In The Spotlight
Iraq has successfully secured a series of landmark energy agreements with the United States.
Iraq secures US$200bn in US energy deals
Iraq has successfully secured a series of landmark energy agreements with the United States.
During a highly significant diplomatic visit to Washington by Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi, the Iraqi government cemented deals estimated to be worth US$200bn. These comprehensive contracts are set to revitalise the country’s foundational oil and gas industries. According to Iraqi Oil Minister Bassem Mohammed Khudair, who detailed the outcomes of the talks, this massive injection of capital will serve as the cornerstone of Iraq's strategic vision. The scale of this international commitment underscores a renewed focus on expanding a sector that remains the lifeblood of the Iraqi economy. This historic bilateral alignment is expected to reshape the trajectory of the nation's economic recovery.
Expanding Production and International Co-operation
The newly minted partnership encompasses seven key agreements designed to upgrade Iraq's extraction and processing capabilities. Minister Khudair noted that these deals will substantially increase the nation's oil and gas reserves while boosting day-to-day production. At present, Iraq’s total oil production capacity has already surpassed 4.8 million barrels per day. The administration views this capacity as a robust foundation upon which the new US agreements will build.
Furthermore, Iraqi oil fields are already a hub of global enterprise, with 22 international companies currently operating within the country. The presence of these foreign entities demonstrates the vast, untapped potential still present within the region. The integration of the Washington-backed agreements will harmonise with these operations, creating a more dynamic extraction environment. By expanding capacity through these frameworks, Iraq aims to solidify its position as a global energy supplier.
Advancing Towards Domestic Self-Sufficiency
While exports remain a primary focus, the government is equally dedicated to fulfilling domestic energy requirements. Minister Khudair highlighted that Iraq is firmly on track to achieve complete self-sufficiency in natural gas by the year 2030. This ambitious target represents a critical shift for the nation, which has historically faced complexities in capturing its own gas resources.
Remarkable progress has already been recorded in other areas. Iraq has successfully achieved full self-sufficiency in the provision of gas oil, commonly known as diesel, and kerosene. Additionally, domestic facilities are generating approximately 30 million litres of gasoline daily to meet local demand. However, the minister acknowledged that the journey is not without hurdles. Despite the impressive production figures, persistent challenges remain within the country’s fuel distribution mechanisms. Addressing these logistical distribution roadblocks is essential to ensure that this newly harnessed energy reliably reaches consumers across all provinces.
Catalysing Socio-Economic Growth
Beyond the immediate metrics of barrels and litres, the US$200bn investment strategy is heavily oriented towards generating tangible benefits for the Iraqi populace. The government anticipates that the revitalisation of the energy sector will serve as a massive engine for job creation, offering new employment avenues for a growing workforce.
These contracts are also structured to deliver broader social benefits that extend into the educational sphere. Notably, the agreements include provisions for scholarship opportunities, linking industrial growth directly with human capital development. By investing in education, Iraq is laying the groundwork for a future where its own professionals can lead the management of the nation's infrastructure.
Navigating OPEC Quotas and Looking Ahead
As production capacities expand, the Iraqi government is simultaneously addressing the diplomatic complexities of global oil markets. Minister Khudair revealed that officials are engaged in serious and constructive dialogue with the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). The primary objective of these talks is to negotiate an increase in the country’s official oil export quota, allowing Iraq to capitalise on its enhanced capabilities.
Addressing the historical context of these negotiations, the oil minister was explicit about the nation's stance. "The government remains committed to securing the export share Iraq deserves, while taking into account the exceptional circumstances the country has endured as a result of wars and the destruction of its infrastructure," he said. Through massive international investment and assertive diplomacy, Iraq is charting a highly resilient energy future.
Oman is firmly accelerating its national development trajectory by driving forward a comprehensive road infrastructure programme valued at more than RO105 million, equivalent to approximately $273 million.
Oman Pushes ahead with US$273mn road infrastructure programme
Oman is firmly accelerating its national development trajectory by driving forward a comprehensive road infrastructure programme valued at more than RO105 million, equivalent to approximately $273 million.
Spearheaded across the North A’Sharqiyah Governorate through 2025 and 2026, these ambitious transport initiatives form a core pillar of the country's long-term economic diversification framework under the overarching Oman Vision 2040 strategy. According to the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, the extensive scheme involves building brand-new routes, widening the existing transportation grid, and executing the dualisation of crucial highways that tie together residential districts, industrial zones, and major tourist destinations across the governorate’s various wilayats.
