In The Spotlight
LNG trains, refineries, fuel terminals and critical gas-to-liquids facilities across the region have incurred damage. (Image source: Adobe Stock).
Repair and restoration costs of Middle East war-damaged infrastructure are likely to top US$25bn, and could rise further, according to Rystad Energy assessments
Particularly hard hit has been Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City, where the destruction of LNG trains has triggered force majeure and a 17% capacity reduction, equivalent to about 12.8 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa). A full recovery could take up to five years, given that the gas turbines required to power LNG main refrigeration compressors are supplied by only three original equipment manufacturers (OEM) globally, all of which have production backlogs.
Bahrain has also been badly impacted, says Rystad. BapcoEnergies’ Sitra Refinery was struck twice, damaging two crude distillation units (CDU) and a tank farm, with force majeure declared across group operations. The facility had just been completed under its US$7bn modernisation program in December 2025. Restoring the units could require international contractors to be re-mobilised at considerable cost, as the damaged assets had only recently come online.
There were also disruptions in other countries, including the UAE, Kuwait, Iraq and Saudi Arabia. It is noteworthy that Saudi Aramco was able to swiftly restart operations at Ras Tanura, where maintenance teams were already onsite for a planned turnaround when debris fell inside the perimeter, reflecting its domestic capability.
The speed of recovery in the region will depend on execution capacity and capital deployment timing, as repair spending ramps up. Operators are likely to prioritise restoring existing fields, creating demand for EPC contractors and OEMs, especially those with regional experience and existing agreements with national oil companies. Near-term work will most likely focus on inspection, engineering and site preparation, followed by equipment replacement and construction as procurement constraints ease. In Iran, domestic and East Asian companies will likely carry out most of the repair work given continued Western sanctions, which could be slower and more expensive.
“The Gulf region’s recovery will be defined less by financial capital and more by structural constraints,” said Audun Martinsen, head of Supply Chain Research at Rystad Energy.
“While some assets may be restored within months, others could remain offline for years. Beyond the status of the Strait of Hormuz, every day of damaged or shut-in infrastructure pushes pre-war production capacity further out of reach. Iran’s South Pars offshore field and Qatar’s Ras Laffan facility stand out as particularly concerning cases. The scale of damage and long lead times for critical equipment could result in slow recovery. Urgent repairs will have to take precedence in place of planned expansion.”
Kuwait is going ahead with its offshore development programme. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
At CERAWeek, taking place in Houston from 23-27 March, Shaikh Nawaf S. Al-Sabah, deputy chairman and CEO of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) reaffirmed progress on key strategic projects, including Project Seif and Project Peregrine, despite the current situation
Project Seif involves the development of Kuwait’s recently-discovered offshore fields, in which Kuwait is inviting IOCs to participate, and will ensure “additional production resilience and capacity to help meet production targets in the future,” Shaikh Al-Sabah said in his virtual address. Kuwait aims to lift production capacity to 4mn bpd by 2035 from around 2.5mn bpd currently.
“This is something that is of paramount importance in Kuwait, it is a project with real international scope and we’re moving ahead with this,” he confirmed.
“At the same time, on a shorter timescale, we have Project Peregrine, which is the project by which we lease and lease back our pipelines,” he continued. “This will be the largest single foreign investment in Kuwait.”
He added that the principal partners and investors had confirmed that they are still keen for the project to go ahead, and to continue to participate.
“This is a recognition that Kuwait remains open for business through these attacks,” he said, in reference to Iran’s drone attacks on the country's critical infrastructure facilities.
Shaikh Al-Sabah highlighted the global implications of any disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, noting its “vital concern” to the world economy, with around 75% of Asia’s oil and 83% of its LNG passing through it.
“It’s a domino effect,” he said. ”The costs of this war don’t stay in geographical lines in this region, they extend all the way through the supply chain.” He noted the impact on petrochemical supply chains and even food security, given the use of polyethylene in food packaging. He added that most of the world’s urea fertiliser comes from the Gulf.
Echoing other Gulf energy leaders, he said, “We are outraged by this attack on us. These attacks are no just on the Gulf, but are holding the world’s economy hostage. This is an attack on our sovereignty in Kuwait, on our people, and on our facilities. This act is unjustified and illegal by all standards."
SLB is expanding its technology collaboration with NVIDIA to design and deploy critical AI infrastructure and models for the energy industry
It follows the announcement of plans in 2024 to develop generative artificial intelligence solutions for the energy sector using NVIDIA software integrated with SLB’s Delfi digital platform and Lumi data and AI platform.
