H.E. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi giving the opening address. (Image source: QatarEnergy)

The 21st International Conference and Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG2026) has opened at the Qatar National Convention Centre in Doha, underlining the pivotal role of LNG in supporting the global economy and Qatar’s leading position in the LNG industry

Delivering the conference’s opening address, His Excellency Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, the president and CEO of QatarEnergy, said, “It is a source of great pleasure to host this event at a time when QatarEnergy is emerging as a leading force in the energy sector in general, and in the LNG industry in particular, through its expanding role in meeting global energy markets needs and ensuring reliable supplies.

“The mega-projects we have launched a few years ago will more than double QatarEnergy's LNG production from 77 million tons per annum to 160 million tons per annum, including 142 million tons per annum from Qatar's North Field. Hereby, our projects will contribute about 40% of the new global LNG supplies over the next decade.”

H.E. Al-Kaabi provided an overview of the efforts to invest in expanding production, and storage, as well as emission reduction. Highlighting the LNG transportation sector, he said, “We have launched the largest shipbuilding programme in the industry's history, comprising 128 state-of-the-art LNG carriers with outstanding operational and environmental standards. We have already received 38 new vessels and will receive a new one every three weeks. This will give QatarEnergy the largest LNG carrier fleet in the world, reaching about 200 vessels within the next few years.”

Main achievements

His Excellency highlighted QatarEnergy’s main achievements as part of its strategic expansion programme in the petrochemicals sector, which will increase its polymer production capacity, both within Qatar and internationally, by about 235% compared to current levels, thus enhancing its ability to provide high-value products. This is in addition to increasing Qatar's production of condensates and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) by about 60% and helium by 115%.

He added, “QatarEnergy is working to support global food security by establishing a new world-class urea fertilizer production complex, which will increase its current production capacity by more than 110%, becoming the world's largest urea exporter. With this, QatarEnergy will become, within the next few years, the world's largest exporter of LNG, chemical fertilizers, and helium."

At a plenary panel discussion with the CEOs of QatarEnergy’s partner international energy companies H.E. Al-Kaabi forecast increasing demand for gas, driven by global economic growth and other factors like artificial intelligence and data centres, while oil “will be needed for a very long time”.

The session titled “Global LNG Dynamics: An Industry Perspective” was held with the participation of Patrick Pouyanné, chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, Darren Woods, executive chair and CEO of ExxonMobil, Wael Sawan, CEO of Shell, and Ryan Lance, CEO of ConocoPhillips.

H.E. Al-Kaabi said, “QatarEnergy, along with its partners represented on the panel, are building LNG for the future with the lowest carbon footprint you can have. Everywhere where you'll see exploration blocks that are looking for oil or gas, you'll find QatarEnergy working there.”

His Excellency stressed that the world cannot live without energy. “People need to be prosperous, including about a billion people don't have the basic electricity that we enjoy. We can't deprive them of that growth.”

H.E. Al-Kaabi highlighted the importance of demand in driving the LNG industry, and while pointing out to Asian economies that are driving the main demand, His Excellency said “we must not forget the Middle East region, where gas is required in many parts as population growth requires additional power for continued growth that often comes from gas complemented by renewables.”

He stressed, “We are doing our best to develop and adopt the best technologies to reduce emissions, including CO2 sequestration in order to deliver the most affordable energy to the market in the most environmentally responsible manner. It is important for policymakers to be realistic about what can and cannot be delivered. They need to listen to the people who understand the business.”

QatarEnergy is organising LNG2026 in cooperation with the International Gas Union, the Gas Technology Institute, and the International Institute of Refrigeration, and with the participation of prominent speakers and leading figures in the global LNG industry. The four-day LNG2026 conference programme includes panel discussions with industry leaders and experts, and interactive debates on key topics, including the competitive advantages of LNG and its role in meeting global energy demand.

The conference is expected to draw about 4,000 participants and 16,000 visitors, while the accompanying exhibition features over 300 exhibiting companies. QatarEnergy is participating with an 800-square-meter pavilion showcasing its history and its role as one of the world's largest LNG producers.

On the sidelines of the event, QatarEnergy signed a 27-year Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with JERA, Japan’s largest power generation company, for the supply of up to three million tons per annum (MTPA) of LNG from Qatar to Japan, with deliveries starting in 2028. QatarEnergy also signed a MoU with Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade & Industry (METI) and JERA to supply Japan with additional LNG during emergency situations.

Film-Ocean will showcase its newest Work Class ROV (WROV) at Subsea Expo. (Image source: Film-Ocean)

Film-Ocean, a global subsea services company and part of the Stapem Group, will showcase its newest Work Class ROV (WROV) and highlight its state-of-the-art Remote Operations Centre (ROC) at Subsea Expo 2026, taking place on 4-5 February in Aberdeen

The Quantum, manufactured by SMD and newly added to Film-Ocean’s owned and operated fleet, has a depth rating of 3,000 metres and supports demanding deepwater operations, including subsea construction. It is one of three WROVs the company added to its fleet recently to meet growing demand from energy sector clients, reinforcing the company’s commitment to innovation and capability growth.

Film-Ocean will also brief clients on its recently completed Remote Operations Centre (ROC) at its Ellon facility. The centre has been fitted out with high-tech equipment to enable seamless remote operations, allowing onshore and offshore teams to collaborate more effectively, enhance safety, and reduce the environmental impact of offshore operations.

“Subsea Expo provides a valuable opportunity to engage with clients and industry peers while showcasing how Film-Ocean continues to develop its capability,” said Merv New, CEO of Film-Ocean. “Our focus is on delivering reliable performance, supporting our people, and investing in the technology and ways of working required as the subsea sector continues to evolve.”

