meed-logo

line1 line2 line3
SIGN IN / REGISTER

MGS spending lifts Saudi downstream sector

15 March 2024

 

The selection of contractors by Saudi Aramco for its third expansion phase of the Master Gas System network (MGS-3) has galvanised Saudi Arabia’s midstream and downstream sectors.

Aramco has divided engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) works on the estimated $10bn MGS-3 project into 17 packages. The first two packages involve upgrading existing gas compression systems and installing new gas compressors. The 15 other packages relate to laying gas transport pipelines across various locations in the kingdom.

Aramco issued letters of intent in February to contractors for 16 EPC packages of the MGS-3 project. Some of the successful contractors have also confirmed their selection by Aramco.

The original Master Gas System (MGS) was built in the 1970s and commissioned in 1982. Since then, Aramco has been supplying natural gas to its customers across Saudi Arabia via the network, mainly channelling associated gas from Ghawar and other oil fields.

Over the past decade, amid rising gas demand from Saudi Arabia’s industrial and household sectors, Aramco has undertaken projects to increase its non-associated gas production. It launched the second expansion phase of the MGS in 2015.

Looking ahead, contractors have expressed interest in participating in the main EPC tendering process for package 16 of the MGS-3 project, which is the only EPC package not to be tendered by Aramco out of the 17 packages. The scope of work on package 16 covers the laying of a gas transport pipeline network of more than 50 kilometres in and around Jeddah.

The completion of the EPC tendering exercise – from solicitations of interest to the selection of contractors – for a scheme of the scale of MGS-3 within a year’s time underscores the commitment of Aramco, and of the Saudi government, to ensuring the steady growth of the kingdom’s gas sector.

Moreover, as Amin Nasser, president and CEO of Aramco, has said: “The recent directive from the government to maintain our maximum sustainable capacity [of oil production] at 12 million barrels a day provides increased flexibility, as well as an opportunity to focus on increasing gas production and growing our liquids-to-chemicals business.”

Liquids-to-chemicals ambition

Saudi Arabia is striving to become one of the world’s largest petrochemicals producers by the end of this decade. Its global liquids-to-chemicals programme involves expanding its portfolio of petrochemicals assets both at home and abroad.

State enterprise Aramco, along with its petrochemicals-producing subsidiary Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (Sabic), have been tasked with establishing 10-11 large mixed-feed crackers by 2030. These petrochemicals crackers, which include greenfield developments and expansions of existing facilities, will be built both in Saudi Arabia and in overseas markets.

Aramco’s global liquids-to-chemicals programme aims to convert 4 million barrels a day (b/d) of its oil production into high-value petrochemicals and chemicals feedstocks by 2030.

With a total capital expenditure by Aramco and Sabic of up to $100bn, it is the Middle East and North Africa’s largest petrochemicals spending programme ever, and will generate a significant amount of work for consultants and contractors in the run-up to 2030.

Aramco has divided its liquids-to-chemicals programme in Saudi Arabia into four main projects. It took a major step forward in September by appointing project management consultants (PMC) for the different segments of the investment scheme.

Aramco has selected US firm KBR, France’s Technip Energies, UK-based Wood Group and Australia-headquartered Worley to provide PMC services for the four projects, which include: 

  • Project East (PMC 1) – involves converting the Saudi Aramco Jubail Refinery Company (Sasref) complex in Jubail into an integrated refinery and petrochemicals complex by adding a mixed-feed cracker. The project also involves building an ethane cracker that will draw feedstock from the Sasref refinery.
  • Project West (PMC 2) – involves converting the Yanbu Aramco Sinopec Refining Company (Yasref) complex in Yanbu into an integrated refinery and petrochemicals complex through the addition of a mixed-feed cracker. Aramco and state-owned China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) signed a memorandum of understanding in October for joint investment in the project, known as the Yanbu Refinery+ project.
  • Project X (PMC 3) – involves converting the Saudi Aramco Mobil Refinery Company (Samref) complex in Yanbu into an integrated refinery and petrochemicals complex by building a mixed-feed cracker. 
  • Project RTC (PMC 4) – involves establishing a crude oil-to-chemicals (COTC) complex in Ras Al Khair in the Eastern Province. Sabic is a partner in the Ras Al Khair COTC project.

Saudi Aramco is expected to start a separate tendering exercise for the provision of front-end engineering and design (feed) services on the projects in the future. Feed contracts are scheduled to be awarded in 2024, while the main EPC contracts are due for award in 2025.

Desulphurisation investments

As more sulphur recovery projects come online in Saudi Arabia, several Aramco gas treatment and processing plants in the Eastern Province and around the kingdom will discharge increased volumes of sulphur.