The initiative covers traditional machine learning, generative AI and emerging agentic AI technologies designed to improve performance and support reliable, efficient and lower-carbon energy systems.
Three strategic elements
It focuses on three strategic elements:
• Modular design for data centres: SLB will serve as the modular design partner for NVIDIA DSX AI factories, driving increased quality and reliability while also reducing costs, labour constraints and lead times, as well as enabling rapid and flexible scaling
• AI Factory for Energy: SLB will work with NVIDIA to develop an “AI Factory for Energy,” a reference environment powered by domain-specific generative AI models and industrial-scale agentic AI. This will run on SLB’s digital platforms to help energy companies scale AI for their data and operations.
• Accelerated computing for SLB digital platforms: The companies will optimise the processing of large datasets and AI models across SLB digital platforms using the latest NVIDIA AI infrastructure, boosting performance and efficiency in energy applications.
“The winners in AI will be companies with the best data, the deepest domain expertise and the ability to scale,” said Demos Pafitis, SLB’s chief technology officer. “By collaborating with NVIDIA to advance modular data centre construction and harness our domain expertise and digital platforms, we’re enabling the energy industry to deploy AI at scale and transform operational data into smarter decisions.”
"AI is becoming the engine of a new industrial revolution, and the energy industry is at its forefront," said Vladimir Troy, vice president of AI Infrastructure at NVIDIA. "Building AI Factory infrastructure and domain models is needed to turn massive amounts of energy data into actionable insights and accelerate more efficient and sustainable energy systems."
HE Dr. Sultan Al Jaber. (Image source: ADNOC)
His Excellency Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, ADNOC managing director and Group CEO, chairman of Masdar and executive chairman of XRG, has said that weaponising the Strait of Hormuz is an act of economic terrorism with global impact far beyond energy markets
Speaking at CERAWeek, taking place in Houston, Texas, Dr. Al Jaber said, “Twenty-one miles wide. Twenty million barrels a day. Nearly a fifth of the world’s oil and gas. Over a third of the world’s fertilizer. Almost a quarter of the world’s petrochemicals and significant amounts of industrial metals. In short, much of the oxygen of the global economy runs through a single throat. Yet, Iran believes that choking it is an acceptable strategy.
“When Hormuz is squeezed, the pressure is immediately felt around the world. In just three weeks, the price of oil has risen by 50%. This is raising the cost of living for those who can least afford it and slowing economic growth everywhere. From factories, to farms, to families around the world, the human cost is mounting by the day.
“Weaponising the Strait of Hormuz is not an act of aggression against one nation. It is economic terrorism against every nation. And no country should be allowed to hold Hormuz hostage, not now, not ever. And while we appreciate all efforts to stabilise markets and reduce prices, this is not a supply issue. It is a security issue, and it has only one durable answer, keeping the Strait open. We cannot trade our way out of this crisis.”
Dr. Al Jaber stressed the UAE did not ask for conflict and had taken every possible step to prevent it, but its defences, resilience and character had withstood attack when it came.
“At ADNOC, we took hits no civilian enterprise, let alone one focused on delivering energy to the world, should ever have to take. We are deploying extraordinary measures to keep our people safe and to make sure, as much as possible, every customer and every stakeholder gets what they need.”
Dr. Al Jaber said the UAE and ADNOC’s resilience was not a reaction, but the result of years of investment in infrastructure, preparation and long term planning and strategic partnerships.
“We built ADNOC into one of the most reliable energy companies on Earth not because disruption never reaches our borders, but because when it does, we stay the course. That’s why we have diversified how we produce energy. We have expanded the routes that connect supply to markets.
“We have integrated all sources of energy at scale. We have embedded technology and AI across our operations as the force multiplier that will define the next era of energy. And we have built a global network of partners who believe that energy security is a shared responsibility.”
He ended with an invitation to energy leaders to attend ADIPEC in November, where the resilience of the global energy system will be a focus of discussion.
Meanwhile, ADNOC Gas has confirmed in a disclosure to the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange that operations are continuing safely across its asset base. Following debris falling near certain facilities, inspections confirmed no injuries and no impact to core processing integrity, the company said. Operations were suspended at the Shah gas plant, which provides around 20% of the UAE’s gas supply, following a drone attack, and were also suspended at Habshan gas facility, one of the region’s largest, on 18 March after the interception of missiles targeting the facility and the Bab oilfield, which caused falling debris.
