacies prediction even in older or incomplete datasets.
Case studies using legacy data illustrate how DUG’s workflow delivers insight beyond speed alone. Artificial intelligence (AI)-generated lithofacies predictions highlighted subtle inconsistencies caused by density spiking and sonic cycle skipping – issues that were not immediately apparent in conventional single-well analysis. By flagging these intervals, the workflow guided targeted quality control and conditional correction, improving multi-well correlation without introducing artificial geological trends.
Rather than obscuring interpretation, DUG’s workflow makes inconsistencies visible – highlighting where log behaviour departs from rock physics expectations and directing interpreter attention where it is most needed.
This work will be presented by DUG’s machine learning software engineer, Kyle Rosa, at the SEG | DGS | SPE KSA Workshop: Bridging the Gap: Geosciences to Engineering in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, from 10–12 February 2026.
As geoscience datasets continue to grow in size and complexity, AI-augmented interpretation workflows help enable faster, more consistent subsurface decisions – without removing the interpreter from the decision-making loop.
The contract will help unlock the potential of Saudi Arabia’s unconventional gas resources. (Image source: SLB)
SLB has been awarded a five-year contract by Aramco to provide stimulation services for its unconventional gas fields
This award is part of a broader multi-billion contract, supporting one of the largest unconventional gas development programmes globally.
The contract encompasses advanced stimulation, well intervention, frac automation, and digital solutions, which are important to unlocking the potential of Saudi Arabia’s unconventional gas resources – a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s strategy to diversify its energy portfolio and support the global energy transition.
“This agreement is an important step forward in Aramco’s efforts to diversify its energy portfolio in line with Vision 2030 and energy transition goals,” said Steve Gassen, executive vice president, Geographies, SLB.
“With world-class technology, deep local expertise, and a proven track record in safety and service quality, SLB is well positioned to deliver tailored solutions that could help redefine operational performance in the development of Saudi Arabia’s unconventional resources.”
Aramco has revised its 2030 gas production capacity growth target upwards, from more than 60% to around 80% over 2021 production levels. The US$100bn Jafurah project, the largest unconventional gas field in the region, is estimated to contain 229 trillion standard cubic feet of raw gas and is forecast to produce 2 bcfd by 2030. The first phase of the Jafurah gas plant is complete and production has begun with a capacity of 450mn cubic feet per day, according to official statements.
Stephen Marcos Jones, chief executive officer, OPITO. (Image source: OPITO)
The Middle East could lead the way in shaping a tech-empowered energy workforce, says Stephen Marcos Jones, chief executive officer, OPITO
The energy industry’s greatest asset has always been its people; the engineers, technicians, and operators whose expertise keeps complex systems running safely and efficiently. Every innovation, every safety milestone, and every major project has relied on the expertise of the workforce behind it.
That foundation is now evolving. As pressure on existing assets rises and new types of energy infrastructure come online, the diversification of skills required from energy workers is rapidly increasing. Adding to this, is something pervading all operations - advanced technology, which has moved from pilot projects to the operational core. From predictive maintenance and automated drilling to AI-driven safety monitoring and virtual reality safety simulations, digital tools are augmenting how work gets done and what’s expected of the people doing it.
But in this new landscapethe pressing point isn’t actually how technology will reshape energy, but how people will with these new tools at their fingertips. And perhaps nowhere is that question more urgent, or more promising, than in the Middle East, a region that stands out for both its ambition and its readiness. The question is, can it lead the way in building an energy workforce that is not just tech-enabled, but tech-empowered?
From uncertainty to capability
If we zoom in on AI as an example of advanced technology, until recently, the conversation about the application of AI in energy was filled with uncertainty: what would it automate, what would it replace, and what would that mean for people and their jobs? That debate has moved on. The real question now is how people and technology can work effectively together.
Across refineries, rigs, and control rooms, AI and advanced tech is already embedded in daily operations from predictive maintenance to digital twins and smart safety systems. Now, as the energy sector continues down this road of augmented intelligence, success - in terms of safety, productivity, and competitiveness - will hinge on ensuring people are equipped to lead that transformation, not be left behind by it.
