MEED
Peter Salisbury

Full contributor list at http://www.meed.com/peter-salisbury/9.contributor

A crucial first step for democracy in Yemen

Issue 7 17-23 February 2012
The outcome of the election is decided; the next challenge is building a new political system in Sanaa
Conares Metal Supply

Issue 4 27 January-2 February 2012
The steel pipe manufacturer hopes to hit revenues of $500m in 2012, despite weaker regional demand
Q&A: Bharat Bhatia, chairman and managing director, Conares

Issue 4 27 January-2 February 2012
We are not doing as well as we might have hoped, but we are still here
The risk from China’s slowdown

Issue 4 27 January-2 February 2012
The cooling of the world’s second-largest economy poses a threat to energy and petrochemicals exporters
Interview: Sir Nigel Rodley, Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry

Issue 2 13-19 January 2012
The inquiry commissioner was disturbed by the human rights violations in Bahrain last year, but applauds the decision to initiate an investigation into what happened
Restoring investor confidence in Tunisia

Issue 1 6-12 January 2012
Tunisia needs foreign investment to increase gas production and meet renewable energy targets. The new leadership will have to reassure investors it is serious about private projects
A greying population

Issue 51 23-29 December 2011
Saudi Arabia is already struggling with its youth bulge, but also has to deal with a rising number of older people
Jordan's alternative energy schemes struggle

Issue 49 9-15 December 2011
Jordan’s vulnerability, due to its lack of natural energy resources, has been exposed in recent years, but the country’s renewable power projects have been slow to move forward
Educating the future labour force

Issue 48 2-8 December 2011
Regional governments are investing their education budgets in institutions that equip students with the skills needed to compete in the global work place, but more still needs to be done
Kuwait steers clear of Middle East unrest

Issue 45 11-17 November 2011
Freedom of speech and political expression may have helped Kuwait avoid the civil uprisings of the Arab world, but parliamentary wrangling continues to stifle progress on key schemes
Boosting oil and gas output in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Projects
Following major contract awards in 2009-10, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company is focused on completing projects to raise production capacity
GCC schools directory

30 October 2011, 5:19 GMT
GCC schools and spending authorities
Global trends in education technology

30 October 2011, 5:19 GMT
The death in early October 2011 of the Apple founder Steve Jobs brought home the incredible rate of technological change and innovation we have witnessed over the past three decades
Recommendation for BETT conference attendees

30 October 2011, 5:19 GMT
The regional market is likely to grow in coming years
Dubai outperforms its neighbour

Issue 44 4-10 November 2011
Hotel occupancy has risen across the UAE over the past year, but while both Dubai and Abu Dhabi are enjoying increasing numbers of visitors, there is a definite divergence in the speed of recovery
Building a new Libya

Issue 43 28 October-3 November 2011
Uniting Libya will be the National Transitional Council’s greatest priority
Rail to create retail opportunities in the Gulf

Rail Supplement 2011
The various stations along the planned GCC rail network will offer opportunities to retailers to set up station outlets. But a bigger boost could come from shoppers travelling to Dubai’s malls
Spending increases oil shock risks for Saudi Arabia

Issue 27 8-14 July 2011
Saudi Arabia must wean itself off its dependence on government money derived from the hydrocarbons sector, or risk economic crisis if oil prices drop significantly
Untangling the Yemeni crisis

Issue 27 8-14 July 2011
An unclear political future looms for Yemen, the Arab world’s poorest country
Harnessing the digital oil field in the Middle East

Issue 13 1-7 April 2011
Advances in information and communications technology are revolutionising the way oil and gas is produced and helping the industry manage a shrinking workforce
Yearbook 2011: 2010 energy review - International oil companies are scaling back in the Gulf

Supplement: MEED Yearbook 2011
International oil companies withdraw to pursue more lucrative opportunities in less-developed markets
PET oversupply in the Middle East hinders ambitions

Issue 43 22-28 October 2010
Despite the recent rise in demand and prices for PET amid a tightening of the global cotton market, supply is still expected to exceed demand in the coming years
High oil production targets for Kuwait Petroleum Corporation

Issue 42 15-21 October 2010
Kuwait’s energy sector has promised a lot, but delivered little. The new head of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation will need to move quickly to meet 2015 oil production targets
Reflecting on 50 years of Opec

Issue 42 15-21 October 2010
Since its inception in 1960, the oil producers group Opec has made a remarkable contribution to global energy security and seen its member states grow and diversify their economies exponentially
Tripoli struggles to catch up with oil production targets

Issue 42 15-21 October 2010
Disappointing oil exploration campaigns and a difficult business environment for foreign investors mean Libya will find it tough to meet its production targets
Water scarcity: A security issue in the Middle East

Issue No 38 17-25 September 2010
Limited resources mean that water in the Middle East and North Africa plays a strategic role in national security, foreign policy and domestic stability
Takreer confirms $623m pipeline contract award

2 September 2010, 13:34 GMT
State refiner announces deal through local media
Kuwait: Sodium lamps

2 September 2010, 12:20 GMT
Supply of 150 watt sodium lamps and partial disconnection of lights
Oil prices stable as traders mull sentiment and fundamentals

2 September 2010, 11:18 GMT
Prices largely unchanged as economic data balances out future fears
Firms name Amal steam injection favourite

1 September 2010, 14:14 GMT
Firm submitted lowest price in 15 August bid round
Sabic plans renewable chemicals plant

1 September 2010, 11:55 GMT
Facility will be first of its kind in the region
Kuwait reviews oil sector restructuring plans

31 August 2010, 14:36 GMT
State oil firm merger depends on new top chief executive
Taqa sued by former chief executive

31 August 2010, 14:10 GMT
Peter Barker-Homek seeking up to $100m
Saudi Arabia: Lighting network protection

30 August 2010, 6:55 GMT
Carrying out protection of lighting network in Riyadh Municipality
Borouge delays specialist plastics bids

Issue No 36 3-9 September 2010
State firm delays bid round on low participation fears
Firms line up for Yanbu petrochemicals contract

Issue No 36 3-9 September 2010
Sabic affiliate Ibn Rushd wants to boost polyethylene terephthalate production at Red Sea coast complex
International oil companies are scaling back in the Gulf

Issue No 36 3-9 September 2010
International oil companies withdraw to pursue more lucrative opportunities in less-developed markets
Waha gauges contractor interest in new oil production facilities

Issue No 36 3-9 September 2010
Firms to hand in expressions of interest by mid-September
Iran: Diesel engine generator

29 August 2010, 13:38 GMT
Supply of diesel engine generator
Iran: Top drive system

29 August 2010, 13:38 GMT
Supply of top drive system
Technip to design cracker for Aramco and Dow's Jubail petrochemicals scheme

26 August 2010, 14:01 GMT
French major was working on studies before partners decided to move the project
Oil prices continue to fall

26 August 2010, 13:57 GMT
US contract hit two-month low under $72 a barrel on 23 August
Yemen: PVC pipes

26 August 2010, 13:29 GMT
Pipes and fittings for groundwater and soil conservation project
Final bids in for $700m Abu Dhabi pipeline deal

26 August 2010, 13:26 GMT
Contract to be finalised by the end of Ramadan
Oman: landfill site identification

26 August 2010, 13:18 GMT
Site identification study for three engineered landfill sites
GS in front for $690m Abu Dhabi pipeline deal

26 August 2010, 9:40 GMT
South Korean firm was one of seven bidders for construction deal
Firms line up for Yanbu aromatics deal

26 August 2010, 7:13 GMT
Seven international engineering firms submitted final proposals on 17 August
Firms line up for Ruwais refinery design deals

25 August 2010, 13:49 GMT
Takreer set to award project management and design contracts
Oman: cable supply

25 August 2010, 13:38 GMT
Cable supply for Mazoon Electricity Company
Tripoli restarts $54bn energy cities plan

25 August 2010, 13:17 GMT
Scheme re-activated after six month delay
Mellitah gauges interest in offshore gas production expansion

24 August 2010, 15:18 GMT
Applications to prequalify submitted for design deal on 29 July
UAE: water meter installation

24 August 2010, 14:01 GMT
Water meter installation
Kuwait: security system maintenance

24 August 2010, 13:58 GMT
Border control system
BP plans more Libya offshore exploration work

23 August 2010, 14:34 GMT
UK energy major looks for contractor to complete seismic surveys
Iraq: Power station

23 August 2010, 10:29 GMT
Provision and installation of a 135 megavolt a year power plant
Israel and Palestinian National Authority to resume direct talks