“The company’s continued focus is on ensuring the safety of staff, contractors, partners, and operations while continuing to serve its customers,” the company states.
In response to ongoing shipping disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, ADNOC Gas has separately made temporary operational adjustments to production of LNG and Export Traded Liquids and is actively collaborating with customers and partners on a transaction-by-transaction basis to fulfill commitments wherever possible.
Starlink services will now be available in Kuwait. (Image source: Alghanim Industries)
Unlocking access to SpaceX’s satellite internet network and the largest constellation of low Earth orbit satellites, Alghanim Industries (Kutayba Alghanim Group) has launched Starlink services in Kuwait through its technology venture Sama X, good news for remote offshore oil and gas facilities and maritime fleets
In Kuwait, Sama X has introduced several subscription plans with over 300 Mbps download speeds, which promise fast delivery, professional installation, and local support, including a 24/7 bilingual call centre. The service operates in accordance with Kuwait’s telecommunications regulations and the approvals issued by the relevant authorities. For inquiries, customers can call 22055736.
"The launch of Starlink services in Kuwait through Sama X marks an important step in strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure," said Kutayba Y Alghanim, executive chairman of Alghanim Industries. "At a time when reliable connectivity has become essential for business continuity and the effective functioning of key sectors, this technology provides advanced connectivity that helps organisations, governments, and communities stay connected wherever they operate — from remote worksites to critical sectors such as healthcare and education. Through this initiative, we continue to support the adoption of advanced technologies that strengthen Kuwait’s digital readiness and open new opportunities for innovation and growth."
Starlink's consistent support with reliable communication is capable of driving businesses across Kuwait, including remote offshore oil and gas installations and maritime fleets at sea. Its high-speed connectivity enhances safety and improve operational efficiency, supporting seamless streaming, cloud-based applications, and data-driven services across multiple industries.
"Making Starlink services available in Kuwait marks an important step in expanding advanced connectivity options for businesses and individuals across the country," said Amit Somani, CEO of Sama X. "At Sama X, we are focused on making this technology easy to access through fast installation and dedicated local support. Our partnership with Xcite further expands availability, allowing customers to purchase Starlink services easily through Xcite’s online channels and nationwide stores."
Fatih Birol, IEA executive director. (Image source: IEA)
The 32 Member countries of the International Energy Agency have agreed to make 400 million barrels of oil from their emergency reserves available to the market, the largest release of emergency oil stocks in the Agency’s history, to address the loss of supply stemming from the war in the Middle East and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz
In a statement, IEA executive director Fatih Birol noted that the conflict in the Middle East is having a significant impact on global oil and gas markets, with major implications for security, affordability and the global economy.
The conflict in the Middle East that began on 28 February 2026 has impeded oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, with export volumes of crude and refined products currently at less than 10% of pre-conflict levels. Without sufficient routes to market and without sufficient storage, regional operators have been forced to shut in or curtail a substantial amount of production. They are also experiencing attacks on their energy and energy-related infrastructure.
An average of 20 million barrels per day of crude oil and oil products transited the Strait of Hormuz in 2025, or around 25% of the world’s seaborne oil trade. Options for oil flows to bypass the Strait of Hormuz are limited.
Refinery operations are also being disrupted, with implications for the jet fuel and diesel supplies.
“The situation of the natural gas markets is challenging, with few options to replace LNG cargoes from Qatar and the UAE. These have been reduced by 20%, leaving balances even tighter than for oil,” Birol remarked. Asia has been the most profoundly affected, and is forced to compete with other markets for LNG cargos.
“The oil market challenges we are facing are unprecedented in scale, therefore I am very glad that IEA Member countries have responded with an emergency collective action of unprecedented size,” said Birol. “Oil markets are global, so the response to major disruptions needs to be global too. Energy security is the founding mandate of the IEA, and I am pleased that IEA Members are showing strong solidarity in taking decisive action together.”
While this will alleviate the immediate disruption, the most important thing is to stabilise flows and allow traffic to resume through the Strait of Hormuz, he said.
The emergency stocks will be made available to the market over a timeframe that is appropriate to the national circumstances of each Member country and will be supplemented by additional emergency measures by some countries.
IEA members hold emergency stockpiles of over 1.2 billion barrels, with a further 600 million barrels of industry stocks held under government obligation. The coordinated stock release is the sixth in the history of the IEA, which was created in 1974. Previous collective actions were taken in 1991, 2005, 2011, and twice in 2022.