This requires confidence. The human workforce must be able to interpret, validate, and act on the data that technology delivers. Ultimately, success will not be defined by how much technology an organisation adopts, but by how well its people understand and apply it.
Why the Middle East is leading this shift
Few regions are better placed to lead this transformation. The Middle East’s energy workforce has long powered its global influence. Now its deep operational expertise coupled with the region’s push for digital transformation through rapid advances in AI, automation, and broader technology is creating a powerful convergence between people and technology.In fact, the UAE and Saudi Arabia both rank among the world’s top three AI superpowers, integrating AI into national economic and industry agendas.
So, where globally, studies, including the WEF’s Future of Jobs Report, predict that nearly a quarter of jobs will evolve significantly by 2027, with technology as a major influencer, in the Middle East, this projection is already happening.
Furthermore, a recent IDC study showed over 40% of UAE businesses already deploy AI in operations, while nearly two-thirds say their adoption pace has quickened over the past two years. Yet, the real challenge isn’t simply access to technology or even how quickly the industry can implement it because in an industry where operational risk is measured in lives and livelihoods, speed without preparation is not an option.
Closing the confidence gap
The focus must now turn to readiness, building the confidence, governance, and training frameworks to ensure that every worker, at every level, is both competent and comfortable harnessing new technologies safely and effectively. The latest ADNOC report, Powering Possible, made this clear, highlighting that workforce gaps are still one of the biggest barriers, and that bringing responsible AI into energy operations is essential for safety and confidence. The report also found that 78% of leaders see talent and training as major challenges when it comes to adopting and using AI.
Many forward-thinking energy companies and education partners are already helping to close this gap, to ensure that progress is not just accelerated, but sustained. Robust training systems and recognised skills frameworks are increasingly seen as essential in the energy sector. Staying ahead of AI requires a proactive stance, not a retrospective one. Across the region, workforce development organisations are embedding digital learning tools, from VR simulations to digital twins, into competency programmes, helping operators ensure their people are fully prepared for AI-enabled operations.
A workforce built for the AI era
As the energy transition accelerates, the Middle East region has a unique opportunity to lead in both technology and talent. Its ability to pair digital ambition with workforce empowerment could define how the global industry approaches this new wave of technology.
That means rethinking learning systems, certification models, and cultural expectations to create pathways where technology enhances human expertise rather than replaces it.
The Middle East is already on the right path to power the energy systems of the future and to shape what a truly tech-empowered workforce looks like. The region’s energy transformation may have added technology as a new fuel for progress, but its true power still lies in the people who are properly prepared to use it.
Wood aims to strengthen local presence.
Wood has maintained record sales booking in the Middle East for two years straight as it reported more than US$1bn in contract wins across the region in 2025
This marks a 20% increase over awards in 2024, led by regions such as United Arab Emirates (UAE), Iraq, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar.
The largest award bagged this year has been an engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) contract for the expansion of the ADNOC Gas Habshan facility. This comes with the scope for substantial upgrades, operational efficiency improvements, brownfield modifications and the installation of new facilities.
Other deals include project management and engineering services for PetroChina at the West Qurna 1 oilfield in southern Iraq, and project management consultancy (PMC) to TA’ZIZ for the development of the UAE’s first methanol production facility in Al Ruwais Industrial City, Abu Dhabi.
Multiple decarbonisation contracts for flare gas reduction and carbon efficiency project solutions has also been secured across the largest oil fields in Iraq.
"Our continued success in the Middle East shows the trust clients place in our teams and our ability to deliver complex projects at scale in support of national ambitions. In 2026, we’ll build on that momentum by strengthening our local presence and developing talent to drive sustainable growth," said Gerry Traynor, president of projects-Eastern Hemisphere.
"This year we’ve delivered critical solutions across the Middle East to improve asset reliability and cut emissions. In 2026, we’ll build on this success by expanding our operations and maintenance services in the region. Our focus is on proven approaches to asset management and modifications that improve efficiency and reduce downtime - practical steps that strengthen energy security and decarbonisation," said Ellis Renforth, president of operations for Europe, Middle East and Africa.