Existing and planned sulphur-handling facilities in the Eastern Province may not be able to cope with the incremental volumes of sulphur generated by Aramco assets in the future.

The company has therefore planned to develop a grassroots sulphur-handling complex at Ras Al Khair port to meet this requirement. The planned complex will facilitate the receiving, formation, storage and export of molten sulphur.

To be built on a public-private partnership (PPP) basis, the proposed facility is set to come online by 2029. Aramco has gauged the interest of third-party investors in developing the project.

The Ras Al Khair project is understood to be the second such PPP scheme launched by Aramco in the desulphurisation domain. Aramco is undertaking desulphurisation initiatives in line with its environmental commitments and emissions-reduction targets.

Aramco is understood to be close to awarding the build-own-operate-transfer contract for a major project that involves modifying and upgrading sulphur recovery units at seven of its gas processing plants in the Eastern Province, by building tail gas treatment units.

Two consortiums are competing for the multibillion-dollar PPP scheme, with Aramco expected to award the main contract later this year.

https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/11595902/main49193808.jpg
Indrajit Sen

Register for MEED's guest program now to access this article.

Click here to register
Exclusive from Meed
Related Articles
  • Qiddiya tenders Dragon Ball theme park package

    24 July 2026

     

    Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) has tendered a contract to undertake the back-of-house works on the Dragon Ball theme park in Qiddiya, Saudi Arabia.

    The scope covers the construction of plant rooms, facilities management buildings, workshops, storage warehouses and central processing kitchens.

    It also includes a monorail service depot, a fire station, parking, utilities and other associated infrastructure.

    The bid submission deadline is 13 September.

    The Dragon Ball theme park will cover more than 500,000 square metres and will have seven themed zones inspired by the Japanese media franchise, including Kame House, Capsule Corporation and Beerus’ Planet.

    The park will offer more than 30 rides with five main attractions, including a rollercoaster that passes through a 70-metre landmark based on the series’ wish-granting dragon Shenron. 

    The development will also include themed hotels.

    In September 2024, US-based firm Falcon’s Creative Group announced that it is undertaking the masterplan and attraction design and is the creative lead for the theme park.

    QIC formally launched the Dragon Ball theme park in March 2024.

    The announcement came after QIC signed an agreement with Japanese firm Toei Animation, the producer of the Dragon Ball anime series.

    The Dragon Ball theme park is one of several major projects within the wider Qiddiya development. Other projects include an e-games arena, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium, a horse racing venue, a performing arts centre, the Speed Park and Six Flags theme parks and Aquarabia waterpark.

    The project is a key part of Riyadh’s strategy to boost leisure tourism in the kingdom. According to UK analytics firm GlobalData, leisure tourism in Saudi Arabia has experienced significant growth in recent years.

    READ THE JULY 2026 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDF

    Stress test for Gulf aviation; Mixed performance as country outlooks diverge in the Levant; GCC tourism sector pivots from crisis to recovery mode.

    Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the July 2026 edition of MEED Business Review includes:
    To see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click here
    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/17738622/main.jpg
    Yasir Iqbal
  • Saudi Arabia appoints developer for hybrid power plant

    24 July 2026

     

    Saudi Arabia-based Lamar Holding has signed a contract to develop a hybrid power plant at the Empty Quarter (Rub Al-Khali) land port in Saudi Arabia, according to a source.

    The public-private partnership (PPP) project aims to reduce diesel fuel use with renewable energy and ensure a long-term power supply at the Empty Quarter land port. It includes the construction of 15MW of total hybrid installed capacity, installation of a 7 megawatt-peak solar photovoltaic system and eight 1MW internal combustion engines.

    In March, MEED exclusively reported that Lamar had been given preferred bidder status and was in advanced discussions with Saudi Arabia’s Zakat, Tax & Customs Authority (Zatca) for the contract.

    MEED understands that the proposed plant will have the capacity to produce 25 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually. It will be implemented under a design, build, finance, operate, maintain and transfer contract model for 25 years, excluding the construction period.

    US/India-based Synergy Consulting is acting as financial advisor to Lamar on the project. Egyptian firm Eternal Consultation Engineering Services is acting as the technical support consultant and Dubai-headquartered Aktech is the technical consultant for the project.

    Lamar Holding and Dubai’s SirajPower submitted bids for the Empty Quarter hybrid power plant project in July 2025, as previously reported by MEED.

    Zatca, in collaboration with the National Centre for Privatisation & PPP, had previously prequalified the following four companies to bid for the contract in October 2024:

    • Alfanar Company (Saudi Arabia)
    • Lamar Holding (Saudi Arabia)
    • Olayan Energy (Saudi Arabia) / Enerwhere Sustainable Energy (UAE)
    • Siraj Power for Renewable Energy (UAE)

    Prior to that, in July 2024, 12 Saudi companies and local branches of international companies, along with 11 overseas-based companies, submitted statements of qualifications for the contract.