22 August 2010, 14:15 GMT
Representatives of Israeli government and Fatah-led Palestinian National Authority to meet in Washington on 2 September
Yemen: training consultant

22 August 2010, 9:41 GMT
Planning, monitoring and evaluation role at the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training
Yemen: Management information services consultant

22 August 2010, 9:40 GMT
Management information services consultant
Oil prices continue to fall

19 August 2010, 13:57 GMT
Benchmark US crude trading at $75 a barrel
Ramadan delays Jubail acrylic acid plant award

19 August 2010, 13:41 GMT
Partners hope to complete award by the end of September
Ibn Rushd plans 2010 Yanbu petrochemicals award

19 August 2010, 11:24 GMT
Firm is an affiliate of regional giant Saudi Basic Industries Corporation
Takreer assesses Sharjah storage scheme costs

19 August 2010, 11:05 GMT
Construction contract tender pushed back to late September
Sonatrach wins Spain gas price case

19 August 2010, 8:17 GMT
Arbitration hearings between Sonatrach and Gas Natural had been ongoing since 2007
Firms line up for Oman steam facilities

19 August 2010, 7:53 GMT
Contract is part of wider $500m Amal steam injection project
Kuwait ruler passes 33 per cent spending increase

19 August 2010, 7:18 GMT
Expansionary budget for 2010-11
Gasco delays Habshan sulphur proposals

17 August 2010, 13:14 GMT
Scheme is part of wider plans to process and transport sulphur produced in the emirate
Aramco to award last Yanbu package in September

16 August 2010, 12:01 GMT
Solids handling construction contract worth $350m
Bahrain: Application Development Training

15 August 2010, 13:58 GMT
Application Development Training
Oil falls on economic recovery fears

15 August 2010, 12:30 GMT
US’ benchmark West Texas Intermediate contract falls $5 to $77 a barrel
Abu Dhabi pushes back oil production target timeline

12 August 2010, 13:26 GMT
Delays to projects in 2007 and 2008 push back output boost plans by three years
Dubai plans September oil field award

12 August 2010, 13:06 GMT
Contract for production facilities at Jalila field worth $50-100m
Kuwait development fund to earn $322m in 2010-11

12 August 2010, 11:58 GMT
Government forecasts put fund firmly back in profit
Zadco tenders $50m-plus Zirku pipeline deal

12 August 2010, 10:32 GMT
Project is part of wider scheme to upgrade oily water facilities
Saudi Arabia refinery construction costs fall 25 per cent in a year

12 August 2010, 8:26 GMT
Competitive market and fears over future projects pull costs down
Exxon leaves $6bn Ras Laffan petrochemicals project

12 August 2010, 7:57 GMT
Qatar Petroleum and ExxonMobil ended plans for cracker and derivatives in July
Purvin & Gertz studies $7bn Jizan refinery

11 August 2010, 14:12 GMT
US consultancy completing feasibility study for project
J Ray announces $350m Abu Dhabi offshore oil win

10 August 2010, 11:45 GMT
Project covers construction of new platform and upgrade of existing water injection facilities
Kuwait Investment Authority to cost $184m

10 August 2010, 8:04 GMT
Authority manages assets worth $250-300bn
The Gulf: Counting on government spending

Issue 33 13-19 August
Contractors hope that public sector can continue to prop up the region’s projects market
Firms line up for $2bn of Abu Dhabi offshore oil facilities

5 August 2010, 14:06 GMT
Emirate will spend $25bn up to 2015 to boost offshore production
Oil prices retreat from three-month high

5 August 2010, 14:04 GMT
Market balances rising demand with economic fears
Ipic reviews $20bn of refinery investment plans

5 August 2010, 13:52 GMT
State fund has announced plans for four new refineries and is in talks over investing in Jordanian expansion
IMF approves $368m loan to Yemen

5 August 2010, 13:41 GMT
Fund backs government’s plans for economic development
Aramco and Dow confirm Jubail move

4 August 2010, 13:51 GMT
Configuration of $15bn-plus petrochemicals complex at Jubail Industrial City 2 remains unknown
Borouge sets out $200m plant bid timeline

3 August 2010, 12:07 GMT
Specialist plant at Ruwais will be last contract awarded on third-phase capacity expansion
Ipic commissions new Fujairah refinery study

3 August 2010, 8:06 GMT
Fund put plans for plant under review in early 2009
Takreer plans $500m of new Ruwais facilities

2 August 2010, 13:29 GMT
State refiner has approached firms over design, management and technology deals
First bids in for Ruwais sulphur handling facilities

1 August 2010, 13:54 GMT
Abu Dhabi sulphur production to more than treble by 2015
BP woes will not affect Abu Dhabi hydrogen power project

1 August 2010, 13:53 GMT
UK major is a 60 per cent partner in the scheme
Adco launches new $50m construction contract

1 August 2010, 9:45 GMT
Onshore oil and gas developments will become less common in coming year
Aramco plans August tender for Jizan refinery design

29 July 2010, 15:33 GMT
Winning bidder of Aramco tender will design and oversee the construction of $7bn Jizan refinery
Duqm refining and petrochemicals study under way

29 July 2010, 15:33 GMT
Multibillion-dollar Duqm complex is being developed by Oman/UAE joint venture
Gasco extends Ruwais sulphur handling tender deadline

29 July 2010, 15:33 GMT
Ruwais sulphur scheme is part of plans to process 7 million tonnes a year of sulphur in Abu Dhabi
Aramco awards construction contracts on $10bn Yanbu refinery

29 July 2010, 15:03 GMT
Eight engineering, procurement and construction contracts signed on Red Sea coast scheme
Oil prices fall on negative US sentiment

29 July 2010, 15:03 GMT
Benchmark contract down to $77 from highs above $79 earlier in the week
Chemaweyaat moves to Western Region

29 July 2010, 14:38 GMT
All 12 planned projects to be developed at Al-Gharbia site
Yemen delays $260m sukuk issue

29 July 2010, 14:14 GMT
Bond will be issued in late 2010 or early 2011 rather than the third quarter of this year
Aramco invites firms for offshore gas contracts

29 July 2010, 9:41 GMT
Contracts cover platforms, pipelines and power cables at Arabiyah and Hasbah fields
BP firesale creates Middle East opportunities

29 July 2010, 7:45 GMT
UK oil major to sell $30bn of upstream assets by end of 2011
Yemen currency reserves hit fresh low

25 July 2010, 11:11 GMT
Central bank’s ability to cover imports now at a record low while US dollar hits new high against riyal
Oil prices rise as non-US demand buoys market

22 July 2010, 15:14 GMT
Growth in China boosts sentiment as oil prices rise beyond $76 a barrel
Firms line up for $6bn-plus Wasit gas development

22 July 2010, 13:32 GMT
Bids due in for onshore packages by end of September
Kuwait economy contracted 4.4 per cent in 2009

22 July 2010, 12:03 GMT
Country was worst performer among GCC states
Preliminary bids in for $700m Abu Dhabi pipeline deal

22 July 2010, 9:26 GMT
Contract will be one of biggest pipeline deals in Abu Dhabi in recent years
Aramco to go it alone on Yanbu refinery

22 July 2010, 8:29 GMT
State energy giant to award $7bn of construction contracts before end of July
Daelim to build Yanbu $1.2bn hydrocracker

21 July 2010, 14:32 GMT
South Korea’s GS Engineering & Construction had been favourite to win the deal
Siemens wins $40m electrical supply contract in Abu Dhabi

21 July 2010, 13:27 GMT
Firm will work on fourth natural gas liquids train at Ruwais
Ipic strategy director steps down

20 July 2010, 13:44 GMT
David Forbes had worked at Abu Dhabi fund for 14 years
Takreer gauges interest in Ruwais flare gas reduction design

20 July 2010, 11:18 GMT
Project is part of wider scheme to cut carbon dioxide emissions by reducing the volume of gas flared in the emirate
Takreer signs off more than $700m of new contracts

18 July 2010, 14:54 GMT
Engineering, procurement and construction deals were awarded earlier in 2010
Kuwait budget surplus could top $25bn in 2010-2011

