Oman takes leading role in regional gas sector growth: GECF
Headquartered in Doha, the GECF is committed to making 'natural gas the pivotal resource for inclusive and sustainable development' and aiming 'to shape the energy future as a global advocate of natural gas and a platform for cooperation and dialogue.'
The 2025 edition of the report highlights Oman's growing prominence as a gas producer and exporter in the Middle East, particularly as it expands its liquefaction capacity. While liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports are set to remain the mainstay of gas trade, the country's role in the sector is becoming increasingly strategic.
'In 2023, Oman exported 12 million tonnes (Mt) of LNG, with over 90 per cent of shipments directed to the Asia Pacific region. These exports are projected to remain steady at 10 Mt by 2030, gradually declining to 8 Mt by 2040, and further decreasing to 6 Mt by 2050,' the report noted.
Oman's liquefaction complex at Qalhat recently completed a multi-year upgrade that boosted nameplate capacity from 10.4 Mtpa to 11.5 Mtpa. Actual production climbed to a record 11.98 Mtpa in 2024, pushing LNG revenues to historic highs.
Further expansion is planned with the addition of a 1 Mtpa LNG bunkering facility at Sohar. 'In early 2024, the country, in partnership with TotalEnergies, reached a Final Investment Decision (FID) to develop the Marsa LNG project. Set to commence operations in 2028, it will become the Middle East's first LNG bunkering hub—positioning LNG as a cleaner marine fuel and supporting decarbonisation in the shipping sector,' the report explained.
Notably, the report omits reference to a planned fourth LNG train at Qalhat, announced by the Omani government in July 2023. The proposed 3.8 Mtpa train would raise the complex's total capacity to approximately 15.2 Mtpa. However, a final investment decision is pending the availability of uncommitted gas feedstock and long-term offtake agreements.
On the upstream side, Oman's natural gas production has also seen robust growth. Output rose to 39 billion cubic metres (bcm) in 2023, up from 33 bcm in 2020. This growth was driven largely by the Khazzan-Makarem field, which accounted for 33 per cent of total production in 2023, as well as upstream development linked to the Marsa LNG project, the report stated. All of Oman's gas production currently comes from onshore fields, positioning the country as a key contributor to regional onshore output growth.
Exploration activity is also accelerating. In 2023, Oman awarded three new onshore blocks in the southern Rub al Khali Basin, near Block 6, covering more than 20,000 square kilometres. The government has since launched a direct award initiative offering six additional blocks—43A, 43B, 66, 73, 75, and 76—for exploration.
The report noted that further investments will target smaller greenfield projects and optimise production from brownfield sites, aiming to enhance recovery rates and operational efficiency. Oman's strategy focuses on balancing domestic demand with export ambitions—particularly to Asia—while integrating decarbonisation technologies such as carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) to meet global sustainability goals. An investor-friendly regulatory environment further supports this vision, the report added.
Looking ahead, the report concludes: 'Oman is expected to sustain its gas production through the forecast period, reaching 43 bcm by 2050. Achieving this target will require successful exploration, with Yet-to-Find (YTF) resources projected to contribute 60 per cent of total production by mid-century.'
2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
43 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
Watch: Sheikh Mohammed waves at humanoid robot during live demonstration
When was the last time you saw a humanoid robot wave and walk towards you? Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, had an experience that not many residents get to have during a meeting with local dignitaries at the Union House in Dubai today, August 6. In a video posted by Wam, the leader could be seen waving back at the humanoid robot. The robot also showcased its speed by running inside the majlis as the dignitaries looked on. The robot was present as part of a live demonstration of the Unitree G1 by Dubai Future Labs. The lightweight, highly balanced robot mimics human movement and represents the latest in robotics and AI. Watch the clip below: It will soon be featured in the Museum of the Future's interactive displays, welcoming visitors and showcasing advanced technology, allowing residents and tourists to watch it in action too. The Unitree G1 is a humanoid robot that stands 130cm tall and weighs around 35kg. Its onboard computing includes an 8-core high-performance CPU, with sensory hardware like a depth camera, 3D LiDAR, microphone array, speaker, Wi‑Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2. The robot runs for about two hours on a 13‑string lithium battery. Meeting at Al Mudaif Majlis During the gathering, Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the UAE's continued progress in building a distinctive development model based on openness, competitiveness, and support for entrepreneurship. He noted that the country's success stems from ambitious goals, a people-centred approach, and strong public-private partnerships. The achievements of recent decades, he added, reflect a clear vision driven by planning, determination, and collaboration. He added that the UAE remains committed to being a land of opportunity, a hub for prosperity, and a welcoming home for all who contribute to its growth. He also said that at every stage, the UAE has set new benchmarks for progress and established a model economy rooted in innovation. The outcomes of this journey are evident today in the country's stability, social cohesion, and the resilience and growth of its economy. The Ruler also highlighted Dubai's vital role in the UAE's broader development journey, as it continues to strengthen its position as a leading global economic centre. Driven by investor confidence, market maturity, and its ability to attract top talent and opportunities, the emirate continues to advance the goals of Dubai Economic Agenda D33, he highlighted.