    In addition to building and operating the power plant, the project scope includes ensuring the facility operates to defined requirements and output specifications. It also involves managing power generation and the connection to the Zatca interface point for the entire project term.

    READ THE JULY 2026 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDF

    Stress test for Gulf aviation; Mixed performance as country outlooks diverge in the Levant; GCC tourism sector pivots from crisis to recovery mode.

    Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the July 2026 edition of MEED Business Review includes:
    To see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click here
    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/17733327/main.jpg
    Mark Dowdall
  • Saudi Downtown awards Al-Khobar substation contract

    23 July 2026

    Saudi Downtown Company (SDC), a wholly owned subsidiary of sovereign wealth vehicle the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has awarded the local Al-Ojaimi Contracting a contract to design and construct a primary electrical substation for its Downtown Al-Khobar project.

    It is understood that the facility will be the main electricity supply point for the wider development. The scope also includes the design and implementation of the associated electrical infrastructure.

    SDC was launched in 2022 by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, who also serves as chairman of the PIF.

    The company is developing downtown districts in 12 cities in Saudi Arabia: Al-Khobar, Medina, Al-Ahsa, Buraidah, Najran, Jizan, Hail, Al-Baha, Arar, Taif, Dumat Al-Jandal and Tabuk.

    Earlier in July, MEED reported that SDC had awarded a contract for infrastructure works in downtown Al-Khobar to Saudi-based contractor Ansab General Contracting Company. The deal covers the design and development of the project's infrastructure, road networks and street lighting.

    SDC's mandate is to develop more than 10 million square metres (sq m) of land across its projects, supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

    The Al-Khobar project covers approximately 829,103 sq m of land and is designed as a mixed-use hub offering residential units, retail spaces, entertainment, hospitality and integrated public amenities.

    Local firm Omrania & Associates was recently appointed as the main consultant on the project.

    READ THE JULY 2026 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDF

    Stress test for Gulf aviation; Mixed performance as country outlooks diverge in the Levant; GCC tourism sector pivots from crisis to recovery mode.

    Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the July 2026 edition of MEED Business Review includes:
    To see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click here
    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/17732450/main.jpg
    Mark Dowdall
  • Abu Dhabi launches Marsa Al-Saadiyat residential project

    23 July 2026

    Abu Dhabi has launched Marsa Al-Saadiyat, a new waterfront development covering 6.4 million square metres (sq m), representing the final phase of the wider Saadiyat Island masterplan.

    Local real estate company Aldar has been appointed as master developer, with responsibility for the overall design and delivery of primary infrastructure.

    The development will cover about 8 kilometres (km) of waterfront, including 5.6km of beaches.

    Once complete, it will comprise a mix of homes, hotels, schools, cultural assets, parks and commercial components, and is planned to accommodate more than 58,000 residents.

    The residential offering will include private mansions, luxury villas, waterfront apartments and branded residences.

    Plans also include a hillside neighbourhood of standalone villas, rising to 22.5 metres, designed to capitalise on the surrounding topography and views.

    Marsa Al-Saadiyat will be linked to Umm Yifeenah Island and Reem Island via a new network of roads and tunnels, and will also include an underground station for Etihad Rail’s planned high-speed passenger service.

    A dedicated theatre district will be anchored by Dar Al-Funoon, a performing arts venue with capacity for more than 6,000 guests. 

    Upon completion, it will become one of the region’s largest performing arts venues.

    The venue is scheduled to open in 2030.

    READ THE JULY 2026 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDF

    Stress test for Gulf aviation; Mixed performance as country outlooks diverge in the Levant; GCC tourism sector pivots from crisis to recovery mode.

    Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the July 2026 edition of MEED Business Review includes:
    To see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click here
    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/17731759/main.jpg
    Yasir Iqbal
  • Saudi Arabia and US sign nuclear energy agreement

    23 July 2026

    Saudi Arabia and the US have signed an agreement for cooperation on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

    The agreement was signed in Riyadh on 22 July by Saudi Energy Minister and Industry & Mineral Resources Minister Prince Abdulaziz Bin Salman and US Energy Secretary Chris Wright.

    The agreement “aims to enhance cooperation between the two countries in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and to facilitate the exchange of expertise, knowledge and technologies, contributing to strengthening bilateral cooperation in accordance with the highest international standards of nuclear safety, nuclear security and non-proliferation”, according to a statement carried by the official Saudi Press Agency.

    “It also reflects the shared vision of both countries to expand cooperation in energy and future technologies while supporting sustainable development,” the statement said.