Providing a comprehensive update on regional progress, transport officials highlighted that steady, uninterrupted headway is being achieved on several critical fronts. Notably, construction on the 9-kilometre Aqabat Wadi Bani Khalid road has surged past the 85 percent completion mark. Once fully operational, this strategic pathway will tightly connect the commercial centre of Wadi Bani Khalid with key surrounding tourism, commercial, and economic hubs, facilitating smoother transit for both local residents and commercial operators alike.
In tandem with this landmark milestone, the ministry has formally awarded a substantial RO29.1 million contract dedicated to the dualisation of the 15.6-kilometre Al Yahmedi Al Qafisi road situated within the Wilayat of Ibra. Simultaneously, active engineering operations continue unabated on a vital roadway linking the communities of Mahlah, Ghubrat Al Tam, and Ismailiyat Al Khabah located in Dima Wa Al Taaiyin, representing an investment valued at over RO8 million.
Beyond these flagship projects, the ministerial roadmap encompasses several newly awarded contracts designed to close infrastructural gaps and optimise regional accessibility. These essential additions include a RO4.8 million project establishing a direct link between Ibra and Dima Wa Al Taaiyin, a RO13.5 million road construction initiative at Al Jabal Al Abyadh, and a RO12.4 million contract focused on paving local roads throughout Al Qabil.
Furthermore, the expansive regional upgrade initiative features a RO9.2 million modernisation scheme targeting the crucial thoroughfare connecting Sinaw, Mahoot, and Duqm. This is complemented by a RO15.6 million contract directed toward completing all remaining engineering works on the Sultan Turki bin Said Road, an essential transport corridor stretching across both the North and South A’Sharqiyah governorates.
These localized enhancements are part of a much broader nationwide push to expand the country's transport network. Across the Sultanate, the cumulative length of asphalt roads has climbed past 16,680 kilometres, supported by an unprecedented surge in development expenditure aimed at accelerating project delivery and bridging planned budgets with actual on-the-ground implementation. Infrastructure spending has taken centre stage, accounting for a massive share of state capital allocation to ensure that vital economic corridors are completed efficiently.
Reflecting on the broader strategic momentum driving these milestones, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology Eng Saeed bin Hamoud al Maawali remarked in an official performance report: "The year 2025 represents a renewed milestone in the journey of work and achievement." This overarching drive towards rapid project execution aligns seamlessly with the nation's wider macroeconomic objectives, strengthening the transport and storage sector's contribution to gross domestic product.
By systematically modernising land transport corridors and enhancing inter-governorate connectivity, Oman is actively reinforcing its foundation as a competitive regional logistics and trade hub. These targeted investments not only streamline domestic mobility and commercial freight movement but also directly support local employment generation, sustainable industrial growth, and long-term economic prosperity across the Sultanate.
Saudi-based Al Yamamah Steel Industries Company has officially named leading Italian engineering firm Danieli as the contractor tasked with establishing a state-of-the-art steel billet production plant in the kingdom.
Italian firm Danieli secures US$71mn Saudi plant deal
Saudi-based Al Yamamah Steel Industries Company has officially named leading Italian engineering firm Danieli as the contractor tasked with establishing a state-of-the-art steel billet production plant in the kingdom.
The monumental project, scheduled for full completion by 2029, represents a significant milestone in the region's expanding industrial and manufacturing landscape.
Initially referred to in earlier regulatory disclosures as an unnamed specialised European corporate entity to protect commercial secrets and maintain competitive advantages, the true identity of the partner has now been publicly confirmed following formal updates filed with the Saudi bourse, Tadawul. The multi-million-dollar undertaking underscores the growing collaboration between Saudi industrial enterprises and world-class European engineering specialists.
Under the terms of the substantial SAR270 million agreement—equivalent to approximately $71 million—the scope of work assigned to the Italian corporation encompasses the complete manufacture, supply, and installation of advanced steel billet production equipment at the subsidiary's dedicated premises in the kingdom. Al Yamamah for Reinforcing Steel Bars Company, a key subsidiary of Al Yamamah Steel Industries, oversees this ambitious venture as part of its ongoing strategy to strengthen upstream steelmaking operations and expand domestic processing capabilities.