Khaleej Times
2 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Smart Nol card top-ups see 20% rise as less commuters rely on ticket machines
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced a 20 per cent increase in nol card top-up transactions through digital channels during the first half of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. This reflects ongoing efforts to advance digital transformation in public transport services and enhance customer satisfaction. The authority explained that the improvements included the provision of digital machines for ticket sales and top-ups, public awareness initiatives encouraging the use of digital channels such as the website and mobile payment applications, in addition to raising the minimum top-up amount for nol cards through machines and ticket sales offices. Statistics showed a 28 per cent decrease in the total number of top-up transactions via ticket vending machines, while digital transactions via these machines increased by 20 per cent. Meanwhile, cash transactions at ticket sales offices declined by 37 per cent, and digital transactions by six per cent, resulting in an overall 26 per cent drop in transactions at ticket offices. The RTA affirmed that this shift contributed to shorter queues and lower operating costs related to cash handling, along with an 80 per cent decrease in vending machine malfunctions due to fewer cash-based transactions.
The National
2 hours ago
- The National
Syria to expand main airport and build subway in $14 billion deal with foreign partners
The new Syrian government has announced the country's largest foreign investment deal in years, with a massive $14 billion to modernise infrastructure. The funding will go towards modernising Damascus airport and the revival of a long abandoned plan to construct a metro system in the capital, among other projects. "We are announcing a group of 12 major strategic projects for a total of $14 billion," Talal Al Hilali, the head of the Syrian Investment Authority, said at the ceremony at the presidential palace on Wednesday. The plans include a $4 billion investment project for Damascus airport with Qatar's UCC Holding, a deal worth more than $2 billion for a mall and two towers developments, signed with the Italy-based construction firm Ubako, and a $2 billion investment for a Damascus metro system. The metro deal follows talks between a delegation from the UAE's National Investment Corporation, Syrian Minister of Transport Yarub Badr and Damascus Governor Maher Marwan earlier this week. The projects "will extend across Syria and represent a qualitative shift in infrastructure and economic life", Mr Al Hilali said. President Ahmad Al Shara and US special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack were present at the signing ceremony. Mr Barrack congratulated Syrian authorities on "another great accomplishment", saying they will witness the rise of a "new hub" in "trade and prosperity". Foreign investment in Syria was enabled by US President Donald Trump's decision to lift sanctions imposed during Mr Al Assad's rule. The EU followed suit soon afterwards. "The future of a prosperous and peaceful Syria is in the hands of Syria and its regional partners, like Qatar's UCC and Turkey's Cengiz and Kalyon groups who were awarded the Build-Operate-Transfer for the new Damascus International Airport," Mr Barrack said in a post on social media. "The path to recovery must begin with the fits and starts of building a foundation of security and stability, then followed by government systems and ultimately enterprise and prosperity." The UN has estimated that Syria's postwar reconstruction will cost more than $400 billion. Several agreements have already been announced. Last month, Saudi Arabia signed major investment and partnership deals with Syria, valued at $6.4 billion. Also in July, Syria signed an $800 million deal with UAE-based company DP World to develop the port of Tartus, state media reported. In May, Syria signed a $7 billion energy deal with a consortium of Qatari, Turkish and US companies as it seeks to revive its crippled power sector. Mr Al Hilali said the signing ceremony on Wednesday was "a clear declaration that Syria is open to investment, determined to build a prosperous future, and ready to work side by side with our trusted partners to write a new chapter of progress and development', Syrian state news agency Sana reported. promote trade ties.