The IEA Secretariat will provide further details of how this collective action will be implemented in due course. It will also continue to closely monitor global oil and gas markets and to provide recommendations to Member governments, as needed.
“The IEA will continue its mission of upholding energy security, as we have done today for the oil markets, and will continue to do across the entire energy sector,” Birol concluded.
Brent and WTI prices pushed past US$115 a barrel on 9 March 2026. (Image source: GlobalData)
As Brent and WTI prices pushed past US$115 a barrel on 9 March 2026, the world was in for a major supply shock
“The latest price spike indicates that the market is rapidly transitioning from pricing in a logistics disruption to factoring in a potential supply shock. Initially, traders reacted to maritime risks in the Strait of Hormuz, which raised shipping costs and delayed cargoes. However, recent developments suggest that actual production and export volumes across key Gulf producers are now at risk, fundamentally tightening global supply expectations," said Jaison Davis, economic research analyst at GlobalData, an intelligence and productivity platform.
He went on to explain how the sharp price rise exposed the market’s spare capacity buffer. "Even relatively small disruptions to Gulf production can trigger outsized price movements because the region accounts for a disproportionate share of globally traded crude," Davis said.
“The current surge in prices also reflects the concentration risk within the global oil system. A large share of exports from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, and the UAE passes through the Strait of Hormuz, leaving global energy supply exposed to geopolitical disruptions in a single maritime corridor. Financial markets have already begun pricing in the broader macroeconomic consequences of the oil shock, including rising inflation expectations, currency volatility, and pressure on equity markets across energy-importing economies," he said.
Duration remains the most influential determining factor at this point. While prices may find balance if stability is restored in the Strait of Hormuz, it can easily lead to a structural supply deficit situation if there's no end in sight for the conflict.
“At the same time, should GCC states, along with Turkey, manage to influence the US and international diplomatic channels toward de-escalation, markets may begin to unwind some of the current geopolitical risk premiums. Tanker flows through the Strait of Hormuz could stabilise, insurance and freight costs could moderate, and production cuts could be reversed, gradually pushing oil prices closer to pre-crisis levels. Residual volatility would likely persist, but a credible ceasefire or mediation effort could alleviate worst-case supply fears and ease pressure on energy-importing economies.
"Nonetheless, oil markets will remain acutely sensitive to developments in the Gulf region. Pricing dynamics are increasingly shaped by security conditions and the resilience of export routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Even with short-term stabilisation in shipping, any lingering disruption to production, infrastructure, or tanker traffic risks sustaining elevated volatility, as well as renewed inflationary pressures for oil-importing countries,” said Davis.
Mabruk oilfield onshore Libya, located in concession C17, around 130 km south of Sirte. (Image source: TotalEnergies)
TotalEnergies has restarted production at the Mabruk oilfield onshore Libya, located in concession C17, around 130 km south of Sirte
Production from the field stopped in 2015.
The construction of a new production unit with a capacity of 25,000 barrels per day was launched in May 2024. Start-up of the new facility occurred on 28 February 2026, less than two years after the project was launched.
“This restart illustrates our long-term commitment in Libya, as we celebrate TotalEnergies’ 70th anniversary in the country this year,” said Julien Pouget, Middle East and North Africa director for TotalEnergies’ Exploration & Production business. “This project, which follows TotalEnergies’ recent announcements regarding the extension of the Waha concessions, brings low-cost, low-emissions oil production in line with the company’s strategy, and contributes to our objective of 3% annual production growth per year until 2030.”
TotalEnergies holds an interest of 37.5% at Mabruk.
The restart follows TotalEnergies’ signing of an agreement extending the Libya onshore Waha Concessions, of which it holds 20.42%, up to 2050, paving the way for further investments and strengthening TotalEnergies’ presence in the country.
This agreement sets new fiscal terms allowing to increase the production of these concessions, currently producing around 370,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d). It clears the way for a new phase of investments, including the development of the North Gialo field, which is expected to unlock an additional 100,000 boe/d of production.
The Waha concessions are held by NOC (59.16%), TotalEnergies (20.42%) and ConocoPhillips (20.42%) and are operated by Waha Oil Company (WOC), a company 100% owned by NOC.
TotalEnergies has a longstanding presence in Libya, with production averaging 113,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2025, from the offshore Al Jurf field (TotalEnergies 37.5%), the onshore areas of El Sharara (TotalEnergies 15% in former Block NC 115 and 12% in former Block NC 186), Mabruk, and the Waha concessions.