Corporate leadership has confirmed that the entire engineering, supply, and installation process will be executed swiftly, with Danieli targeted to finish all contracted works within a strict timeframe of two and a half years. Regarding the broader economic outlook, the Saudi group has noted that the financial impact of this landmark deal is expected to be formally reflected in financial statements during the second half of 2028. Furthermore, industry observers note that adopting such cutting-edge manufacturing methodologies aligns seamlessly with broader national objectives aimed at diversifying the industrial base and bolstering domestic production capabilities.
Headquartered in Buttrio, Italy, Danieli boasts a storied history and an unyielding reputation within the global metallurgical sector. Founded back in 1914 by Mario Danieli, the enterprise has evolved remarkably from its modest steelmaking origins in Milan into a massive, globally respected engineering and manufacturing corporation. Today, Danieli stands proudly recognized as one of the world's top three manufacturers of plants and machinery tailored specifically for the metals industry. The firm commands widespread expertise in designing and building specialised equipment for both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, ranging from heavy-duty electric arc furnaces to complex rolling mills.
A defining operational strength of the Italian group is its comprehensive project oversight model. Danieli expertly manages every developmental phase in-house, stretching seamlessly from initial conceptual design right through to rigorous on-site commissioning. Furthermore, the corporation maintains strategically distributed manufacturing workshops worldwide to guarantee consistently standardised production standards across all international jurisdictions.
The announcement of this major industrial contract follows closely on the heels of important financial restructuring for the subsidiary involved. Last month, Al Yamamah for Reinforcing Steel Bars Company secured official authorization from regulatory authorities to implement a capital increase. This was achieved through the issuance of 25 million brand-new shares priced directly at the company's established book value of SAR12, which equates to roughly $3.20 per share.
As part of this capital strengthening initiative, parent firm Al Yamamah Steel announced it would actively subscribe to 6.3 million shares within the rights issue, committing a total investment of SAR75.6 million. Crucially, this capital injection is being funded entirely through internal corporate resources. The fresh proceeds generated from the share issuance are earmarked to robustly bolster the subsidiary's overarching financial position while concurrently financing the construction phases of its expansive manufacturing plant.
By integrating Danieli's cutting-edge metallurgical technology with robust local funding and strategic vision, Al Yamamah Steel Industries is positioning itself for sustained growth within the competitive regional infrastructure sector. As construction gathers momentum over the coming months, the partnership serves as a testament to the robust economic ties driving modern industrial advancement across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
DAMAC has just unveiled a landmark achievement for the year: the scheduled handover of 8,800 premium residential units across the emirate.
DAMAC Properties hits 2026 milestone with 8,800 handovers
Dubai’s property market has long been a barometer for the region’s economic vitality, and the sector shows no signs of slowing down.
Leading this charge is DAMAC Properties, the largest private real estate developer across the United Arab Emirates and the wider Middle East. The organisation has just unveiled a landmark achievement for the year: the scheduled handover of 8,800 premium residential units across the emirate.
This monumental delivery is not occurring in a vacuum. It runs parallel to a massive financial injection into the local construction sector. During the first half of 2026 alone, DAMAC has awarded more than AED 10 billion in construction contracts. This immense capital deployment underscores the developer’s robust momentum and unwavering commitment to expanding its diverse portfolio of master-planned communities and high-profile standalone developments.
Expanding Dubai’s Master Communities
For prospective homeowners and investors, the 8,800 handovers represent a significant turning point. The scheduled deliveries span an array of DAMAC’s most prestigious and highly sought-after flagship destinations. Residents will soon be moving into sprawling, family-orientated communities such as DAMAC Hills and DAMAC Hills 2, which have become synonymous with suburban luxury in Dubai.
The highly anticipated DAMAC Lagoons project will also see handovers, bringing its unique, water-inspired lifestyle to fruition. Beyond these sprawling master communities, the 2026 handover programme includes ultra-luxury urban residences, specifically the striking Chic Tower and the sophisticated Elegance Tower.
This sustained progress highlights DAMAC’s ability to advance complex construction activities. The developer has continually strengthened its formidable pipeline by forging strategic partnerships with top-tier contractors, improving operational efficiencies, and implementing cutting-edge, technology-driven building processes.
Leadership and Resilience
Despite broader geopolitical challenges that often create uncertainty in global markets, the developer has remained steadfast in its operational goals. Ali Sajwani, Managing Director of DAMAC Properties, articulated this resilience perfectly, stating: “DAMAC remains fully committed to delivering every promised unit and project to our customers without disruption or delay. Despite the regional tensions earlier this year, our construction activity, operations and handover timelines continue to progress with confidence and consistency. Our priority remains clear, to deliver on our commitments while maintaining the highest standards of quality, efficiency and execution. Dubai continues to demonstrate exceptional resilience as a global real estate and investment destination, and DAMAC remains focused on supporting the emirate’s long-term vision through timely delivery, and continued investment across our developments.”