"Decarbonisation and digitalisation remain central to how we support clients in the Middle East. This year, we launched our specialist Middle East Energy Transition and Digital & AI Hubs to further support clients in accelerating emissions reduction while unlocking efficiencies through AI-driven solutions. This in-region advisory enables practical pathways to carbon reduction while supporting national visions for a sustainable energy future. Delivery has already spanned initiatives such as minerals procurement, hydrogen production facilities, and carbon capture and storage infrastructure," said Stuart Turl, vice president of Middle East Consulting.
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The partnership signifies the region's exploration expansion. (Image source: Egypt's Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources)
Egypt's Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources has entered into a new oil and natural gas exploration agreement with British company Terra Petroleum
The partnership signifies the region's exploration expansion and production optimisation ambitions as Terra Petroleum steps into the region for the first time.
The contract gives Terra Petroleum access to the Northwest Maghra concession of the Western Desert to drill three wells, leading up to initial investments of approximately US$6.5mn. Additionally, the contract also leaves scope for two-dimensional and three-dimensional seismic surveys at the concession area.
Speaking of the deal, Minister of Petroleum Karim Badawi said that the agreement stands testament to the growing interests of international companies towards the region and their willingness for investment. As it builds trust in the Egyptian petroleum sector's investment climate, the Ministry is actively addressing policies and developments to support an encouraging work environment for global investors, and accelerate oil exploration and production rates.
Players in Egypt has been experiencing big developments in the exploration and production front with Dana Petroleum being the latest example. It has recently made a significant gas discovery following the drilling of the North El-Basant 1 exploratory well in Egypt’s onshore Nile Delta.
Richard Hall, CEO, Dana Gas, said, “The latest drilling success reinforces the value of our investment programme in Egypt and highlights the significant remaining potential within the Nile Delta. The North El Basant-6 result builds on the momentum of our earlier wells and supports our efforts to increase domestic gas supply and reserves. By increasing local gas production, the programme will help reduce Egypt’s reliance on imported LNG and fuel oil and is expected to generate more than one billion dollars in savings for the national economy over time."
Richard Hall, CEO of Dana Gas. (Image source: Dana Gas)
The activities will be supported by Saipem's construction vessels.
The agreement will evaluate the potential for heavy crude oil production in Block 71 using Salamander's advanced electric heating technology. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The Ministry of Energy and Minerals (MEM) of the Sultanate of Oman has signed a Feasibility Study Agreement with Westlawn Middle East LLC (WLME) and Salamander Solutions Middle East LLC (SSME) to evaluate the potential for heavy crude oil production in Block 71 using Salamander's advanced electric heating technology
Under the agreement, WLME and SSME are granted the rights to drill appraisal wells in Block 71 to evaluate the technical and commercial viability of applying the proprietary technology to one of the country's most challenging high potential reservoirs.
The study will conmmence immediately and is expected to conclude within two years. If is is successful, the parties will look to negotiate a long-term concession agreement.
"This is our first transaction in Oman since establishing our in-country presence in 2024, and we are delighted to partner with the Ministry of Energy and Minerals and Salamander Solutions. We look forward to unlocking significant value for the country," said Chadi Letayf, executive vice president, Westlawn.
Hatem Haidar, CEO of Salamander Solutions, added, "This agreement marks a significant milestone in deploying our proprietary electric heating technology in the Middle East. We are excited to partner with the Ministry of Energy and Minerals and Westlawn to demonstrate its value in unlocking complex reservoirs."
Salamander's heater cable technology is a robust and reliable solution capable of operating at higher temperatures, higher power, and at greater lengths than previously considered possible. At the heart of every Salamander heater is a HVMI mineral insulated (MI) electrical cable with a stainless steel sheath, developed specifically to provide unprecedented heat injection levels over continuous long- or short-term deployments.
Oman is a global leader in deploying enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technologies such as thermal EOR to boost production from mature oilfields, which have been instrumental in turning around declining production.