18 July 2010, 13:38 GMT
Government has forecast $22bn deficit, but high oil prices could result in another billion dollar surplus
Sanaa’s distant dream of GCC membership

Issue No 28 9-15 July 2010
Sanaa has lobbied hard for GCC membership but faces resistance from council members, who see the country as a liability rather than an asset
Design costs for Aramco, Dow petrochemicals complex top $700m

1 July 2010, 15:44 GMT
Senior Aramco executives want designs finalised by end of July
Partners delay tenders on $6bn Qatar petrochemicals project as Exxon departure fears grow

1 July 2010, 15:44 GMT
Engineering contractors expected formal invitations to bid on design and technology contracts by the end of June
Kuwait awards privatisation advisory for state air carrier

1 July 2010, 14:26 GMT
The local Abdulhameed Al-Sarraf & Partners and US’ Baker & McKenzie were informed of the award on 25 June
Takreer tenders Sharjah oil storage contract

1 July 2010, 14:16 GMT
Project was originally developed by Adnoc Distribution
J Ray McDermott wins Abu Dhabi offshore contract

1 July 2010, 12:51 GMT
US contractor will build new platform and water injection facilities at Lower Zakum field
Total buys into Yemen's Block 72 oil and gas concession

1 July 2010, 11:21 GMT
French oil major acquires a 36 per cent interest in exploration and production at central Yemen concession
Gasco plans new $150m-plus Abu Dhabi gas pipeline project

1 July 2010, 7:58 GMT
Two lines will link Habshan, Ruwais and Shuweihat
Gulf states step up oil and gas investments

Issue No 27 2 - 8 July 2010
Regional governments are investing heavily to boost hydrocarbons output.The Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region produced 36.2 million barrels a day (b/d) of oil in 2008 – 44 per cent of total world production of 81.8 million b/d, according to the UK’s BP.
Sulphur: Facing up to global oversupply

Issue No 27 2 - 8 July 2010
Excess sulphur presents a perplexing challenge for Gulf states as they move to develop more sour oil and gas fields to meet rising demand for hydrocarbons
Firms line up for $2bn of Abu Dhabi sulphur facilities

24 June 2010, 14:20 GMT
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company subsidiaries tendering three deals worth a total of $3bn
Borouge invites contractors to bid on specialist plastics plant

24 June 2010, 14:17 GMT
Winning bidder will build cross-linked polyethylene facilities
Oman starts search for new Block 60 operator

24 June 2010, 10:50 GMT
UK’s BG Group quit the gas concession on 12 June
Kuwait reaches to unlock economic potential

Supplement: Middle East Economic Review 2010
Frustrated by internal wrangling, the Kuwaiti government has taken the first serious steps towards major reforms and diversification of the country’s economy. Implementing them will be the challenge
Kuwait reaches to unlock economic potential

Supplement: Middle East Economic Review 2010
Frustrated by internal wrangling, the Kuwaiti government has taken the first serious steps towards major reforms and diversification of the country’s economy. Implementing them will be the challenge
Lack of economic reform stifles Yemen

Supplement: Middle East Economic Review 2010
Economic concerns outweigh security issues in the Arab world’s poorest country
Lack of economic reform stifles Yemen

Supplement: Middle East Economic Review 2010
Economic concerns outweigh security issues in the Arab world’s poorest country
Partners cut Arzew cracker bidders down to two

22 June 2010, 14:14 GMT
Only Technip and Linde remain in the running for deal to design and build new cracker
Kuwait: Testing private-sector reform

Issue No 26 25-1 July 2010
Kuwait is moving ahead with privatisation plans and successful completion will be crucial
Aegean plans June award for Fujairah fuel storage scheme

17 June 2010, 14:39 GMT
Winning bidder will build $100m storage facilities
Aramco plans July tender for Wasit gas deals

17 June 2010, 9:18 GMT
State-energy giant to tender offshore packages on $3bn development programme
Firms line up for Kuwait public-private advisories

17 June 2010, 7:32 GMT
Partnerships Technical Bureau is working on 24 projects worth a total of $21bn
Engineering firms in limbo after BG quits Oman gas concession

Issue No 25 18-24 June 2010
Firms were in talks with UK gas developer as recently as May
Firms line up for Jizan refinery design deal

Issue No 25 18-24 June 2010
Prequalification documents submitted on 12 June
Takreer takes over Sharjah oil storage scheme

Issue No 25 18-24 June 2010
State refiner plans to tender construction contracts by mid-August
Aramco completes $100bn oil and gas production boost

16 June 2010, 15:32 GMT
Kingdom can now produce 12.5 million barrels a day of oil and 8.7 billion cubic feet a day of gas
Firms abandon 90 per cent of Saudi Arabia gas concession

16 June 2010, 13:33 GMT
Saudi Aramco and Russia’s Lukoil signed up to develop the Block A area in 2004
Kuwait plans $650m solar power project

16 June 2010, 11:09 GMT
Integrated solar combined power plant will have a capacity of 250MW
Too much of a good thing for region’s plastics producers

13 June 2010, 8:15 GMT
Demand growth will not absorb the current overcapacity
JGC in front for $150m-plus divided zone water treatment deal

10 June 2010, 15:51 GMT
Japanese contractor submitted lowest price in 8 March bid round
Firms line up for Wasit gas site preparation

10 June 2010, 13:09 GMT
Saudi Aramco has prequalified 14 local firms for the $500m contract
Oil prices rise on inventory fall and supply concerns

10 June 2010, 12:35 GMT
Deepwater Horizon incident may curb new US production
Arzew cracker studies completed

9 June 2010, 15:46 GMT
Partners can move ahead with project as soon as final contract has been signed
Gulf to produce 20 per cent of world's petrochemicals by 2015

9 June 2010, 12:57 GMT
More than 50 million tonnes a year of new capacity to be added between 2009 and 2015
Samco plans Jubail acrylic acid plant award

9 June 2010, 10:19 GMT
Construction contract will be awarded by September
Gulf plastics producers face tough market

8 June 2010, 13:59 GMT
New capacity is being delivered to a market that is already oversupplied
Abu Dhabi delays refinery pipeline bids to incorporate security systems

Issue No 24 11-17 June 2010
Contract is part of Abu Dhabi Oil Refining Company (Takreer) inter-refinery pipelines scheme
Borouge starts commissioning Ruwais plastics expansion

Issue No 24 11-17 June 2010
Company started work on 1.5 million tonnne a year ethane cracker in mid-May
Echem to ask for fresh prices on Alexandria petrochemicals project

Issue No 24 11-17 June 2010
State petrochemicals developer completing technical talks during week ended 10 June
Linde in talks over three new Middle East cracker projects

Issue No 24 11-17 June 2010
The largest project will cost up to $1.4bn to build
Total and Aramco mull Jubail cracker project

Issue No 24 11-17 June 2010
Two companies are already building a refinery at Jubail
Sipchem starts up first two Jubail chemicals plants

6 June 2010, 11:06 GMT
Carbon monoxide and acetic acid plants operational as of 5 June
Aramco and Dow near contract for Jubail petrochemicals site

3 June 2010, 15:02 GMT
Partners are relocating multibillion-dollar petrochemicals scheme from Ras Tanura
Offshore Abu Dhabi deal award faces delays on internal wrangling

3 June 2010, 14:14 GMT
Client and parent company disagree on contracting strategy for $300m project
Petrokemya shelves $300m plastics plant plans

3 June 2010, 12:56 GMT
Specialist automotive plastics unit offered insufficient return on investment
Borouge plans new Guangzhou plastics compounding plant

3 June 2010, 12:09 GMT
Scheme is part of plans to expand into Asia
Adma-Opco plans islands for offshore oilfield development

3 June 2010, 11:02 GMT
Scheme is one of a series to boost offshore oil production by 650,000 barrels a day
Aramco moves on $4bn-plus of gas projects

3 June 2010, 9:08 GMT
Firms prequalified for engineering, procurement and construction contracts in May
Ibn Rushd gauges interest in second plastics plant deal

3 June 2010, 8:49 GMT
Solicitation of interest letter sent out in early May
Technip wins Abu Dhabi offshore production boost design

3 June 2010, 6:31 GMT
Firm will complete front-end engineering and design studies for Upper Zakum production increase
Kuwait privatisation law will not attract investors