A Legacy of Global Ambition
To understand the sheer scale of the 2026 handovers, one must look at the historical trajectory of the firm. Founded in 2002 by Hussain Sajwani, DAMAC Properties has meticulously built a robust, industry-leading track record over the past two decades. Prior to this year's handovers, the developer had already successfully delivered 50,000 units to market. The future pipeline is even more substantial, with an astonishing 54,000 additional units currently under construction.
This domestic success has provided a springboard for international recognition. In 2025, DAMAC Properties aggressively expanded its brand presence both locally and on the global stage. This was driven by pioneering global partnerships. By aligning with internationally renowned sporting powerhouses such as Chelsea Football Club and the Oracle Red Bull Racing team, DAMAC successfully elevated its profile from a regional property leader to a globally recognised luxury lifestyle brand. These strategic moves were complemented by a series of iconic project launches that further solidified its market dominance.
The record-breaking AED 10 billion in H1 2026 contracts and the ambitious 8,800-unit handover schedule represent a fundamental dedication to constructing lifestyle-led communities. By maintaining this aggressive pace of development and delivery, DAMAC Properties is playing a pivotal role in supporting Dubai’s overarching real estate growth. The developer continues to meet the sustained demand from homeowners and investors drawn to the emirate, ensuring that Dubai remains a premier destination on the global property map.
The Kingdom of Bahrain is steadily solidifying its position as a central hub for technological innovation and digital transformation in the Middle East.
Volarix Global launches advanced tech and energy platform in Bahrain
The Kingdom of Bahrain is steadily solidifying its position as a central hub for technological innovation and digital transformation in the Middle East.
As nations globally modernise their economic foundations, the integration of advanced energy, artificial intelligence, and digital finance has become paramount. Leading this ambitious charge is Volarix Global W.L.L., a prominent Bahrain-based enterprise specialising in technology, innovation, and energy infrastructure. The organisation has officially announced the formation of a highly anticipated, integrated platform designed to develop and deploy next-generation systems. This strategic initiative promises to reshape the landscape of digital infrastructure, electric mobility, and regulated financial technology.
At the heart of this announcement is a comprehensive, phased development strategy aimed at revolutionising multiple vital sectors. The newly established platform will serve as a central command to coordinate and manage an expansive portfolio of strategic technology projects. By fostering partnerships with governments, sovereign institutions, regulatory bodies, technology innovators, and the private sector, Volarix Global intends to build an ecosystem that supports resilient, long-term economic development.
The leadership driving this ambitious vision brings a wealth of expertise. The initial corporate structure is spearheaded by His Excellency Shaikh Saud Bin Salman Alkhalifa, serving as Chairman. Joining him are Mr Dwayne Corbitt, Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Mr Tawfeek Almoosa, Chief Operating Partner. According to His Excellency Shaikh Saud Bin Salman Alkhalifa, the organisation's long-term vision is anchored in advancing infrastructure-led economic growth. By prioritising long-term energy security, industrial development, and seamless digital transformation, the company aims to foster sustainable economic expansion that resonates well beyond the borders of Bahrain.
The organisation has adopted a strictly disciplined approach to project rollouts. Every initiative will be rigorously evaluated, ensuring that all commercial, technical, and regulatory requirements are fully satisfied before public announcements are made. Emphasising this methodical blueprint, Mr Dwayne Corbitt, Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Volarix Global W.L.L., stated: “Volarix Global has been created to bring together infrastructure, energy, mobility, and digital finance into an integrated platform that supports long-term development. Our strategy is based on clear project phases and a disciplined implementation approach, with each project to be announced once the appropriate regulatory, commercial, and operational requirements have been completed.”
The scope of the integrated platform is vast, targeting critical verticals essential for a future-proof economy. One primary focal point is the creation of AI-ready data centres. As artificial intelligence continues to disrupt traditional business models, the demand for high-capacity data processing facilities has skyrocketed. By investing heavily in robust digital infrastructure, the company ensures the region remains globally competitive.
Furthermore, Volarix Global is deeply committed to the future of transportation and power generation. The platform will manage projects centred around advanced energy systems and comprehensive electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The transition toward electric mobility requires an overhaul of existing energy grids, and the introduction of dedicated electric vehicle platforms will play a crucial role in enhancing energy security.
