meed-logo

line1 line2 line3
SIGN IN / REGISTER

Upstream sector sees record year

28 December 2023

 

The upstream oil and gas industry in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region may never again witness the level of project spending recorded in 2023.

Over $82bn-worth of engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts were awarded in the region in 2023, with oil and gas production capacity growth projects accounting for 60 per cent of that capex.

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) led capex on Mena oil and gas EPC projects in 2023, mainly owing to its $17bn Hail and Ghasha offshore sour gas development project.

Saudi Aramco was the second-largest spender on the back of its estimated $10bn EPC contracts for the second expansion phase of its Jafurah unconventional gas development.

Aramco also maintained a robust level of spending on offshore oil and gas field upgrade works, having awarded some $5.3bn of engineering, procurement, construction and installation contracts to its Long-Term Agreement pool of contractors.

In June, QatarEnergy awarded a $10bn EPC contract for two liquefied natural gas (LNG) trains, which form the main package of the North Field South project – the second phase of its North Field LNG expansion programme. 

Environmental commitments, stringent emissions reduction targets on the part of governments and state energy enterprises and a sluggish outlook for oil demand will make it hard for the Mena upstream sector to match 2023’s upstream project expenditure again.

However, in its latest annual outlook, Opec expects world oil demand to reach 116 million barrels a day (b/d) by 2045. This is about 6 million b/d higher than predicted in last year’s report, with growth led by China, India, other Asian nations, Africa and the Middle East. About $14tn of investment until 2045 is needed to meet this demand, Opec stated.

With most regional states members of the Opec+ alliance, they are expected to heed the organisation’s call for continued investments in upstream capacity building, leading to a period of stable and steady spending in 2024.

Iraqi gas programme

The entry of French energy giant Total Energies in Iraq in July as a partner in the $27bn Gas Growth Integrated Project (GGIP) significantly boosted the country’s energy sector. The agreement to kickstart work on GGIP was long overdue, and involves TotalEnergies developing four energy projects with an initial investment of $10bn in southern Iraq.

A sticking point was Iraq’s demand for a 40 per cent share of the project. This was ultimately resolved when the Iraqi government accepted a 30 per cent share. TotalEnergies is the consortium leader with a 45 per cent stake and QatarEnergy holds 25 per cent.

Progress on GGIP projects remains slow and marred by political and financial instability in Iraq, among other issues. However, the presence of major players such as TotalEnergies and QatarEnergy as stakeholders provides the guarantees and support required for the programme to gain traction in 2024.

Upper Zakum

Adnoc Offshore, meanwhile, is nearing a decision on the EPC contract award for an estimated $7bn project to increase the production potential of Abu Dhabi’s largest producing oil asset – the Upper Zakum offshore field – to 1.2 million b/d.

The main scope involves the EPC of surface facilities and plants at the Upper Zakum offshore development’s four main artificial islands of Al-Ghallan, Umm al-Anbar, Ettouk and Asseifiya.

Located 84 kilometres offshore in Abu Dhabi, Upper Zakum is the world’s second-largest offshore field and fourth-largest oil field. Adnoc Offshore initiated the UZ1000 project in 2019, aiming to raise Upper Zakum’s oil production capacity to 1 million b/d by 2024. The goal was then increased to 1.2 million b/d, with the completion timeline likely to have been extended.

North Field

QatarEnergy LNG is awaiting bids from contractors for an estimated $4bn EPC package for the second phase of its North Field Production Sustainability (NFPS) project, which involves building two large gas compression complexes.

The package is the fourth EPC tender to be issued by QatarEnergy LNG as part of NFPS phase two. The second phase involves building gas compression facilities to sustain and gradually increase gas production from Qatar’s offshore North Field gas reserve over the long term.

The strategic objective of the two phases of the NFPS project is to support QatarEnergy’s North Field LNG expansion programme.

Saudi chemical ambitions define Mena downstream sector

https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/11364938/main.gif
Indrajit Sen

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

Click here to register
Exclusive from Meed
Related Articles
  • Read the July 2026 MEED Business Review

    30 June 2026

    Download / Subscribe / 14-day trial access

    The events that unfolded from 28 February delivered the Gulf aviation sector its toughest test since the Covid-19 pandemic.

    Missile and drone attacks exposed the fragility of one of the region’s most vital economic engines, triggering unprecedented disruption. In just one week, more than 15,000 flights were cancelled across seven major Gulf airports, leaving over 1.5 million passengers stranded and sending shockwaves through global travel networks.

    While the Gulf's national airlines have largely restored services, many international carriers remain absent, highlighting the lasting impact of the crisis.

    So what does this mean for the future of Gulf aviation? In the July issue of MEED Business Review, MEED editor Colin Foreman examines how the industry responded under extraordinary pressure – and why the crisis revealed not only its vulnerabilities, but also the remarkable resilience that will shape its next chapter.