2 June 2010, 13:59 GMT
Bankers, lawyers and economists say new bill will make investments unattractive to international firms
Chakib Khelil ousted in Algiers cabinet reshuffle

30 May 2010, 14:14 GMT
Youcef Yousfi replaces outgoing Minister of Energy and Mines
Oil rises above $70 on Euro gains

27 May 2010, 14:26 GMT
US oil contract rises to $73.20 a a barrel
Abu Dhabi plans to extend offshore oil concession

27 May 2010, 14:24 GMT
Japan-owned Abu Dhabi Oil Company extending offshore oil concession to 2042
Masdar invites interest in carbon dioxide pipeline network

27 May 2010, 13:01 GMT
Firms line up for engineering, procurement and construction management deal
Abu Dhabi hydrogen power plant faces further delays

27 May 2010, 13:00 GMT
Tender documents for $2bn power scheme have been ready since January
Zueblin wins Ruwais refinery non-process buildings deal

26 May 2010, 12:25 GMT
Contractor was awarded $100m-plus deal in early May
Abu Dhabi awards $2.6bn of contracts for Ruwais plastics expansion

Issue No 22 28 May - 3 June 2010
Letters of award were sent out on 26 May
Catalyst for industry

Issue No 22 28 May - 3 June 2010
Abu Dhabi plans for economic growth hinge on the development of a petrochemicals industry to drive investment in converting industries
Chemaweyaat eyes Western Region

Issue No 22 28 May - 3 June 2010
Abu Dhabi National Chemicals Company will build 11 out of 12 petrochemicals complexes at new Ras al-Dhbaiah site
East coast potential grows

Issue No 22 28 May - 3 June 2010
With its port offering a potential bypass for the Strait of Hormuz, Fujairah is being touted as the UAE’s next growth hub. But it will be a while before that happens
Opec reflects on its history

Issue No 22 28 May - 3 June 2010
The organisation has grown to become a major cog in the world economy, a position that is unlikely to change soon
Prequalification complete for Masdar carbon capture scheme

Issue No 22 28 May - 3 June 2010
Contract is first of a series of sustainable energy schemes planned by Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company
Saudi Aramco launches Jizan refinery construction management tender

Issue No 22 28 May - 3 June 2010
New refinery set to process 400,000 barrels a day of crude oil
Yemen's cash crisis

Issue No 22 28 May - 3 June 2010
Sanaa’s biggest problem is not security, but its fractured economy
Hyundai out in front for Borouge infrastructure deal

24 May 2010, 14:18 GMT
The $937m deal is part of the planned third phase expansion
Bids in for Borouge infrastructure deal

23 May 2010, 16:02 GMT
Contractors expect engineering, procurement and construction contract award in early June
Oil falls to nine month low in the US

20 May 2010, 16:48 GMT
Contract likely to fall lower later in May
Adma-Opco finalises $350m Lower Zakum demothballing deal

20 May 2010, 15:55 GMT
National Petroleum Construction was low bidder in September 2009 bid round
WorleyParsons wins Habshan gas flare design deal

20 May 2010, 15:55 GMT
Engineering firm’s bid was for 10,000 man hours of engineering design work
Hyundai bids low for Ruwais lubricants plant

19 May 2010, 11:57 GMT
Price of $471m is significantly lower than closest bid of $527m from Samsung
Opec never directly discussed target price for oil

19 May 2010, 5:57 GMT
Qatar’s energy minister says member states discuss range of prices
Abu Dhabi delays refinery pipelines bid deadlines

Issue No 21 21 - 27 May 2010
Construction contract is part of scheme to link emirate’s refineries and oilfields
Consortium bids low for Borouge plastic expansion deals

Issue No 21 21 - 27 May 2010
Polyolefins and low-density polyethylene contracts worth an estimated $1.95bn
Firms line up for Ruwais lubricants plant construction

Issue No 21 21 - 27 May 2010
Up to six contractors submitted bids in time for 16 May deadline
Qatar Energy Minister says Opec has no alternative to US dollar

Issue No 21 21 - 27 May 2010
Recent Eurozone instability highlights risks of trading currency changes
Qatar Petroleum signs up Shell and PetroChina to work on concession

Issue No 21 21 - 27 May 2010
Firms hope to start producing gas by 2015
Yemen plans $275m sukuk

Issue No 21 21 - 27 May 2010
Government faces cash crisis, depreciating currency
Zadco delays Satah field tenders

Issue No 21 21 - 27 May 2010
State offshore developer wants more time to study engineering options
Contractors submit bids for Borouge process deals

16 May 2010, 14:05 GMT
Commercial bids in for Abu Dhabi petrochemicals contracts
Oil prices fall on inventory gains

13 May 2010, 15:18 GMT
West Texas Intermediate contract trades at $74 a barrel
Contractors await Satah field tender in Abu Dhabi

13 May 2010, 9:12 GMT
Contract is part of wider scheme to boost production at offshore Abu Dhabi field
Dubai Petroleum sets June bid deadline for new field development

12 May 2010, 14:43 GMT
Scheme is valued at around $50-100m
Abu Dhabi plans offshore water injection contract awards

Issue No 20 14 - 20 May 2010
Adma-Opco to award $300m contract for Lower Zakum field by June
Gasco plans new $2bn Shah sulphur facilities tender

Issue No 20 14 - 20 May 2010
Firms have until 10 May to express interest in the construction contract
Lack of reform stalls economic progress in Yemen

Issue No 20 14 - 20 May 2010
A weak and corrupt political system is hampering economic development in Sanaa
Partners approach contractors over $1bn of Jubail petrochemicals deals

Issue No 20 14 - 20 May 2010
Sipchem and Hanwha Chemical want to build two new units at Jubail site
Partners eye Libya liquefied gas retender

Issue No 20 14 - 20 May 2010
Sirte Oil Company hopes to retender construction deals on Marsa el-Brega scheme by year end
Partners prequalify firms for $200m Algeria oil field retender

Issue No 20 14 - 20 May 2010
Bir el-Msana field is part of Block 401c concession in eastern Algeria
Yanbu refinery financing now expected to slip into 2011

Issue No 20 14 - 20 May 2010
ConocoPhillips exit leaves Saudi Aramco struggling to meet ambitious timetable
Zadco plans construction deals for $15bn Abu Dhabi offshore oil boost

Issue No 20 14 - 20 May 2010
Offshore oil developer will tender engineering, procurement and construction deals by third quarter of 2010
Yemeni foreign currency reserves at five-year low

11 May 2010, 13:53 GMT
Central Bank’s ability to cover imports hits record low
Algiers appoints new Sonatrach head

6 May 2010, 13:58 GMT
Nordine Cherouati replaces Mohamed Meziane
Foster Wheeler wins Abu Dhabi onshore oil management deal

6 May 2010, 13:56 GMT
Contract is part of a scheme to boost Abu Dhabi’s onshore production by 400,000 barrels a day
Adnoc axes plan for Shah sulphur pipeline

Issue No 19 7 - 13 May 2010
Energy giant will use a railway developed by Union Railway to transport sulphur between Shah and Ruwais
Chemaweyaat appoints new Tacaamol head

Issue No 19 7 - 13 May 2010
Mehdi Adib was previously vice-president for major projects at Sipchem
Chevron winds down Tripoli office

Issue No 19 7 - 13 May 2010
Libya head moves to set up new upstream office in Kuwait City
Contractors submit final bids for $2bn Alexandria petrochemicals contract

Issue No 19 7 - 13 May 2010
Bidders expect Egypt to announce winner in the third quarter of the year
Daewoo wins $270m Abu Dhabi oil storage deal

Issue No 19 7 - 13 May 2010
Contract is part of wider inter-refinery pipelines project
Cairo signs $2bn refinery deal with Chinese firms

3 May 2010, 14:16 GMT
Planned facility will refine up to 30 million tonnes a year of oil
Stone & Webster wins Abu Dhabi offshore management deals

2 May 2010, 13:59 GMT
The contractor will oversee design work by Fluor for Umm al-Lulu and Sath al-Raazboot oil production facilities
Oil prices fall on Europe debt worries

29 April 2010, 14:31 GMT
Europe’s Brent contract falls week-on-week following Greece and Portugal downgrades
Borouge plans final $200m Ruwais plastics expansion deal