The development will deliver 200mn standard cubic feet per day (scfd) of gas before the end of the decade. (Image source: ADNOC)
Adnan Bu Fateem, chief operating officer at Mubadala Energy. (Image source: Mubalada Energy)
The new collaboration aims to scale up the development of CTC technology. (Image source: KAUST)
Aramco, Honeywell and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) are collaborating to scale up the development of Crude-to-Chemicals (CTC) technology in a bid to maximise the value of crude oil and reduce costs associated with CTC conversion
The new CTC pathway will entail converting crude oil directly into light olefins and other high-demand chemicals, resulting in improved fuel efficiency, carbon utilisation, and process economics—allowing for more efficient and cost-effective production at scale.
The collaboration aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by helping to advance economic diversification, build national research and technology capabilities, and strengthen the Kingdom’s position in the global chemicals market, combining academia and industry expertise to accelerate technology development and national capabilities.
Dr. Ali A. Al-Meshari, Aramco senior vice president of technology oversight & coordination, said, “This collaboration with Honeywell UOP and KAUST furthers Aramco's efforts to drive innovation and shape the future of petrochemicals. By harnessing the power of cutting-edge technologies, we aim to enhance energy efficiency and unlock increased value from every barrel of crude. This novel Crude-to-Chemicals process is aligned with our vision of supporting the global transition towards cleaner, high-performance chemical production. Moreover, this initiative demonstrates our focus on contributing to the growth of a vibrant ecosystem, where the deployment of innovative technologies can create lasting value for our stakeholders, our communities, and the environment.”
Rajesh Gattupalli, Honeywell UOP president, added, “This agreement marks a defining moment in our strategic collaboration with Aramco and KAUST – and in the global evolution of Crude-to-Chemicals technology. With Honeywell UOP’s deep expertise in catalytic process design and commercial scale-up, we’re well positioned to drive this innovation forward.”
Vitol Bahrain EC has a long-standing presence in Uganda's downstream sector.
The companies will explore capital investments to upgrade and diversify production. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The NFPS project will help QatarEnergy LNG hit its production optimisation goals.
QatarEnergy LNG has onboarded Saipem, along with Offshore Oil Engineering Co. Ltd. (COOEC), for the delivery of offshore engineering procurement construction and installation (EPCI) services
Known to be the largest 'non-associated' natural gas field off the north-eastern coast of Qatar, the NFPS project is being leveraged by QatarEnergy LNG to hit its production optimisation goals.
Worth around US$4bn, the contract requires the partners to provide a COMP5 package for the North Field Production Sustainability (NFPS) Offshore Compression Complexes project.
Spanning over a service period of five years, Saipem will be covering engineering, procurement, fabrication and installation of two compression complexes, each including a compression platform, a living quarter platform, a flare platform supporting the gas combustion system, and the related interconnecting bridges. These complexes, which will be weighing no less than 68,000 tons each, and other offshore installations will be carried out by Saipem''s De He construction vessel.
Currently Saipem is executing the previously ordered contracts on the same project, involving the EPCI COMP2 and COMP3 packages.
Saipem's complicated, large-scale services are supported by five fabrication yards and an offshore fleet of 17 construction vessels owned and 12 drilling rigs, of which 9 owned. The company's approach to major projects involves sustainability and digital innovation.
The HyperSteer MX directional drill bit improves durability and maximises directional control. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
A multi-well correlation for three wells. Shown (from left to right for each well) are gamma ray, AI-predicted lithology, and far-stack seismic amplitude with the gamma ray curve in the well position. (Image source: DUG)
The webinar will transform confined space inspections. (Image source: Flyability)
Despite advances in digital technology, many oil and gas sites across the Middle East still rely on manual entry for tank and vessel inspections, resulting in days of downtime, high scaffolding costs and risk to human life
What if you could change all that with drone technology?
Inspections drones such as the Elios 3 are revolutionising the world of confined space inspections, improving safety, reducing downtime and enhancing operational efficiency.