As the organisation progresses with its phased development strategy, continuous engagement with regulatory bodies and strategic partners remains a top priority. Highlighting the roadmap ahead, Mr Tawfeek Almoosa, Chief Operating Partner, commented: “As Volarix Global continues to advance its platform, we look forward to sharing further updates as key project milestones are achieved, including progress in regulatory engagement, strategic partnerships, site development, infrastructure deployment, and operations across our core verticals.”
The launch of this integrated platform by Volarix Global W.L.L. marks a significant milestone for Bahrain. By seamlessly bridging the gap between advanced energy grids, artificial intelligence, and regulated digital finance, the organisation is not merely participating in the global technological revolution—it is actively architecting the foundation for tomorrow’s digital economy.
Global energy technology firm SLB has been awarded a landmark seven-year contract by the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) under the ambitious Ahmadi Innovation Valley (AIV) initiative.
SLB secures 7-Year contract for KOC Ahmadi Innovation Valley
Global energy technology firm SLB has been awarded a landmark seven-year contract by the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) under the ambitious Ahmadi Innovation Valley (AIV) initiative.
For decades, the global energy sector has faced a persistent hurdle: whilst cutting edge digital tools are abundant, seamlessly integrating them into harsh, real-world extraction environments remains a formidable challenge. Now, global energy technology firm SLB is poised to bridge this critical gap. In a major development for the Middle East’s upstream oil and gas sector, SLB has been awarded a landmark seven-year contract by the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC). Operating under the highly ambitious Ahmadi Innovation Valley (AIV) initiative, this partnership officially designates SLB as KOC’s very first contracted technology partner for its flagship innovation programme.
The heart of this agreement lies in a shared commitment to accelerating digital transformation across Kuwait's energy landscape. By focusing intensely on applied research, large-scale technology deployment, and advanced digital innovation programmes, both organisations are aligning their efforts with Kuwait’s overarching energy objectives. SLB will collaborate intimately with KOC experts to evaluate, test, and deploy cutting-edge technologies.
The scale of the undertaking is vast, encompassing nearly 100 distinct technology projects designed to tackle the pressing obstacles of modern hydrocarbon extraction. These high-priority projects span artificial intelligence (AI), industrial internet of things (IIoT) applications, complex production optimisation, and advanced reservoir technologies. The initiative will also prioritise proactive water management systems and crucial energy transition protocols aimed at lowering the environmental footprint of heavy operations.
A pivotal element of this seven-year contract is the rapid operationalisation of AI-enabled workflows. By marrying KOC’s deep operational expertise with SLB’s state-of-the-art digital tools, the partnership seeks to dramatically improve exploration accuracy and streamline demanding drilling operations. These integrated digital ecosystems will enhance continuous reservoir surveillance and allow teams to automate complex production adjustments informed by real-time telemetry data. As the energy sector pivots towards these data landscapes, modern operators must collaborate effortlessly on data-driven solutions to lower operational costs, maximise efficiency, and measurably reduce carbon intensity during routine extraction phases.
The strategic necessity of this collaboration extends far beyond mere hardware and software upgrades. Ahmad Jaber Al-Eidan, chief executive officer of Kuwait Oil Company, emphasised the strategic importance of the programme for the nation. "Ahmadi Innovation Valley represents an important step in advancing technology leadership across Kuwait's energy sector," he stated. "Through collaboration with leading technology partners, we are accelerating technology deployment, strengthening local capabilities and expanding knowledge transfer to support Kuwait's energy industry."
This dedication to knowledge transfer will play a pivotal role in nurturing local technical capabilities, thereby securing the long-term future of Kuwait’s energy workforce and ensuring the nation maintains a fierce competitive edge in an increasingly digitised global market.
SLB has announced concrete plans to establish a physical, dedicated Ahmadi Innovation Valley facility within Kuwait to facilitate this massive technological leap. Construction on this specialised innovation centre is expected to commence in 2026, with the facility officially opening its doors to researchers and engineers in 2028. Once fully operational, this centre will serve as a dynamic collaborative hub where technology providers, academic researchers, and front-line operational teams converge. It will furnish the necessary physical and digital infrastructure to scale emerging solutions from early pilot phases directly into full production environments, driving quantifiable improvements in process stability and asset longevity.