There have been several promising recent discoveries in Egypt. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The wells are located around 85 km off the coast. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The move affects a limited portion of the company’s offshore fleet. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Saudi Arabia-based Arabian Drilling Company has temporarily suspended a number of its offshore rigs as a precautionary measure, citing safety concerns linked to ongoing regional tensions
In a statement to the Saudi Exchange, the company confirmed that the suspensions were implemented in line with established safety and operational procedures, with a primary focus on safeguarding personnel and protecting critical assets.
The move affects a limited portion of the company’s offshore fleet, while its onshore operations remain unaffected. Arabian Drilling said its land fleet of 39 rigs continues to operate at full capacity, maintaining uninterrupted activity across its domestic projects.
Management indicated that the decision was taken following consultations with clients and an internal review of the evolving situation. The company stressed that the suspensions are expected to be temporary, with operations set to resume once conditions stabilise and risks are reassessed.
Chief executive Fahad Albani said the company remains focused on ensuring operational safety during a period of uncertainty. He noted that while offshore activity has been paused in specific cases, Arabian Drilling retains the capability to restart operations quickly when it is deemed safe to do so.
The company operates a fleet of 60 rigs, of which 45 are currently active, according to its latest disclosures. By prioritising safety-led decision-making, Arabian Drilling aims to minimise exposure to potential hazards while maintaining readiness to respond to changing conditions.
Industry observers note that precautionary suspensions are a common response during periods of heightened geopolitical risk, particularly in offshore environments where safety considerations are paramount. Such measures are typically designed to reduce the likelihood of incidents involving personnel, equipment or infrastructure.
Arabian Drilling added that it expects only a limited financial impact in the first quarter of 2026, with a recovery anticipated once operations resume. The company continues to monitor developments closely and is maintaining operational preparedness across its fleet.
The broader industry is also taking a cautious approach. ADES Holding Company recently indicated that a small number of offshore rigs across the GCC have been temporarily halted under similar circumstances, underscoring a wider emphasis on risk mitigation.
As regional uncertainty persists, safety remains a central priority for operators, with companies balancing operational continuity against the need to protect workers and infrastructure in challenging environments.
The acquisition will bring survey management services. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
AD Ports has seen revenue and profits rise by 20% and 16% respectively. (Image source: AD Ports)
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 collaboration will help reduce exploration uncertainty for customers. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
TGS has announced an agreement with Amazon Web Services (AWS) which is set to accelerate its AI/ML-driven seismic imaging and analytics, enabling subsurface data to be more swiftly translated into actionable insights
Under the agreement, TGS will build on its existing relationship with AWS by designating AWS as its preferred cloud provider, leveraging AWS high-performance computing (HPC) and Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) to build solutions that will transform exploration and development by accelerating time-to-insight and reducing exploration uncertainty for TGS' customers.
This collaboration includes the modernisation of TGS Imaging AnyWare on AWS and leveraging cloud elasticity to further optimise processing workflows. By leveraging the latest NVIDIA instances and selectively adopting specialized AWS hardware accelerators, TGS enables high-definition seismic imaging, including compute-intensive Elastic Full Waveform Inversion (eFWI), and delivers petabyte-scale multi-client data to customers on demand. These solutions are built on a secure, elastic, and resilient multi-region architecture, leveraging the AWS Nitro System to isolate and protect sensitive customer workloads.
"This partnership represents the moment when the power of Generative AI meets the complexity of geoscience,' said Kristian Johansen, CEO of TGS. "By moving TGS Data Verse, the largest subsurface seismic library, and the TGS Imaging AnyWare platform to AWS, we are co-innovating to deliver an exploration-ready atlas of the subsurface. This collaboration translates subsurface data into strategic intelligence with unprecedented scale and speed, marking a fundamental shift that will accelerate prospect generation and create competitive advantages for our customers."
TGS is deploying a multi-modal Subsurface Foundation Model (SFM) built on Amazon Bedrock and powered by Amazon SageMaker HyperPods, which will simultaneously process diverse data types, to achieve a comprehensive subsurface understanding.