Film-Ocean’s presence at Subsea Expo 2026 underlines its ongoing investment in new technologies, its commitment to workforce development, and its dedication to enabling client success. The company has recently appointed five new team members and is looking to add a further 12 roles in 2026.

Film-Ocean team will be exhibiting at Stand 120.

KOGS 2026 will serve as a strategic platform for high-level dialogue, technical excellence, and cross-industry collaboration. (Image source: SPE)

The Kuwait Oil & Gas Show and Conference (KOGS 2026), taking place from 3–5 February 2026 at the Grand Hyatt Kuwait and The Arena, is set to reinforce Kuwait’s position as a regional and global energy leader

Hosted by Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) and organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), KOGS 2026 will bring together senior government officials, global energy leaders, technical experts, and innovators to address the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of the energy industry.

Held under the theme “Shaping Tomorrow’s Energy,” KOGS 2026 will serve as a strategic platform for high-level dialogue, technical excellence, and cross-industry collaboration.

The conference programme will feature high-level ministerial sessions, CEO plenary discussions, strategic panels, and a comprehensive technical programme, presenting peer-reviewed papers and expert-led sessions. Core focus areas include digital transformation and artificial intelligence, asset optimisation, decarbonisation, carbon management, energy efficiency, and emerging technologies supporting resilient upstream and integrated energy operations.

KOGS 2026 will also feature dedicated programmes including the Emerging Professionals Forum (EPF), alongside initiatives designed to support knowledge transfer and talent development.

The KOGS 2026 Awards will recognise outstanding achievements and forward-thinking contributions across the energy sector. They will celebrate excellence in academic achievement, sustainability and energy transition, AI digital transformation, excellence in regional project delivery, diversity, equity & inclusion in workplace culture, while spotlighting individuals and organisations shaping the future of energy through young professionals.

Complementing the conference, the KOGS 2026 exhibition will bring together leading regional and international companies to showcase advanced technologies, oil derivatives, and services that support operational performance, safety, and sustainability across the energy value chain, providing a dynamic platform for networking, collaboration, and business development.

KOGS 2026 sponsors include KPC, Alkhorayef Fawares Petroleum, Kuwait Drilling Company, NESR, Shell, SLB, Zain, Baker Hughes, Action Energy, Halliburton, Saudi Arabian Chevron, , bp, KJO, Total, Senergy Holding, Rock Flow Dynamics, International Marine Construction Co, Tomax, Abraj Energy, Abraaj Energy, Superior Energy, NOV, MEOFS, ROSENXT and STRATEGY&.

Ahmed Al-Eidan, chief executive Officer of Kuwait Oil Company, said, “This year’s programme reflects the depth and ambition of KOGS 2026. High-level ministerial and CEO plenary sessions will offer strategic insights into geopolitical dynamics, energy economics, and responsible resource development, alongside a comprehensive technical conference and exhibition showcasing innovation, knowledge exchange, and industry best practices. Together, these elements reinforce Kuwait’s pivotal role in shaping the future of energy.”

For more information and updates, see the website here:

India Energy Week (IEW) 2026 opened on 27 January in Goa, bringing together global policymakers, energy ministers, CEOs, investors and innovators to discuss the big energy issues of the day

With representatives from nearly 125 countries, the opening day included key speeches from leading global figures, highlighting India’s influence at a time when global energy systems are undergoing transformation.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony through a video link, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi highlighted India’s expanding role in energy markets and as a driver for global energy demand.

“India is a land of immense opportunities for the energy sector,” the Prime Minister said. As the world’s fastest-growing major economy, India’s demand for energy is rising continuously - and at the same time, India offers the capacity and capability to help meet global demand.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted that India is among the top five exporters of petroleum products, supplying more than 150 countries worldwide. He emphasised the opportunities for India’s large refining base - currently the world’s second largest.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the landmark Free Trade Agreement between India and the European Union, describing it as a remarkable example of coordination between two of the world’s largest economies.

Outlining India’s ambition, Prime Minister Modi said the country was moving beyond energy security towards the mission of energy independence, supported by wide-ranging reforms, deep-sea exploration initiatives, LNG infrastructure expansion and rapid growth in city gas distribution.

“Our energy sector lies at the heart of India’s aspirations,” he said. “It holds US$500bn in investment opportunities. That is why Make in India. Innovate in India. Scale with India. Invest in India.”

In a keynote address, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and managing director and group CEO of ADNOC, forecast that global oil demand will remain above 100mn bpd through 2040, with demand for both LNG and electricity to grow by 50% or more, encouraging leaders to embrace the “transformative opportunity” of rising global energy demand.

He underlined three powerful megatrends impacting the energy industry: the rise of emerging markets, the exponential growth of artificial intelligence (AI), and the transformation of energy systems
Electricity demand will be driven not only by AI and data centres but increasingly by cooling, he added. Global air-conditioner numbers are projected to more than triple to 5.6 billion by 2050, equivalent to ten AC units sold every second for the next thirty years.

“Demand at this scale and pace requires investment in all forms of energy,” Dr. Al Jaber said, adding, “The biggest risk is not over supply, it is underinvestment.”

Dr. Al Jaber highlighted the strong partnership between the UAE and India, noting ADNOC’s role as a crude supplier for India’s growing refining demand, as well as supplier of LPG, feedstocks and chemicals. India is ADNOC’s number one LNG market. The UAE is also supporting India’s clean energy ambitions through ALTÉRRA, the world’s largest private climate investment vehicle, he added, with investments totalling 11GW across wind, solar and battery storage.

“Progress and growth at this scale and pace requires a special kind of partnership,” said Dr. Al Jaber said. “Partnership that is strategic, long-term, agile and flexible. Steadfast, dependable, principled and consistent. Partnership that is based on trust and will endure through thick and thin. This is precisely what defines the UAE-India relationship.”