    July’s market focus is on the Levant, and finds the region’s three markets – Jordan, Lebanon and Syria – recovering at different speeds and from very different starting points. 

    This edition also includes a tourism report as the first signs of recovery begin to emerge in Dubai, and the region presses ahead with tourism projects. 

    In the latest issue, we speak to EtihadWE about its roadmap for future projects, examine why the Mena projects market continues to show remarkable resilience despite regional conflict, and investigate whether Big Tech is delivering on its data centre ambitions.

    We also explore the multibillion-dollar opportunity emerging from the region’s evolving retirement savings market and discover how Aramco's citizen developers are accelerating digital transformation from within.

    We hope our valued subscribers enjoy the July 2026 issue of MEED Business Review. 

     

    Must-read sections in the July 2026 issue of MEED Business Review include:

    > AGENDA: Gulf aviation ambitions face uncertain future

    > AIRPORTS: Dubai and Riyadh reaffirm airport ambitions

    INDUSTRY REPORT:
    Tourism investment
    > Dubai eyes tourism sector recovery
    > GCC presses ahead with tourism projects

    > INTERVIEW: EtihadWE prepares roadmap for future projects 

    > PROJECTS MARKET: Mena project momentum holds despite conflict

    > DATA CENTRES: Big Tech falls short on data centre promise

    > SAVINGS: Retirement creates multibillion-dollar opportunity for region

    > LEADERSHIP: Aramco’s citizen developers accelerate digital change

    > INTERVIEW: Samsung E&A’s hydrocarbons business rooted in Mena

    > LEVANT MARKET FOCUS: 
    > COMMENT: Levant recovers in three speeds
    > GOVERNMENT: Jordan consolidates as deeper reforms lag
    > BANKING: Caution governs Jordanian bank lending
    > POWER & WATER: Record investment drives Jordan’s utilities market
    > ECONOMY: Gulf liquidity outpaces Syria’s financial revival
    > PROJECTS:     Momentum builds for Syrian projects
    > OIL & GAS: Activity ramps up in Syria’s oil and gas sector
    > CONSTRUCTION: Prospects improve for Levant construction
    > OIL & GAS: Lebanon taps foreign players to assess resources
    > DATABANK: Jordan faces fresh round of challenges

    > MEED COMMENTS: 
    >     UAE clears the path for recovery
    > Water tariffs near their floor
    > Petrofac seeks to reclaim lost ground
    > The UAE’s eastern pivot

    > GULF PROJECTS INDEX: Gulf index extends growth streak into 15th month

    > MAY 2026 CONTRACTS: Middle East contract awards

    > ECONOMIC DATA: Data drives regional projects

    > OPINION: The price of permanent risk

    > BUSINESS OUTLOOK: Finance, oil and gas, construction, power and water contracts

    To see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click here
    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/17490904/main.gif
    MEED Editorial
  • Chinese firm wins Qiddiya Janadriyah cultural district hotels

    30 June 2026

     

    Beijing-headquartered China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) has won a contract to deliver the Janadriyah cultural district at Qiddiya entertainment city on the outskirts of Riyadh.

    The contract was awarded by gigaproject developer Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC).

    The scope covers the construction of six structures, including a heritage building, a gateway hotel, a wadi hotel, a creative hub, a community centre and an open-air market.

    QIC tendered the contract in December last year, as MEED exclusively reported.

    The award is CSCEC’s second major win at Qiddiya in recent weeks.

    Earlier this week, MEED exclusively reported that QIC had awarded CSCEC a contract to build a new transport hub at Qiddiya entertainment city.

    The project is located within the resort core zone of the development.

    MEED understands the scope includes construction of a parking structure for up to 2,000 vehicles; a transport hub comprising a passenger flow system and ticketing and transit-related facilities; retail, food and beverage and hospitality facilities; mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems; and soft and hard landscaping works.

    QIC is accelerating plans to develop additional assets at Qiddiya City.

    Last week, MEED reported that QIC had invited contractors to prequalify for a contract to build an indoor sports arena within its Qiddiya entertainment city project.

    The multipurpose arena is designed to International Olympic Committee standards.

    It will be located in District 18, in the Uptown South area of Qiddiya.

    Once completed, the indoor arena will be capable of hosting a wide range of sports, cultural and entertainment events.

    The arena will feature numerous sports courts for basketball, handball, futsal, volleyball, tennis, boxing and gymnastics.

    It will have a seating capacity of 18,000 spectators.

    QIC’s other major projects include an e-sports arena, the National Tennis Centre, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium, a motorsports track, a racecourse, the Dragon Ball and Six Flags theme parks, and Aquarabia.

    QIC opened the Six Flags theme park to the public in December last year.

    The park covers 320,000 square metres and features 28 rides and attractions, including 10 thrill rides and 18 aimed at families and young children.

    The Qiddiya project is a key part of Riyadh’s strategy to boost leisure tourism in the kingdom.