    “The agreement builds on the historic strategic partnership between the two friendly countries and follows the announcement made during the visit of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to the United States in November last year, on the conclusion of negotiations on bilateral cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy,” it added.

    “The agreement also builds on the long-standing energy cooperation between the two countries, supporting efforts to diversify energy sources, advance cutting-edge technologies and expand opportunities for cooperation and investment in ways that serve the mutual interests of the two friendly countries,” the statement concluded.

    Saudi nuclear ambitions

    Nuclear development is a core component of the Saudi Vision 2030 goal of transitioning away from complete fossil fuel reliance.

    Generating domestic electricity via nuclear power will allow Saudi Arabia to export more crude oil. Rapid population growth and heavy energy consumption in the industrial and household sectors – together with water desalination needs – require major power grid expansions.

    The kingdom holds significant domestic uranium deposits, estimated at over 90,000 tons, which it intends to leverage for an independent fuel cycle.

    In 2011, Riyadh announced plans to build 16 nuclear reactors over 20 years. The target was later revised to an initial goal of constructing two large-scale 1.4 gigawatt-electric (GWe) commercial reactors, with a long-term goal of 17 GWe of capacity by 2040.

    Implemented via the Saudi National Atomic Energy Project, the strategy moved from rapid building to a focused framework: large commercial plants, small modular reactors, fuel cycle development and regulatory structures.

    The government established the Nuclear Energy Holding Company in February 2022 to act as the primary commercial developer for the projects.

    Separately, Saudi Arabia is advancing preparations for its first commercial nuclear power plant as part of its Vision 2030 strategy, with Khor Duwaiheen – identified as the lead site for a planned 2.8GW facility – now moving towards the procurement phase.

    MEED previously reported that Riyadh had held technical and commercial negotiations with shortlisted vendors including EDF, Rosatom and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power.

    The project client, Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah City for Atomic & Renewable Energy (KA-Care), has set and extended the bid submission deadlines several times since 2022, with advancement understood to be dependent on "progress in bilateral government-to-government talks”.

    Gulf nuclear energy moves

    The UAE was the first country in the GCC, as well as in the entire Middle East and North Africa region, to tap into nuclear energy for civilian use, having built and commissioned the Barakah nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi in September 2024.

    Operated by the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, the Barakah nuclear plant consists of four reactors, each with a capacity of 1.4GW, providing 40 terawatt-hours (TWh), equivalent to about 25% of the UAE’s base power load.

    In September last year, the plant completed its first year of full-fleet operations, generating more than 120 TWh of clean electricity since Unit 1 began operating.

    Separately, Bahrain is also exploring the use of nuclear power for domestic consumption, as well as for the potential export of surplus, as MEED recently reported. State energy conglomerate Bapco Energies is tasked with studying the prospect of building a modular nuclear power plant in the country.

    According to sources, the proposed project is being led by BeVentures, the venture capital arm of Bapco Energies, which was launched in July 2024.

    Under the plan that is being studied, power produced by the nuclear facility will be supplied mainly to major industrial complexes in the country, such as Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) and Bapco Refining, for the clean production of aluminium and refined products, respectively, in line with Bahrain’s ambition of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.

    BeVentures has, in turn, approached global consultancy firms such as Bechtel, Fluor, Kent, Technip Energies and Wood to assist with concept study and early-stage planning and assessment for the modular or small nuclear power project.

    Bapco Energies and BeVentures are also considering tapping into private financing and equity partnerships, in part or in full, for the proposed project, sources told MEED.

    The Paris-based International Energy Agency’s Net Zero by 2050 roadmap indicates that nuclear energy will nearly double its share by 2050, with annual capacity additions reaching 30GW in the 2030s.

    At the 28th UN Climate Change Conference, Cop28, which was held in Dubai in 2023, more than 20 countries pledged to triple nuclear capacity by 2050, with banks and nuclear industry players signalling their support for the pledge more recently.

    The Organisation for Economic Co-operation & Development's Nuclear Energy Agency recently said that global nuclear capacity will triple by 2050 only under its most transformative scenario, with the Gulf's reactor procurement decisions among the projects that will determine which path the industry takes.

    Acccording to the Nuclear Energy Outlook, China and Russia hold a strategic advantage in the international market, with Chinese-designed reactors accounting for 85 GWe of projects and Russian-designed reactors accounting for 57 GWe, more than half of which are export projects in countries including Egypt, Hungary and Turkiye.

    ALSO READ: Nuclear tripling target hinges on delivery

    READ THE JULY 2026 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDF

    Stress test for Gulf aviation; Mixed performance as country outlooks diverge in the Levant; GCC tourism sector pivots from crisis to recovery mode.

    Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the July 2026 edition of MEED Business Review includes:
    To see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click here
    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/17731280/main.jpg
    Indrajit Sen