"TGS' selection of AWS as their preferred cloud provider demonstrates how industry leaders are leveraging cloud computing and generative AI to transform energy exploration," said Uwem Ukpong, vice president, AWS Industries. "By combining AWS advanced computing and AI capabilities with TGS' domain expertise and extensive energy data library, energy companies can unlock greater value from seismic data. Additionally, through Open Subsurface Data Universe (OSDU) Energy Data Integration with TGS, companies across the energy sector can seamlessly integrate data, optimise exploration workflows, reduce risk, and make more confident decisions through intelligent analysis of complex subsurface data."
delivering measurablThe technology delivers production improvements without complex chemical blends or polymers. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The acquisition creates a comprehensive and industry-leading drilling automation portfolio. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Oil and gas operations in the Middle East span harsh deserts, sprawling refineries and high-risk offshore environments. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
In the oil and gas industry, where every second counts and every decision impacts profitability and safety, robust security is not just a luxury – it's a necessity
From protecting critical assets to safeguarding human lives, security systems must meet the highest standards of reliability and performance.
Pelco, a leader in video security, is uniquely positioned to address the challenges faced by oil and gas companies in the Middle East, offering a fresh perspective on how to optimise security systems seamlessly. With our upcoming online event, we invite you to explore how Pelco can help tackle worker safety, asset protection and operational efficiency in this complex industry.
Addressing oil and gas challenges head-on
Oil and gas operations in the Middle East span harsh deserts, sprawling refineries and high-risk offshore environments. Physical, environmental and digital threats are converging, and security systems must evolve to meet these overlapping demands. Our upcoming online event will focus on three critical areas where Pelco's expertise can make a difference:
1. Improve worker safety and HSE compliance
Ensuring worker safety is both a moral responsibility and a regulatory imperative. Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) compliance is a top priority for oil and gas operations. Pelco's advanced portfolio is designed to help you meet these standards.
Edge-based analytics and intelligent video security can be valuable tools in supporting site safety. These systems can help detect safety incidents, such as slips or falls, especially in areas where oily surfaces, heat or dust create additional hazards. When incidents occur in remote areas, automated detection can prompt faster intervention, thereby closing the gap between the event and the response.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) compliance is another key safety concern. High temperatures in the Middle East can lead to discomfort, and in some cases, workers may be tempted to remove protective gear, such as hard hats or vests, for temporary relief. In this case, AI-enabled video analytics can help identify instances of non-compliance, enabling safety teams to address the issue before it becomes a liability.
Zone-based behavioural analytics can help detect when someone enters a restricted or hazardous area or remains in a dangerous zone longer than necessary. For example, loitering detection near flare stacks or storage tanks can support situational awareness and proactive incident mitigation.
2. Improve security and asset protection
From refineries in the desert to offshore rigs in corrosive marine environments, your assets operate under pressure, so your security systems must withstand these harsh conditions. In areas where explosive gases or dust particles may be present, even basic equipment can pose risks. That’s why choosing video solutions built for hazardous environments is critical.
ExSite Enhanced cameras, featuring 316L stainless steel construction and certifications such as ATEX and IECEx, are designed for use in hazardous atmospheres. Whether it’s observing pipeline manifolds, wellheads or chemical storage areas, these systems deliver dependable performance in high-risk environments. In corrosive coastal locations, such as LNG terminals or offshore rigs, Pelco’s anti-corrosion models withstand salt spray, humidity and chemical exposure without compromising visibility.
For perimeter defence, long-range Silent Sentinel cameras give security teams early warning of approaching threats, detecting vehicles, vessels or drones from kilometres away in fog, darkness or dust. These systems are especially valuable for remote desert pipelines or unstaffed offshore installations, where rapid detection is critical to prevent disruptions.
3. Minimise downtime and maximise uptime
Every minute of downtime impacts revenue. For oil and gas operations, the cost of unplanned outages is measured in millions of dollars. With Pelco, your video security can become an operational asset.
Radiometric thermal cameras can detect overheating in transformers, compressors and electrical panels, allowing teams to take action before equipment failure occurs. At the same time, Pelco’s camera image health analytics help ensure your video infrastructure is always performing at its best. Our cameras automatically detect issues such as lens obstructions, misalignment or tampering, reducing the need for manual inspections and helping ensure your security coverage is always clear, optimised and ready when it matters most.
Join us to discover the Pelco advantage
We invite you to join our upcoming online event, where industry leaders and Pelco experts will dive deeper into these challenges and solutions. Together, we'll explore how Pelco can be the missing ingredient to supercharge your security and drive operational excellence in the Middle East oil and gas sector.
Don't miss this opportunity to gain actionable insights and position your operations for success. Register now and discover how Pelco can transform your approach to security.
