Read the Digital Magazine

The Shamakhi-Gobustan region onshore Azerbaijan will be developed by MOL Group and SOCAR as they signed a comprehensive production sharing agreement

The joint exploration project will be led by MOL Group as operator with a 65% stake while SOCAR retains 35% interest in the area.

This agreement, which was signed by MOL Group chairman and CEO, Zsolt Hernádi, and SOCAR president, Rovshan Najaf, solidifies the key terms that were proposed for the exploration in June during Baku Energy Week, and builds on previous successful cooperation.

“The final agreement of our latest cooperation with SOCAR marks another major step in our shared commitment to unlocking new potential and expanding our excellent collaboration in Azerbaijan’s upstream sector.

"The Shamakhi-Gobustan joint exploration project adds a great opportunity to our international upstream portfolio, and as the operator, we are proud to build on MOL Group’s extensive experience in exploration and production. Strong foundations have already been laid through the offshore ACG project in Azerbaijan, which is an important pillar of our international operations, playing a vital role in Central Europe’s energy security and providing us flexibility in crude oil sourcing and refining.

"I am very much looking forward to the next chapter of our cooperation in Azerbaijan with our esteemed partner SOCAR, which will further strengthen our region’s energy supply security,” said Hernádi.

The partners are currently planning to initiate a seismic survey early 2026, before drilling can begin shortly after. 

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, canit lead the way in building an energy workforce that’s 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 it's true power still lies in the people who are properly prepared to use it. 

The writer of this article is Stephen Marcos Jones, chief executive officer, OPITO

ExxonMobil, Aramco and Samref have signed an agreement to look at a significant upgrade of the Samref refinery, in Yanbu, and the possibility of expanding it into an integrated petrochemical complex

The refinery currently has the capacity to process more than 400,000 barrels of crude oil per day, producing a diverse range of energy products including propane, automotive diesel oil, marine heavy fuel oil, and sulphur. The companies will explore capital investments to upgrade and diversify production, including high-quality distillates that result in lower emissions and high-performance chemicals, as well as ways to improve the refinery’s energy efficiency and reduce emissions from operations through an integrated emissions-reduction strategy.

The companies will commence a preliminary front-end engineering and design phase for the proposed project, which would aim to maximise operational advantages, enhance Samref’s competitiveness and help to meet growing demand for high-quality petrochemical products in the Kingdom.

Samref is a joint venture between Aramco and Mobil Yanbu Refining Company Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Exxon Mobil Corporation.

Mohammed Y. Al Qahtani, Aramco Downstream president, said, “This next phase of Samref marks a step in our long-term strategic collaboration with ExxonMobil. Designed to increase the conversion of crude oil and petroleum liquids into high-value chemicals, this project reinforces our commitment to advancing Downstream value creation and our liquids-to-chemicals strategy. It will also position Samref as a key driver in the growth of the Kingdom’s petrochemical sector.”

Jack Williams, Exxon Mobil Corporation senior vice president, added, “We value our partnership with Aramco and our long history in Saudi Arabia. We look forward to evaluating this project, which aligns with our strategy to focus on investments that allow us to grow high-value products that meet society’s evolving energy needs and contribute to a lower-emission future.”

For over 25 years, Shaksy International has established itself as a leading supplier and stocking distributor of electrical products for the oil, gas and energy sectors 

With recent strategic expansions into Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi, the company is strengthening its regional presence to offer even more localised support. As part of its ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence, Shaksy International, in collaboration with its principal partners, participated in recent ADIPEC 2025. The event showed an extensive range of products tailored to meet the demanding needs of the energy industry.

One of the highlights of the event was Shaksy International's AmerCable (USA), including advanced energy cables and top drive service loops. These service loops are engineered to withstand the harshest land and offshore drilling environments. AmerCable offers two key types of service loops: traditional hose-encased versions and the revolutionary AmerLink jacketed service loops, a patented innovation designed for superior performance in extreme conditions.

Manufactured at state-of-the-art facilities in El Dorado, Arkansas, and Houston, Texas, each AmerCable service loop is rigorously tested and weatherproofed before reaching clients. These loops are engineered to endure the intense operational stresses encountered during well drilling, ensuring reliability and safety. All AmerCable systems comply with IEEE Std 2740-2020 standards.

The groundbreaking AmerLink jacketed top drive service loop represents a significant advancement over conventional hose-encased designs. Featuring reinforced industrial-strength protective jackets with stainless steel armoring and aramid fibers, these loops are built to support heavy loads and dynamic forces, all while preventing water ingress. The design offers a 58% improvement in pull-out and breaking strength, greatly enhancing durability and operational safety.

In addition to power cables and service loops, Shaksy International is the exclusive distributor for Emerson Appleton electrical products—trusted globally for their reliability in hazardous and demanding environments. Focused on sectors such as energy, refining, petrochemical processing, construction, defense, and power, Shaksy International has earned a reputation for providing high-quality products and exceptional customer service.