29 April 2010, 13:30 GMT
State plastics producer will tender cross-linked polyethylene deal in May
Luberef postpones refinery expansion design deadline

28 April 2010, 14:26 GMT
Saudi Arabia wants to look at value engineering options for $1bn project
Takreer pushes back final bids on Ruwais lubricants plant

28 April 2010, 14:26 GMT
State refiner finished talks over technical bids on 22 April
ConocoPhillips confirms departure from $10bn Shah gas project

28 April 2010, 13:57 GMT
Firm was a 40 per cent stakeholder in the scheme
ConocoPhillips quits $10bn Shah gas development

28 April 2010, 11:32 GMT
Office of Adnoc chief executive confirms departure
A false dawn for the downstream petrochemicals industry

Issue No 18 30 April - 6 May 2010
ConocoPhillip’s withdrawal from a $10bn refinery project shows the petrochemicals market is far from rosy
ConocoPhillips loses $1bn on project exits

Issue No 18 30 April - 6 May 2010
US oil company has pulled out from Shah gas development and Yanbu refinery scheme
Daewoo favourite for $100m Abu Dhabi oil storage deal

Issue No 18 30 April - 6 May 2010
Project is part of wider $800m-plus inter-refinery pipeline scheme
Dubai Petroleum tenders offshore oil construction deal

27 April 2010, 8:16 GMT
State producer wants to produce oil from the offshore Al-Jaila field
Saipem looking Shah gas subcontractor

26 April 2010, 13:19 GMT
Italian firm is low bidder on three out of five packages on Abu Dhabi gas scheme
ConocoPhillips to decide on Shah participation by 29 April

26 April 2010, 13:18 GMT
US energy major wants to finalise plans before releasing first quarter results
Cabot to start Dubai petrochemicals facility in June

26 April 2010, 10:12 GMT
Jebel Ali facility will cost $50-80m to build
Borouge starts up China plastics plant

25 April 2010, 13:57 GMT
Scheme is part of plans to expand into China market
Oil prices stable week-on-week despite Europe volcano and US stocks rise

22 April 2010, 13:13 GMT
Stronger Euro firms up prices
Aramco in talks with international oil companies over $10bn Yanbu refinery project

21 April 2010, 15:32 GMT
Several international oil companies have been approached to take over from departing ConocoPhillips
GE wins $100m Algeria compressors order

21 April 2010, 14:17 GMT
Contract award by Petrofac is part of wider $3bn-plus El-Merk oil and gas hub project
Conoco quits $10bn Yanbu refinery project

21 April 2010, 14:06 GMT
Major refinery scheme is not consistent with US energy firm’s strategy
Aramco to go it alone on $10bn Yanbu refinery

Issue No 17 23 - 29 April 2010
Construction contracts and financing face delays
Aramco changes plans for $30bn of downstream projects

Issue No 17 23 - 29 April 2010
Ras Tanura refinery expansion scrapped as $17bn petrochemicals complex moves to Jubail
Australian firm completes sulphur transport studies for Shah scheme

Issue No 17 23 - 29 April 2010
ConocoPhillips and Adnoc yet to make a decision on best way to transport sulphur
Belleli wins Vopak Fujairah oil terminal expansion deal

Issue No 17 23 - 29 April 2010
Italian firm wins main construction deal on estimated $100m expansion
Final bids on Borouge expansion due in May

Issue No 17 23 - 29 April 2010
Contractors had expected an April deadline for Ruwais plastics expansion
Ibn Rushd moves on Yanbu plastics expansion tender

Issue No 17 23 - 29 April 2010
Yanbu deal is part of scheme to produce more polyethylene terepthalate
Litwin wins Ruwais gasoline improvement deal

Issue No 17 23 - 29 April 2010
Takreer has awarded more than $10bn of contracts since 2009
Zadco pushes ahead with $500m Satah field development

Issue No 17 23 - 29 April 2010
All three main Satah contracts will be tendered by May and awarded by October
UAE to increase petrol prices by 11 per cent

18 April 2010, 14:51 GMT
Federal government currently charges AED1.37 a gallon
Vopak Horizons to make final decision on Fujairah expansion contract

15 April 2010, 15:05 GMT
Bidders expect Italy’s Belleli to win contract
Firms push for Ruwais base oil contract extension

15 April 2010, 14:38 GMT
Contractors ask Takreer for more time to assess costs
Europe oil prices hit 18-month high

15 April 2010, 14:03 GMT
Average Opec and benchmark US prices close to highest levels since 2008
Petro-Rabigh partners gauge contractor appetite

15 April 2010, 11:32 GMT
Solicitations of interest sent out for $5bn-plus expansion of giant petrochemical complex
Masdar pushes back carbon capture application deadlines

14 April 2010, 14:42 GMT
Series of major projects on sustainable energy scheme face delays
Aramco nears Yanbu contract decisions

1 April 2010, 11:16 GMT
Main construction contracts on estimated $10bn project await approval from partner ConocoPhillips
Consortium bids low for $475m Shah gas gathering deal

1 April 2010, 9:57 GMT
Contract is part of $10bn sour gas scheme being developed by ConocoPhillips and Adnoc
Kemya partners cancel Jubail storage tank deal

April 2010 Online Content
Construction package will be rolled into a bigger contract to be tendered in July
Occidental retenders Oman crude stabilisation contract

Issue No 14 2-8 April 2010
Design changes could cut costs by up to 20 per cent
Algiers plans April mines licensing round

Issue No 14 2-8 April 2010
Up to 54 new licences to be auctioned by Algerian Ministry of Mines
Conoco to decide fate of two $10bn schemes in May

Issue No 14 2-8 April 2010
No final decision has been made on Yanbu refinery in Saudi Arabia or Shah gas project in UAE
Firms line up for Abu Dhabi lubricants plant

Issue No 14 2-8 April 2010
Engineering proposals submitted in first round of bidding for $500m construction deal
MEED 100 Sector analysis: Oil & Gas

Issue No 14 2-8 April 2010
Iran’s Isfahan joins Taqa as the only listed oil and gas firms to make the MEED 100. Dana fails to return
MEED 100 Sector analysis: Petrochemicals

Issue No 14 2-8 April 2010
Saudi firms once again dominate the rankings for regional petrochemicals companies
More bids in for $10bn Shah gas scheme

29 March 2010, 6:39 GMT
Firms line up for gas gathering facilities deal
Abu Dhabi tenders Bab field gas modification deal

28 March 2010, 14:36 GMT
Contract is part of estimated $1bn Asab, Bab, Bu Hasa, Ruwais project
Crude oil prices fall on US stock gains

25 March 2010, 13:51 GMT
West Texas Intermediate contract trading at $81 a barrel
Abu Dhabi awards second onshore oil deal

25 March 2010, 13:43 GMT
Local National Petroleum Construction Company wins $560m contract
J Ray wins $1bn Aramco offshore infrastructure deal

25 March 2010, 13:23 GMT
Company will upgrade oil production and electrical systems at Safaniya field
Partners plan to open bid prices on $10bn Shah gas deal

23 March 2010, 6:04 GMT
Contractors have entered price proposals for four deals so far
Abu Dhabi moves ahead with $10bn Taweelah petrochemicals scheme

Issue No 13 26 March - 1 April 2010
Abu Dhabi National Chemicals Company (Chemaweyaat) may launch design deals for Tacaamol project in second quarter
Contractors name frontrunners on Abu Dhabi's Shah gas field

Issue No 13 26 March - 1 April 2010
Low bidders identified for four construction contracts worth an estimated $6.6bn
Corruption investigation delays Algeria refinery plans

Issue No 13 26 March - 1 April 2010
More than $6bn of refinery projects face delays in Sonatrach corruption probe
Four firms line up for Abu Dhabi offshore oil design management deals

Issue No 13 26 March - 1 April 2010
Bids went in to Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Company on 21 March
Final bids in on major packages for $10bn Shah gas scheme

21 March 2010, 11:33 GMT
Contractors see commercial bid submissions as a sign project is moving ahead
Technical bids in for Borouge's Ruwais infrastructure expansion

18 March 2010, 13:09 GMT
At least 12 international firms bid on $1bn Abu Dhabi Polymers Company contract
Punj Lloyd is frontrunner for Habshan nitrogen pipeline deal