Competence is a must for high-risk tasks. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The event will address the security challenges in the Middle East oil and gas sector, and how Pelco solutions can help.
GCC countries are realigning domestic energy systems. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is set to become the world’s largest hydrogen exporter by 2060, while maintaining a dominant position in global oil and gas markets, according to DNV’s Oil & Gas Decarbonization in the Gulf Region report
The report highlights how Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are cutting the emissions intensity of their core oil and gas production while continuing to play a central role in global energy supply, presenting a picture of a region approaching the energy transition from a position of confidence and capital strength. Reductions in emissions intensity are occurring alongside continued hydrocarbon production and investment across renewables, electrification, hydrogen, methane abatement, digitalization, and carbon capture.
Since 2005, the GCC has produced nearly 18% of global oil and gas, a share expected to increase as investment continues in low-cost, advantaged resources. As global energy demand increasingly shifts toward Asia, the region’s location and cost competitiveness strengthen its position as a preferred supplier. At the same time, decarbonization measures are becoming an integral part of long-term competitiveness.
“The global energy transition will not progress at the same pace across regions, nor will it follow a single pathway,” said Brice Le Gallo, vice-president & regional director for Southern Europe, MEA & LATAM, Energy Systems at DNV. “In the Middle East, oil and gas remain central to economic stability and global energy security. The key challenge is to reduce their emissions footprint while accelerating investment in the technologies needed for a lower-carbon energy system.”
Electrification is being used to cut Scope 2 emissions from pumps, compressors, and offshore facilities, through grid connections, renewable power, and hybrid solutions. These efforts are supported by energy-efficiency measures and the use of digital tools and artificial intelligence to optimise drilling, reservoir management, and asset operations, reducing energy intensity and emissions per barrel produced.
Methane reduction remains one of the most immediate and cost-effective options for lowering emissions. Across the GCC, routine flaring is planned to be phased out by 2030 and leak detection and repair (LDAR) programmes are increasingly standard. National oil companies are also aligning with international methane initiatives, enabling continued production growth while reducing methane intensity in line with national net-zero targets.
GCC countries are realigning domestic energy systems to reduce oil and gas use domestically and free up volumes for export and low-carbon fuel production. Growth in renewables, electrification of transport and buildings, and efficiency gains are driving this shift. Investment in downstream industries, petrochemicals, and low-carbon fuels is also changing export profiles, moving beyond crude oil toward higher-value and lower-carbon energy products.
With access to low-cost natural gas, strong solar resources, and established industrial and export infrastructure, the region is well placed to scale both low-carbon hydrogen (produced from natural gas with carbon capture) and renewable hydrogen produced through electrolysis. By 2060, the Middle-East and North Africa region is projected to produce around 19 million tonnes of hydrogen and 13 million tonnes of ammonia per year, exporting about 50%, mainly toward Europe and advanced Asian economies.
“Hydrogen, ammonia, and carbon capture are becoming core elements of the GCC’s energy export model,” said Jan Zschommler, market area manager for the Middle East, Energy Systems at DNV. “As emissions requirements tighten, access to international markets will increasingly depend on carbon intensity. Integrating hydrogen production with renewable power, carbon capture, and existing industrial clusters allows the region to remain competitive while meeting these requirements.”
Carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) is also set to grow. In January 2026, the UAE's Supreme Council for Financial and Economic Affairs has introduced Carbon Capture Policy as a further commitment to meeting their carbon reduction targets. Captured CO₂ volumes (including CO₂ removal) are expected to reach around 250 million tonnes per year by 2060, equivalent to roughly 8% of regional energy-related and industrial emissions.
Bioenergy with carbon capture (BECCS) and direct air capture (DAC) combined are expected to remove around 81 million tonnes of CO₂ per year by 2060, helping to offset emissions from sectors that are more difficult to decarbonise.