The company maintains a substantial stock of explosion-proof materials, offshore marine equipment, drilling rig cables, connectors, lighting fixtures, and more, ensuring rapid delivery and comprehensive support. Shaksy International remains committed to delivering superior products and services, driving innovation and customer satisfaction across the region. For more information, visit their website at www.shaksyint.com or contact the sales team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Looking to supercharge your oil and gas security?

From desert facilities to offshore platforms, Middle East oil and gas sites require video security built to withstand extreme heat, corrosion and hazardous conditions.

Join Pelco for an exclusive online discussion on 16 September, 3pm GST to gain actionable insights into the industry’s top security challenges, and learn how Pelco’s ruggedised camera systems, designed for extreme environments, are rising to the challenge.

At the session, entitled “Eyes on efficiency: how Pelco can transform oil and gas operations,” discover how you can
• Protect assets in extreme and hazardous conditions
• Improve regulatory compliance and worker safety
• Minimise downtime, enhance operational efficiencies and reduce losses
• Future-proof and optimise security operations.

The expert panel will provide insights and real-world use cases demonstrating how the Pelco portfolio is transforming security ROI in oil and gas, from explosion-proof, long-range and AI-powered camera systems, legacy system integration and predictive safety alerts, to halo sensors for safety in zones where cameras can’t go.

Speakers are:
• Andy Shartzer, Technical Evangelist, Pelco
• Saqib Farooki, Middle East Oil & Gas Expert, Pelco
• Shamsheer Mohiuddin, Lead PMC Telecom Engineer, Kent PLC.

The session will be moderated by Louise Waters, Editor, Oil Review Middle East.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain actionable insights and position your operations for success. Book your place now and discover how Pelco can transform your approach to security.

The fossil-fuel sector offers the largest and most cost-effective opportunity for rapid methane abatement, according to the newly released Global Methane Status Report, launched on the sidelines of COP30 in Belém

Produced by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), the Global Methane Status Report assesses progress and remaining gaps in efforts to cut methane - a potent greenhouse gas responsible for nearly a third of current warming.

The report shows that although methane emissions are still rising, projected 2030 emissions under current legislation are already lower than earlier forecasts due to a mix of national policies, sectoral regulations, and market shifts. However, the report warns that only full-scale implementation of proven and available control measures will close the gap to the Global Methane Pledge’s target of a 30% cut from 2020 levels by 2030.

Urging decisive methane action to deliver the Global Methane Pledge, ministers attending the Global Methane Pledge Ministerial stressed that the policies, technologies, and partnerships needed to meet the target are available, but require rapid scale-up across the energy, agriculture, and waste sectors. Ministers also called for increased transparency from countries on ambition and action to track progress.

Julie Dabrusin, Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Co-Convener of the Global Methane Pledge, said, “This report is a crucial assessment of our progress and a key indicator of the work that’s required to meet the Global Methane Pledge goal. In just four years, we have made improvements, but we must continue to drive faster, deeper methane cuts. Every tonne reduced brings us closer to cleaner air, more resilient communities, and a thriving global economy. It is important for all countries that have agreed to the Global Methane Pledge to continue to work closely together to drive momentum on methane mitigation, turning ambition into tangible benefits for the planet.”

The fossil-fuel sector is the second largest source of anthropogenic methane emissions, responsible for approximately one third of the global total. Under current legislation, emissions from the sector are expected to rise by 8% in 2050 compared to 2020. This sector presents the single greatest potential for rapid, cost-effective methane abatement, according to the report. These reductions could be achieved through readily available technologies and practices, often at low cost.

Since the launch of the GMP, methane abatement policies in the oil and gas sector have become more innovative and widespread, while voluntary initiatives such as the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP) 2.0 now cover up to 45% of global oil and gas production.

The rate of policy development and country participation, however, still fall short of what is needed to achieve the 2030 targets. Implementation and enforcement must also be strengthened.

The recent adoption of novel approaches, such as the European Union import standard, offers the potential to use the market to mitigate methane in oil and gas sector more rapidly at the global scale.

Bridging the methane policy gap in the fossil fuel sector calls for strong implementation of existing policies, continuous capacity building, increased ambition from additional producing countries, ramped up technical support and innovative financial mechanisms to facilitate mitigation in developing countries.

Key measures recommended include:

• enhancing monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) systems across all fossil fuel operations
• expanding the use of direct measurement protocols and corroborated satellite data which could improve the accuracy and transparency of inventories
• expanding leak detection and repair (LDAR) programmes in oil and gas, which not only help reduce leaks but also enhance data quality for inventories and enhance workplace safety and asset integrity;
• ensuring proper sealing techniques during well closure, given methane emissions from abandoned wells can continue for decades after activities cease;
• strengthening enforcement mechanisms with the establishment of clear accountability structures, penalties for non-compliance and independent oversight;
• facilitating access to finance and capacity building;
• harnessing import standards as market leverage, creating a clear incentive for producing countries to adopt stronger mitigation practices; and
• leveraging international and bilateral frameworks for capacity and alignment.