twitter linkedinfacebookacp contact us

Oil price rebound to unlock Middle East project spending

Industry

The Q4 2021 surge in project contract awards is set to unlock Middle East project spending, according to Richard Thompson, editorial director of MEED, part of leading data and analytics company GlobalData 

“For six years, companies in the Gulf Corporation Council (GCC) have endured some of the toughest business conditions ever seen in the region, as volatile oil prices forced governments to implement strict fiscal controls. The austerity measures saw the value of contract awards crash from an annual average of around US$228bn a year in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in 2013-15, to around US$111bn a year in 2020 and 2021.

“The lack of new projects and rising payment delays created a cash flow crisis that is still continuing. Companies restructured and downsized, people departed the region and businesses collapsed. As we head into 2022, the outlook is looking much brighter. The rebound in energy demand saw oil prices surge above US$85 a barrel in October, and Brent crude is expected to average about US$71.5 a barrel in 2021, its highest since 2014. Forecasts are even stronger for prices in 2022. With an average fiscal breakeven oil price of US$68.5 a barrel in the GCC in 2021, and US$62.5 a barrel in 2022, the return of budget surpluses is transformative.

“With over US$1.7 trillion-worth of projects in pre-execution across the MENA region, there is a backlog of projects. There will be a rebound in project spending in 2022 and 2023 – perhaps as much as 20%. Saudi Arabia and Egypt, in particular, are set for strong growth," Thompson concluded.

The oil and gas industry has been increasingly adopting AI technology in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue in the coming years. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

SmartMaster can be used with a range of ABB and third-party instruments. (Image source: ABB)

Comparison of conventional workflow with DUG MP-FWI imaging. (Image source: DUG)

The expansion is expected to increase the plant’s processing capacity from 2.5 to up to 4 billion standard cubic feet per day (bscfd). (Image source: Aramco)

ARO Drilling and IMI announce first Kingdom jack up rig (Image source: ARO)

Oman LNG signed various agreements with Shell Gas to secure its gas supply until 2034. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

GAC Saudi Arabia has extensive operations at major ports in Saudi Arabia. (Image source: GAC Saudi Arabia)

Michael Monica, director sales, marketing and customer care at GPT Industries signs the agreement with Mohamed Altaf, sale manager, Abdulla Fouad Energy Services. (Image source: Alain Charles Publishing)

Amin H. Nasser, CEO of Aramco. (Image source: Aramco)

The system can activate notification and hazard mitigation equipment to notify workers and safeguard facilities. (Image source: MSA Safety)

The use of blockchain in the oil and gas sector is set to increase substantially. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The new discoveries will bolster Aramco’s strategy to increase gas production by more than half over 2021 levels, through 2030. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Tethys Oil is currently conducting final preparations ahead of the rig mobilisation for the drilling of the first exploration well on Block 58, Kunooz-1 in Fahd.

Source: SafeStart

The new technology is designed to address the challenging conditions in unconventional wells. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The Ampelmann A-type enabling safe offshore access in the Middle East. (Image source: Ampelmann)

Aramco has produced the first unconventional tight gas from its South Ghawar operational area ahead of schedule. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Tethys Oil is currently conducting final preparations ahead of the rig mobilisation for the drilling of the first exploration well on Block 58, Kunooz-1 in Fahd.

TotalEnergies and SONATRACH will develop gas resources in Algeria's north-east Timimoun region, (Image source: Adobe Stock).

By using analytics to augment and empower the workforce, pipeline operators can optimise operations and improve asset availability. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The oil price is hovering around the US$90/bbl mark. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The Craig International Qatar team. (Image source: Craig International)

The SuperFill II diverter reduces induced surge pressure. (Image source: Halliburton)

Among other services, KBR will offer proprietary equipment for NCIC's 1,200 metric tonnes per day ammonia plant. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The expansion is expected to increase the plant’s processing capacity from 2.5 to up to 4 billion standard cubic feet per day (bscfd). (Image source: Aramco)

Comparison of conventional workflow with DUG MP-FWI imaging. (Image source: DUG)

ADNOC Gas recorded robust financial and operational results in 2023. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Over 4,000 km of SoluForce pipe has been installed around the world. (Image source: SoluForce)

Block 56 is targeted for commercialisation in 2024. (Image source: Canva)

The programme will optimise asset lifecycle, enhance machinery performance and improve overall reliability. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The use of blockchain in the oil and gas sector is set to increase substantially. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Source: SafeStart

GAC Saudi Arabia has extensive operations at major ports in Saudi Arabia. (Image source: GAC Saudi Arabia)

The company is well positioned in 2024, with a reshaped and resilient business and a strong balance sheet. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The vessel addresses the growing demand for accurate hydrographic data. (Image source: Fugro)

The virtual inhouse seismic processing centre will allow each of the decentralised business units of Wintershall Dea globally to collaborate efficiently and directly with DUG. (Image source: Adobe Stock)