18 March 2010, 7:23 GMT
Indian firm submitted lowest bid for Abu Dhabi nitrogen project in early March
Final bids in for Ruwais refinery gasoline deal

18 March 2010, 5:56 GMT
Firms submitted bids to Takreer on 14 March
Bids in for pipeline construction on Shah gas development in Abu Dhabi

18 March 2010, 5:45 GMT
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and ConocoPhillips are developing $10bn sour gas scheme
Aramco considers location change for Ras Tanura petrochemicals scheme

18 March 2010, 5:44 GMT
Saudi Aramco and Dow Chemical are developing the $17bn scheme
Partners ask for more time on $10bn Shah gas management deals

17 March 2010, 14:22 GMT
Adnoc and ConocoPhillips have asked project management consultancy bidders to push back bid validity to April
Takreer pushes back deadline for Ruwais lubricants refinery

17 March 2010, 11:55 GMT
Contractors ask for more time to prepare bids for the Abu Dhabi base oils refinery
Partners start up Sasref Jubail low sulphur diesel unit

14 March 2010, 12:41 GMT
Saudi Aramco and UK/Dutch Shell will produce diesel with 10 parts per million sulphur content
Shah gas pipeline construction deal delayed for second time

11 March 2010, 14:27 GMT
Partners have set new 16 March date for engineering, procurement and construction deal
Saudi Aramco and ConocoPhillips start cost talks on Yanbu refinery

11 March 2010, 14:25 GMT
Both partners want best prices for $9bn Red Sea oil scheme in Saudi Arabia
J Ray McDermott is frontrunner for Saudi Arabia's Safaniyah oil deal

10 March 2010, 14:02 GMT
Saudi Aramco will award the offshore oil infrastructure deal in April
Firms line up for Abu Dhabi offshore oil design management deal

10 March 2010, 7:24 GMT
US, UK and Australian firms bid for work on $1.5bn Adma-Opco Sath al-Raazboot scheme
Kuwait looks to rebuild poor oil reputation

Issue No 11 12-18 March 2010
Following major project cancellations, the country must capitalise on positive sentiment to attract and retain foreign investment in the oil and gas sector
Borouge to commission Abu Dhabi plastics plant in May

Issue No 11 12-18 March 2010
Ruwais petrochemicals plant to hit full production by mid-July
Government consensus drives political change in Kuwait

Issue No 11 12-18 March 2010
After years of upheaval and infighting, the Kuwaiti parliament lends its support to the cabinet and approves its four-year development plan
Takreer to release refinery pipeline bid documents

8 March 2010, 14:14 GMT
Abu Dhabi construction deal worth up to $700m
Jacobs wins Saudi sulphur recovery design deal

7 March 2010, 12:18 GMT
Contract is part of multi-billion dollar development of the offshore Arabiyah and Hasbah sour gas fields
Akakus invites bids on Murzuq oil separation deal

4 March 2010, 15:07 GMT
Engineering, procurement and construction contract is worth $250m
Crude trades at $80 a barrel

4 March 2010, 14:56 GMT
Currency fluctuations hit oil prices
Firms line up for Abu Dhabi petrol storage deal

3 March 2010, 12:40 GMT
Takreer plans to link emirate’s refineries and oilfields
ExxonMobil in talks over alliance with Kuwait Oil Company

Issue No 10 5-11 March 2010
Firm to focus on facility integrity management and maintenance
Fresh delays hit Abu Dhabi's Shah gas scheme

Issue No 10 5-11 March 2010
Bid deadlines pushed back on $10bn Adnoc and ConocoPhillips project
Hydrogen Power Abu Dhabi delays plant deal

Issue No 10 5-11 March 2010
UK and UAE firms unable to complete offtake and financing agreements
Kuwait enters an era of political and economic change

Issue No 10 5-11 March 2010
After years of stagnation, the country now believes its economy can move ahead
Kuwait’s big economic opportunity

Issue No 10 5-11 March 2010
If the current spirit of co-operation between the government and the parliament is sustained, it will be good news for all involved
South Korean firm frontrunner for Yanbu refinery deal

Issue No 10 5-11 March 2010
Yanbu scheme likely to cost less than similar project at Jubail
Technical bids in for Borouge plastics expansion deal

Issue No 10 5-11 March 2010
Italian/South Korean consortium looks to consolidate three major construction deals
Gasco extends Shah pipeline bid deadline

1 March 2010, 13:23 GMT
Deal could be first major award on $10bn-plus scheme
Sonatrach announces major gas find in Algeria

1 March 2010, 7:13 GMT
Timeline for development may be delayed by corruption probe
Gulf Spic bids low for Kuwait refinery deal

25 February 2010, 16:24 GMT
Local firm submitted price of $31.2m in February
Iraq secures fresh $3.6bn credit

25 February 2010, 16:00 GMT
International Monetary Fund approves facilities for Baghdad
Oil falls below $80 a barrel as dollar strengthens

25 February 2010, 15:46 GMT
Strikes at French refineries hit crude prices on 22 February
Oil majors plan to use Kuwait as a base for Iraqi operations

24 February 2010, 17:33 GMT
Iraq lacks basic infrastructure and logistics
Kuwait holds talks over Al-Zour refinery

24 February 2010, 11:40 GMT
Petroleum council to make a decision over project by the end of March
Abu Dhabi faces chemical crunch

Issue No 9 26 February - 4 March 2010
The burden of Dubai’s debt crisis is putting the future of Abu Dhabi’s schemes in doubt
Abu Dhabi has to cut its cloth economically

Issue No 9 26 February - 4 March 2010
When oil was trading at above $100 a barrel, Abu Dhabi seemed to have money to burn. Today the emirate may have to pare back some of its plans
Al-Khafji plans to develop offshore Dorra gas field

Issue No 9 26 February - 4 March 2010
Field is in disputed Divided Zone between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia
Baghdad’s big oil opportunity

Issue No 9 26 February - 4 March 2010
Gulf statessuch as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Abu Dhabi have been transformed by their oil revenues. Iraq should study its neighbours for what not to do as much as what to do
Booz & Company tipped for Iraqi oil sector review deal

Issue No 9 26 February - 4 March 2010
Consultant Booz & Company emerges as frontrunner to advise on long-term development of Iraq’s energy industry
Kuwait sets deadline for metro advisory bids

Issue No 9 26 February - 4 March 2010
Project is worth $7bn in total
Oversupply hits Kuwait commercial property market

Issue No 9 26 February - 4 March 2010
Global economic crisis results in lower office rentals in 2009
Takreer sets technical bids deadline for Ruwais

Issue No 9 26 February - 4 March 2010
Bids for lubricant oil refinery are due on 15 March
Worley Parsons to design Kuwait heavy oil facilities

Issue No 9 26 February - 4 March 2010
KOC plans to produce crude from fields in the north of the emirate
Kuwaiti companies plan $1bn rights issues

23 February 2010, 15:50 GMT
HSBC advises two local firms over sale of equity stakes
Kuwait oil output capacity is 3.15 million barrels

22 February 2010, 17:16 GMT
Opec quotas limit KPC production levels
Tacaamol head to step down in May

21 February 2010, 14:06 GMT
Harri Bucht is seen as one of key architects of Abu Dhabi’s petrochemicals industry
Kuwait Oil signs drill deals worth $440m in February

21 February 2010, 13:37 GMT
Deals are part of plans to increase oil output to 4 million barrels a day by 2020
Abu Dhabi opens talks for Satah field tender

21 February 2010, 13:27 GMT
Official tender due in second quarter
Partners seal $9.9m Algeria oilfield deal

21 February 2010, 11:03 GMT
Deal comes after legal dispute in 2009
Market overview: Mena looks offshore

Supplement: Offshore Oil and Gas
As Middle East and North Africa oil and gas producers increase output, offshore projects play an increasing part in development
Projects market: Offshore market booms

Supplement: Offshore Oil and Gas
Offshore projects worth $87bn are planned in the Middle East and North Africa region over the next five years to boost production
Market focus: Abu Dhabi moves offshore

Supplement: Offshore Oil and Gas
The emirate’s offshore operating companies are pursuing different development strategies as they seek to boost production and hold down costs
Oil prices continue to rise

18 February 2010, 16:33 GMT
US industrial growth boosts global economy
Shell signs Kuwaiti gas field deal

18 February 2010, 16:28 GMT
International oil company to help state firm develop and manage Jurassic fields
Abu Dhabi requests bids for Ruwais scheme