Join us for an exclusive live webinar hosted by Flyability in association with Oil Review Middle East on ‘Transforming oil and gas operations with the Elios 3 drone’ on Tuesday 2 September at 2pm GST. Industrial experts will explain how drones such as the Elios 3 are transforming confined space inspections, and how you can integrate this technology into your operations seamlessly.
Key highlights:
Drone integration: learn how to safety and effectively implement drones in confined space
Safety and training: understand essential safety protocols and training strategies for your team
ROI: discover how to measure and achieve a strong return on investment with drone technology
Real world use cases: hear from the engineers using drone tech in the field on the impact Elios 3 is having on in oil and gas inspections.
Speakers and host:
Fabio Fata – senior sales manager, Flyability (moderator)
Eralp Koltuk – inspection lead engineer, Tüpraş
Danijel Jovanovic – director of operations, ZainTECH
Take your operations to the next level! Don’t miss out on gaining valuable insights into how drones can make inspections safer, faster and smarter .
From making inspections in hazardous confined spaces much safer to streamlining the whole process and providing valuable real-time data, you will get to see exactly how the Elios 3 is changing the game.
The event will address the security challenges in the Middle East oil and gas sector, and how Pelco solutions can help.
Oil and gas operations in the Middle East span harsh deserts, sprawling refineries and high-risk offshore environments. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Methane emissions reporting is improving, but more action is needed to reduce emissions. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Government and industry responses to UN Environment Programme (UNEP) satellite methane alerts rose from 1% to 12% cent in the past year, and oil and gas methane emissions reporting has improved, but action needs to accelerate to achieve the Global Methane Pledge goal of curbing methane emissions 30% by 2030, according to a new UNEP report
Atmospheric methane continues to be the second biggest driver of climate change after carbon dioxide, responsible for about one-third of the planet’s warming, and real-world data is a critical tool to track and reduce methane emissions.
The fifth edition of the UN Environment Programme’s (UNEP) International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) publication, An Eye on Methane: From measurement to momentum, finds that member oil and gas companies of IMEO’s Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 (OGMP 2.0) are set to track one-third of emissions from global production using real-world measurements. The OGMP 2.0 is the world’s global standard for methane emissions measurement and mitigation in the oil and gas sector. Over the past five years, OGMP 2.0 membership has more than doubled to 153 companies in the countries, covering 42% of global oil and gas production.
One-third of global oil and gas production reports, or will soon report, emissions at OGMP 2.0’s Gold Standard – meaning emissions are tracked with real-world measurements. This positions a large amount of the global industry to effectively measure – and thus mitigate – emissions. One of the companies achieving 'Gold Standard reporting' in 2024 for having effectively achieved the highest levels of data quality is Eni. OGMP 2.0’s 2025 report recognized Eni for its continued progress, including identifying and quantifying emissions across non-operated assets, as well as training and technical assistance on the LDAR (Leak Detection and Repair) approach to fugitive emissions. LDAR training sessions were organised with the support of UNEP and delivered to National Oil Company (NOC) personnel.
The report highlights that while government and company responses to alerts from IMEO’s Methane Alert and Response System (MARS) have grown tenfold over the previous year, nearly 90% remain unanswered, necessitating an increase in response rates. Through MARS, UNEP has sent over 3,500 alerts about major emissions events across 33 countries. These alerts are based on satellite monitoring and artificial intelligence-supported analysis. IMEO has documented 25 cases of mitigation action in ten countries since MARS was launched in 2022, including across six new countries during the past year.
“Reducing methane emissions can quickly bend the curve on global warming, buying more time for long-term decarbonisation efforts, so it is encouraging that data-driven tools are helping the oil and gas industry to report on their emissions and set ambitious mitigation targets,” said Inger Andersen, executive director of UNEP. “But to keep the Paris Agreement targets within reach, the important progress on reporting must translate into cuts to emissions. Every company should join the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0, and both governments and operators must respond to satellite alerts – then they must act to reduce emissions.”
The fossil fueld sector is responsible for approximately one third of total global methane emissions. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Progress has been reported in developing action plans to reduce methane emissions and end routine flaring. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
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