Olivier Le Peuch, chief executive officer of SLB, highlighted the core hurdle that the new initiative aims to overcome. "The energy industry has no shortage of technology. The challenge is deploying it at scale and turning innovation into operational impact," he noted. "Ahmadi Innovation Valley brings together technology providers, researchers and operational teams to accelerate the evaluation, deployment and scaling of new solutions across KOC's operations. We are proud to contribute our technology, domain expertise and global experience while helping strengthen local capabilities and support the next generation of Kuwaiti talent."
This landmark award signifies a major expansion of a deep-rooted relationship, building upon more than 85 years of continuous collaboration between SLB and KOC, and promising a profound modernisation of Kuwait’s upstream capabilities.
Oman Shell recently concluded its highly anticipated participation in two major industry events: Oman Sustainability Week (OSW) and the Oman Petroleum & Energy Show (OPES) 2026.
Oman Shell drives the energy transition at OSW & OPES 2026
Oman Shell recently concluded its highly anticipated participation in two major industry events: Oman Sustainability Week (OSW) and the Oman Petroleum & Energy Show (OPES) 2026.
Held at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC), the company's strong presence served as a comprehensive showcase of its ongoing dedication to innovation, environmental stewardship, and practical sustainability.
As the Strategic Partner for Oman Sustainability Week and Gold Sponsor for the Oman Petroleum & Energy Show, Oman Shell created an immersive booth experience that welcomed numerous visitors throughout the event. The custom-designed space provided a platform to explore crucial contemporary themes, spanning across liquefied natural gas (LNG), artificial intelligence-driven technologies, advanced energy solutions, and the critical area of future mobility. Over the three-day event, public interest remained consistently high, with attendees actively exploring interactive technology showcases and live demonstrations. These immersive experiences successfully highlighted the company's focus on delivering practical, scalable energy solutions designed to meet modern demands.
A particularly standout moment during Oman Shell's participation was the dedicated “Insights into LNG” session. This highly informative event was jointly hosted by Cedric Cremers, Integrated Gas President and Executive Committee Member at Shell, alongside Tom Summers, the Executive Vice President of LNG, Marketing & Trading. The session offered deep explorations into the latest developments currently shaping global LNG markets. The two executives discussed the evolving role of LNG in supporting energy security, navigating the energy transition, and examining key trends influencing the future of the sector.
In addition to the interactive booth and the “Insights into LNG” session, Oman Shell played an exceptionally active role in the wider conference programme. Company representatives participated in various keynote sessions and detailed panel discussions across both OPES and OSW. These Shell experts contributed valuable insights and deep industry knowledge on a wide array of vital topics. The discussions covered the future of energy, sustainability practices, effective carbon management, continuous innovation, and the ongoing transformation of the industry. By sharing this expertise, Oman Shell reinforced its pivotal role in supporting constructive, forward-looking dialogue regarding the energy transition and the future of the energy sector, both within Oman and on a global scale.
As part of its comprehensive participation during the busy week, Oman Shell also took the opportunity to host the official graduation ceremony for the fifth batch of the Shell Nawafidh programme at the OCEC. This ceremony formally recognised the achievements of the participating students, highlighting the programme's vital role in empowering young Omani talent through targeted education, applied innovation, and future-focused learning opportunities.
Furthermore, on the evening of 20 May, Oman Shell organised an exclusive site visit for a select number of key OPES and OSW participants. The destination was Oman's first hydrogen refuelling station, proudly designated as Shell's sixth “Gift to the Nation”. This unique visit offered attendees the rare opportunity to explore the pioneering station firsthand and gain practical insights into the vital role that hydrogen is expected to play in supporting future mobility solutions and aligning with Oman's broader energy transition ambitions.
Behind these showcases lies Shell's history as a dedicated partner in Oman's development over several decades. The company remains deeply active across the Omani oil and gas industry, participating in joint ventures and independent activities that range from research, development, exploration, and production, through to trading, retail, and new energies. Shell also implements an extensive social investment programme that contributes heavily to the sustainable development of the country, whilst holding significant interests in Petroleum Development Oman (34%), Oman LNG (30%), and Shell Oman Marketing Company (49%).
In January 2023, Oman Shell started producing gas from the Mabrouk North East field in Block 10. Shell holds a 53.45% working interest, with OQ and Marsa Liquefied Natural Gas LLC holding 13.36% and 33.19% respectively. Through these substantial investments and its recent participation in OSW and OPES 2026, Oman Shell reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Oman's sustainable development journey by combining global expertise, technology, collaboration, and innovation to help shape a balanced and practical energy future.