18 February 2010, 15:26 GMT
Takreer plans to improve quality of gasoline at refinery
Oman announces oil and gas discoveries

17 February 2010, 11:13 GMT
Al-Ghubar field holds 1 billion barrels of crude
Ceasefire in Yemen does not solve oil revenue woes

Issue No 8 19-25 February 2010
War in northern Sadaa province cost up to $10m a day
Clients can’t keep squeezing prices from oil contractors in Emirates

Issue No 8 19-25 February 2010
Adnoc will need to be prepared to pay more for its projects in the future if it is to meet its targets
Energy firms gain room to breathe in Kuwait

Issue No 8 19-25 February 2010
The Shell deal shows that Kuwait’s Supreme Petroleum Council is proceeding with real purpose
Kuwait delays refinery maintenance deal deadline

Issue No 8 19-25 February 2010
Contract is worth more than $78m
Kuwait to decide future of Al-Zour refinery by April

Issue No 8 19-25 February 2010
State firm aims to capitalise on drop in engineering and material costs
National Petroleum Construction secures Bab deal

Issue No 8 19-25 February 2010
Abu Dhabi plans to boost oil production by 400,000 barrels a day
Occidental mulls Oman oil recovery award

Issue No 8 19-25 February 2010
Deal is worth more than $100m
Samsung Engineering quits Dubai

Issue No 8 19-25 February 2010
Korean firm focuses on Abu Dhabi as work slows down in Dubai
The task begins for low bidders in Abu Dhabi energy sector

Issue No 8 19-25 February 2010
The winners of last year’s glut of oil and gas construction contract awards in Abu Dhabi now face the challenge of bringing those projects in on time and on budget
UK oil major plans Omani gas programme

Issue No 8 19-25 February 2010
BG plans to develop seven sites a month for three years
Yemen oil revenues drop 55 per cent in 2009

15 February 2010, 17:53 GMT
Low oil price hits government earnings
Bids in for Abu Dhabi plastics complex expansion

15 February 2010, 16:27 GMT
Six contractors submit technical proposals for construction deal
UAE firm wins Malaysia oil development contract

14 February 2010, 10:16 GMT
Firms agree to spend $80m on development
Yemen rebels accept ceasefire offer

14 February 2010, 9:25 GMT
Government cautiously optimistic
Oil prices recover to $75 a barrel in US

11 February 2010, 16:15 GMT
Cold weather and falling inventories boost prices
Opec cuts oil demand forecasts

11 February 2010, 15:41 GMT
US demand remains uncertain
Contractors announce Yanbu refinery frontrunners

11 February 2010, 15:35 GMT
Scheme to cost less than $9.6bn Jubail refinery
Kuwait plans $22.6bn deficit for 2010-11

10 February 2010, 6:54 GMT
Non-oil sector accounts for 11 per cent of projected state income
Clients open prices for Yanbu refinery

Issue No 7 12-18 February 2010
Scheme will cost less than $9.6bn Jubail refinery
Firms line up for Ruwais dredging deal

Issue No 7 12-18 February 2010
Contract is part of $10bn Shah gas development
Khafji Joint Operations delays Divided Zone oil deal deadline

Issue No 7 12-18 February 2010
Saudi and Kuwaiti firm postpones final submission of bids to 8 March
Saipem is the frontrunner for Kuwait oil booster deal

Issue No 7 12-18 February 2010
Contract worth $900m set to be the biggest deal in four years
Swiss firm is frontrunner for $167m Kuwait pipeline deal

Issue No 7 12-18 February 2010
Firm submitted lowest price in 31 January bid round
Third Abu Dhabi firm plans petrochemicals plant

Issue No 7 12-18 February 2010
The project is still shrouded in secrecy
Three is a crowd in Abu Dhabi plastics market

Issue No 7 12-18 February 2010
The Adnoc/Ipic team is likely to resent another local company trying to take a slice of the shrinking pie
Veco wins Bida al-Qemzan oil deal

Issue No 7 12-18 February 2010
Onshore Abu Dhabi field is worth $300m
Vopak Horizons to award oil terminal expansion deal in March

Issue No 7 12-18 February 2010
Winning firm to add 600,000 cubic metres of storage facilities
Japanese win Jubail diesel refinery deal

9 February 2010, 15:52 GMT
Sasref project produces 305,000 barrels a day of gasoline products
Saudi Aramco to manage Jizan refinery project construction

9 February 2010, 12:10 GMT
State oil firm abandons plans to attract foreign investor to $7bn project
Emir appoints a new Supreme Petroleum Council for Kuwait

7 February 2010, 14:18 GMT
Highest decision making body faces a series of tough decisions
Foster Wheeler sets up Saudi joint venture

7 February 2010, 5:55 GMT
Move is response to Saudi Aramco pressure on international firms to work with local partners
Dubai announces oil field find

4 February 2010, 13:09 GMT
Analysts cynical of new discovery’s potential
Crude oil prices rebound

4 February 2010, 13:04 GMT
Analysts see $70 a barrel price as too low
Kuwait approves $25.8bn development plan

3 February 2010, 11:51 GMT
State to create firms in construction, property, health, warehousing and power sectors
Borouge considers developing Abu Dhabi plastics plant

Issue No 6 5-11 February 2010
Feasibility study to coincide with Ruwais construction work
Can the world save Sanaa?

Issue No 6 5-11 February 2010
How international support could rescue Yemen from becoming a failed state
Kuwait delays bid deadlines for oil maintenance deals

Issue No 6 5-11 February 2010
Mechanical and electrical contracts are worth $35m each
Kuwait gives permission to Koreans to bid on refinery work

Issue No 6 5-11 February 2010
SK Engineering & Construction negotiates compensation after KNPC cancels deals
Libya delays $54bn energy cities plan

Issue No 6 5-11 February 2010
Prime Minister still to approve Marsa el-Brega and Ras Lanuf industrial hub scheme
Qatargas holds final talks over Ras Laffan gas deal

Issue No 6 5-11 February 2010
French and Japanese-led consortiums are frontrunners for $1.2bn contract
Shah gas partners delay decision over bidders

Issue No 6 5-11 February 2010
Concerns grow over relationship between Adnoc and ConocoPhillips
US company to supply gas turbines to Habshab 5 plant

2 February 2010, 17:10 GMT
GE Oil & Gas wins $200m deal
Abu Dhabi awards Habshan nitrogen deal to Canadians

2 February 2010, 15:56 GMT
SNC Lavalin to design oil field facilities worth $10m
Fluor wins Abu Dhabi offshore design deal

2 February 2010, 15:42 GMT
Sath al-Raazboot facilities to produce 100,000 barrels of oil a day
Sanaa turns down Houthi ceasefire offer

1 February 2010, 18:07 GMT
Rebel leader agrees to meet government accord terms on 30 January
Kuwait approves $16.7bn spending plan

1 February 2010, 17:15 GMT
Government to create five companies in 2010 to boost investment
Dana Gas profits drop 27 per cent

1 February 2010, 16:55 GMT
Write-offs in exploration costs and reduction in land values hits Sharjah-based firm
Partners push back Yanbu solids handling deal

March 2010 Online Content
Saudi Aramco and the ConocoPhillips are building a $9bn export refinery on the Red Sea coast
Kuwait delays cross-country pipeline deal

31 January 2010, 12:58 GMT
Three pipeline schemes have been pushed back to March
Oil prices continue fall on demand fears

31 January 2010, 8:17 GMT
Gasoline stocks on the rise in the US
Sanaa approaches monetary fund for credit facilities

28 January 2010, 16:26 GMT
Yemen faces financial crisis and security threats
Kuwait set to approve $125bn development plan

28 January 2010, 14:46 GMT
Government builds consensus for plan
Oman plans enhanced oil recovery scheme

27 January 2010, 15:28 GMT
Design and procurement deal will maintain output levels at ageing fields
Bidders line up for Yanbu refinery deals

Issue No 5 29 January - 4 February 2010
Contracts worth $6.6bn cover main process and storage units at plant
Firms line up for Abu Dhabi refinery pipeline deal

Issue No 5 29 January - 4 February 2010
$700m-plus scheme is one of largest pipeline deals to be tendered in the emirate
Firms line up for Abu Dhabi seawater injection deal