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/17489285/main.jpg
    Yasir Iqbal
  • Aldar launches Yas Island community park project

    30 June 2026

    Abu Dhabi-based real estate developer Aldar, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development (DCD), has announced the launch of Yas Community Park on Yas Island.

    A key feature of the park is Nabdh Yas, a community hub developed in collaboration with DCD.

    Once open, Nabdh Yas will serve as a central gathering space and host a range of community-led programmes.

    In a statement, Aldar said: “Nabdh Yas will be delivered on a public-private partnership (PPP) basis, marking the first time private sector investment has been directed towards this type of community infrastructure.

    “With DCD overseeing the hub’s development and long-term management, the initiative reflects Abu Dhabi’s focus on innovative approaches that generate lasting social value and enhance community wellbeing,” the statement added.

    A memorandum of understanding was signed between Aldar and DCD.

    The agreement establishes a framework to expand the Nabdh Community Hub model across Aldar developments in Abu Dhabi, Al-Ain and Al-Dhafra.

    Last month, Aldar announced its Q1 financial results, reporting a 20% year-on-year increase in net profit after tax to AED2.3bn ($626m).

    Aldar Development recorded a 14% year-on-year rise in revenue to $1.7bn, while earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) increased 23% to $599m.

    UAE revenue backlog rose to $17bn at the end of March from $16.6bn at the end of December, with an average duration of 29 months.

    The group attributed its performance to revenue from its development backlog and steady income from its investment properties.

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/17489270/main.jpeg
    Yasir Iqbal
  • Dubai sets August deadline for Airport Express metro bids

    30 June 2026

     

    Dubai’s Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has given consultants until 10 August to submit proposals for a contract to study and design the Airport Express Line, which will extend from Dubai International airport (DXB) in the Al-Garhoud area to Al-Maktoum International Airport (DWC) in the Jebel Ali area.

    The previous deadline was 8 July.

    The proposed line will stretch about 55 kilometres and include five stations, providing passengers with facilities such as remote airline check-in, baggage drop-off and security screening.

    The RTA issued the tender in April, with an initial deadline of June, as MEED reported.

    The new line will run from the Red Line metro station at DXB through Al Jaddaf, along Al-Khail Road to a new station at Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), before continuing to DWC.

    There will be two spur lines. The first will run from the new JVC station to Al-Fardan Exchange metro station at Emirates Golf Club, while the second will branch towards Business Bay, where another station will be built.

    The new line appears to follow a similar route to the Etihad Rail high-speed railway project, which is under construction and due to be completed by 2030.

    The Airport Express Line scheme is the latest metro project to be tendered by the RTA this year. Earlier this month, MEED exclusively reported that the RTA had issued the request for qualification notice for a contract to build the new Gold Line, as part of its expansion of the Dubai Metro network.

    Tendering activity is also ongoing for the Route 2020 extension, which will start from the Expo 2020 metro station and connect to DWC’s West Terminal.

    MEED exclusively reported in April that consultants had submitted bids for the project.

    The extension to the line will run for about 3km and will feature two stations.

    The existing Route 2020 metro link is a 15km-long line that branches off the Red Line at Jebel Ali metro station. The line comprises 11.8km of elevated tracks and 3.2km of tunnels, and has five elevated stations and two underground stations.

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/17489266/main.jpg
    Yasir Iqbal
  • Eni increases gas production in Libya

    30 June 2026

    The Italian oil and gas company Eni has announced the startup of offshore gas production enabled by the Sabratha compression project in Libya.

    The client on the project was Mellitah Oil & Gas (MOG), a joint venture of Eni and Libya’s state-owned National Oil Corporation (NOC).

    The Sabratha compression project was designed to increase gas output from the Bahr Essalam gas field, located approximately 100 kilometres off Libya’s coast.

    The scope of the project included the installation of a new 1,600-tonne compression module on the Sabratha platform, equipped with new compression trains, providing an overall compression capacity of about 440 million cubic feet a day.

    In a statement, Eni said: “The new module enables production under low-pressure conditions, offsetting the natural decline of the Bahr Essalam field and maximising gas recovery, ensuring increased volumes of gas of about 800 million cubic metres per year and associated condensate.

    “This additional production will play a critical role in sustaining national power generation, reinforcing Libya’s energy security, and supporting export to Italy via the Greenstream pipeline.”

    The company also said that the project strengthened the resilience of Libya’s gas infrastructure and represented “a tangible contribution to the stability and growth of the country’s energy sector”.

    MOG also has two other projects in Libya that are currently under execution.

    The first is the Bouri gas utilisation project, whose tie-in and commissioning activities are under way following the recent installation of the Bouri gas recovery module.

    The other project, known as ‘Structures A&E’, will develop two offshore gas fields.

    Eni has been present in Libya since 1959 and last year had average equity production in the country of approximately 162,000 barrels of oil equivalent a day.

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/17489032/main3444.jpg
    Wil Crisp