The full report is available at https://www.dnv.com/energy-transition-outlook/oil-and-gas-decarbonization-in-the-gulf-region/
The new guidance addresses hydrogen-specific integrity and safety considerations. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The majority of projects are still at a feasibility stage. (Image source: GlobalData)
Most Read
-
TotalEnergies will support the refinery with its global oil and feedstock supply capacity. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
-
The programme is designed to strengthen leadership and safety culture in the oil and gas industry> (Image source: Adobe Stock)
-
The new range has been launched in response to the demand for compact and lightweight lifeboats. (Image source: VIKING)
-
HE Abdulsalam bin Mohammed Al Murshidi, the president of Oman Investment Authority (OIA)
-
Comparison of conventional workflow with DUG MP-FWI imaging. (Image source: DUG)
-
The programme will optimise asset lifecycle, enhance machinery performance and improve overall reliability. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
-
Block 56 is targeted for commercialisation in 2024. (Image source: Canva)
-
The expansion is expected to increase the plant’s processing capacity from 2.5 to up to 4 billion standard cubic feet per day (bscfd). (Image source: Aramco)
-
The use of blockchain in the oil and gas sector is set to increase substantially. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
-
Over 4,000 km of SoluForce pipe has been installed around the world. (Image source: SoluForce)
-
TotalEnergies and SONATRACH will develop gas resources in Algeria's north-east Timimoun region, (Image source: Adobe Stock).
-
Human factors need to be taken into account when addressing safety. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
-
Operators have never needed to take safety and efficiency more seriously. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
-
Source: SafeStart
-
By using analytics to augment and empower the workforce, pipeline operators can optimise operations and improve asset availability. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
- Details
-
The system can activate notification and hazard mitigation equipment to notify workers and safeguard facilities. (Image source: MSA Safety)
-
To improve differentiation, hard hats can be customised with different colours and logos. (Image source: MSA Safety)
- Details
-
Among other services, KBR will offer proprietary equipment for NCIC's 1,200 metric tonnes per day ammonia plant. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
-
The partnership will enable HMi Elements to tap into Cobic-Ex’s global network. (Image source: HMi Elements)
-
Osama Oulabi, general manager, KSA and Middle East, Speedcast. (Image source: Speedcast)
Latest News
-
There have been several promising recent discoveries in Egypt. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
-
The acquisition will bring survey management services. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
- Details
-
delivering measurablThe technology delivers production improvements without complex chemical blends or polymers. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
-
The acquisition creates a comprehensive and industry-leading drilling automation portfolio. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
-
AD Ports has seen revenue and profits rise by 20% and 16% respectively. (Image source: AD Ports)
-
Participants at the opening ceremony. (Image source: dmg events)
-
The collaboration will help reduce exploration uncertainty for customers. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
-
The move affects a limited portion of the company’s offshore fleet. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
-
LNG trains, refineries, fuel terminals and critical gas-to-liquids facilities across the region have incurred damage. (Image source: Adobe Stock).
-
Kuwait is going ahead with its offshore development programme. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
-
Oil market conditions have become unstable. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
- Details
-
HE Dr. Sultan Al Jaber. (Image source: ADNOC)
-
Mark Heine, Fugro CEO, (left) and Auden Berg, EVP, Kongsberg Discovery, sign the agreement at Oceanology International. (Image source: Kongsberg Discovery)
-
Qatar's LNG exports. (Image source: Rystad Energy)
-
Starlink services will now be available in Kuwait. (Image source: Alghanim Industries)
-
The support package is designed to help users rapidly upgrade their thermal imaging capabilities. (Image source: Flir)
-
Qatar's Ras Laffan facilities have come under attack. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
-
The transaction will preserve Petrofac's engineering and execution capability. (Image source: Petrofac)
-
Aramco alone accounts for nearly 40% of the total market value of all listed companies in the region. (Image source: Aramco)
More Articles
The X1 Series is an advanced universal marshalling system engineered for hazardous areas and high-integrity SIL applications. (Image source: GM International))
New challenges are emerging in mitigating health and safety incidents in hazardous zones. (Image source: Avigilon)
The Peli 9730 remote Area Lighting System. (Image source: Peli Products)
BOSIET training equips offshore workers with the necessary skills to work safety and effectively. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The SHP-SIS Safety Smart High-Performance Positioner
The Hub features the latest thinking in gas detection technology. (Image source: MSA Safety)
Stephen Beynon demonstrates FLIR's OGI cameras at ADIPEC. (Image source: Alain Charles Publishing)
Choosing protection that is comfortable, high-performing, and easy to use shows commitment to people, not paperwork. (Image source: MSA Safety)
By streamlining offshore operations, W2W systems enhance personnel safety while cutting down greenhouse gas emissions. (image source: Ampelmann)
Blackline Safety is expanding its footprint in the region. (Image source: Blackline Safety)
The controller is a crucial component of a cost-effective general SIL2 Safety solution. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The range covers all applications from residential to industrial environments. (Image source: Adobe Stock)