Issue No 5 29 January - 4 February 2010
Project is part of plans to boost emirate’s offshore production
Kharafi wins $700m Abu Dhabi gas processing deal

Issue No 5 29 January - 4 February 2010
Kuwaiti firm will work as subcontractor on $4.7bn processing facilities scheme
Kuwait delays gas bottling bid deadline

Issue No 5 29 January - 4 February 2010
Scheme is worth more than $100m
Masdar plans pipeline management tender in March

Issue No 5 29 January - 4 February 2010
Winning firm will supervise first two phases of carbon dioxide network
MPs should back Kuwaiti five-year plan

Issue No 5 29 January - 4 February 2010
The economy’s health depends on the notoriously obstructive parliament voting for the proposal
Saudi Aramco reviews bids for Safaniyah work

Issue No 5 29 January - 4 February 2010
Infrastructure contract estimated to be worth $1bn
Sinopec wins $140m Wasea oil plant deal

Issue No 5 29 January - 4 February 2010
Fears mount among contractors after Chinese bid $100m under budget
US-led consortium signs up to develop West Qurna field

25 January 2010, 17:23 GMT
Firms first bid for scheme in June 2009
Grace wins $80m Oman catalyst order

24 January 2010, 12:01 GMT
Catalyst will be used at the existing Sohar refinery
Qatargas to start talks over Ras Laffan gas deal

22 January 2010, 16:05 GMT
Contractors expect $1bn award in early February
Oil falls below $78 a barrel after concerns of slowdown in China

21 January 2010, 16:55 GMT
US statistics reveal a rise in crude stocks
Gulf Spic Engineering wins Kuwaiti oil manifold deal

21 January 2010, 16:23 GMT
Contract is part of state scheme to upgrade crude distribution network
Abu Dhabi to introduce subsidies for solar power projects

21 January 2010, 14:35 GMT
Shams 1 funding plan will increase feasibility of sustainable energy schemes
Nine firms line up for Abu Dhabi lubricant refinery deal

20 January 2010, 14:54 GMT
Winning firm will build base oil refinery at Ruwais
Sabic profits fall 59 per cent in 2009

20 January 2010, 12:43 GMT
Asset write-downs and lower commodity prices hit Gulf’s biggest listed firm
Masdar plans Abu Dhabi solar power project

19 January 2010, 18:34 GMT
Joint venture partners debate type of technology to be used for scheme
Abu Dhabi and Deutsche Bank launch renewable energy fund

19 January 2010, 11:27 GMT
Subsidiaries to jointly manage $265m DB Masdar Clean Tech Fund
Abu Dhabi cancels Sharjah oil storage tender

Issue No 4 22-28 January 2009
Abu Dhabi energy giant wants to complete more work on detailled engineering design
Abu Dhabi hydrogen power plant awaits conclusion of offtake talks

Issue No 4 22-28 January 2009
Partners want to tender construction deals by the end of the first quarter
Bidding on Ruwais plastics expansion to start in February

Issue No 4 22-28 January 2009
Third phase of development will cost more than $3bn
Kuwait gives bidders more time to prepare Mina al-Ahmadi refinery prices

Issue No 4 22-28 January 2009
The refinery is located 45 kilometres from Kuwait City
Masdar to launch carbon capture deal by year end

Issue No 4 22-28 January 2009
Deal is part of scheme to store carbon dioxide from Mussafah steel rolling mill
Partners to make Shah sulphur transport decision in February

Issue No 4 22-28 January 2009
Decision is key to design of $10bn-plus project
Q&A: Hassan Al-Fadala, Deputy CEO for Operations, Qatari Diar

Issue No 4 22-28 January 2009
Al-Fadala explains why the company has invested in Yemen and its plans elsewhere in the region
Qatari Diar

Issue No 4 22-28 January 2009
The government-backed real estate company has largely escaped the effects of the financial downturn
Qatari Diar: MEED Assessment

Issue No 4 22-28 January 2009
The developer appears to be unbowed by the economic crisisand could have the good fortune to build during the ‘bust’ and sell in a future boom
Seoul opens up a new Silk Road

Issue No 4 22-28 January 2009
South Korean firms won more than $71bn of contracts in the region last year. MEED charts their rise
Masdar to push ahead with alternative power plants by March

18 January 2010, 17:45 GMT
Deals for solar and hydrogen plants worth a total of $2.8bn
Shell signs up to develop Iraq's Manjoon field

18 January 2010, 17:21 GMT
Deal is part of scheme to boost production to 12 million barrels a day by 2016
BP plans Qatar solar plant scheme

18 January 2010, 16:16 GMT
Doha plans to develop $1bn solar power scheme
Geothermal firm plans Masdar headquarters

18 January 2010, 16:04 GMT
Reykjavik Geothermal working on project to produce energy from earth’s core
Algeria removes Sonatrach management

17 January 2010, 14:50 GMT
Up to 16 top executives are under investigation for corruption
Abu Dhabi pushes for lower prices for onshore oil deals

Issue No 3 15-21 January 2010
National Petroleum Construction Company keen to finalise deal $1.5bn of contracts this month
Abu Dhabi to start building world's biggest hydrogen power plant this year

Issue No 3 15-21 January 2010
Cost of project to build plant estimated at $2.2bn
Adnoc pushes ahead with tenders on $10bn Shah gas scheme

Issue No 3 15-21 January 2010
Management tender goes ahead despite changes to key construction packages
Dow and Kuwait set date for London arbitration hearings

Issue No 3 15-21 January 2010
US firm wants $2.5bn for 2008 cancellation of K-Dow joint venture
Gulf contract disputes will lead to greater transparency

Issue No 3 15-21 January 2010
As Gulf states take on more international partners, they will have to get used to scrutiny
Kuwait Oil pushes back oil pipeline deadline to February

Issue No 3 15-21 January 2010
Bids were originally due in May 2009
Kuwait petroleum council indecision stalls megaprojects

Issue No 3 15-21 January 2010
Prime minister delays appointment of new council members
Kuwait plans $500m Mina al-Ahmadi sulphur facilities revamp

Issue No 3 15-21 January 2010
Deal is one of only two major refinery schemes to move ahead in 2010
Partners plan January award for Jubail rubber storage

Issue No 3 15-21 January 2010
Local/Singaporean Petro Steel is the front runner to win the contract
Rising contractor prices will affect the region's oil giants

Issue No 3 15-21 January 2010
The kind of savings that Adnoc made last year on contractors’ prices are no longer available
Dodsal wins pipeline deals worth $160m in Abu Dhabi

14 January 2010, 15:48 GMT
Deals cover construction of pipelines for Gasco and Elixier
Oil prices stabilise after heavy falls

14 January 2010, 15:43 GMT
Energy stocks rise in US in week ended 8 January
Kuwait budget may top $52bn

14 January 2010, 14:35 GMT
Government wants to push through more projects in 2010-2011
Dana Gas makes new Egypt oil find

13 January 2010, 11:06 GMT
UAE exploration company now plans further exploration in Komobo concession
Safco full-year profits fall 57 per cent

12 January 2010, 9:45 GMT
Profits down due to low fertiliser prices and the closure of some plants for maintenance
Iraq unveils plans to make energy sector more transparent

11 January 2010, 15:06 GMT
Oil Ministry keen to improve image of industry which accounts for almost all government revenues
Ipic increases OMV stake to 20 per cent

10 January 2010, 9:39 GMT
Increase boosts consortium control over Austrian firm
Global Investment House plans spin-offs

3 January 2010, 14:26 GMT
Shareholders will vote on creation of two new holding vehicles on 12 January
Oil prices hit $79 after a volatile year

3 January 2010, 13:21 GMT
Prices have rebounded from $33 lows in January and February
Kuwait awards $50m chemicals handling deal

3 January 2010, 8:29 GMT
Local Combined Group has won the two year contract
Kuwait set to pursue economic reforms in 2010

1 January 2010, 10:00 GMT
Sheikh Nasser faced no-confidence vote
Algeria's tough energy terms are self-defeating

1 January 2010, 10:00 GMT
Algiers must take a long, hard look at its attitude to the firms it is asking to spend millions of dollars
Pressure grows for Algiers to ease oil exploration terms

1 January 2010, 10:00 GMT
Seven out of 10 licences offered fail to attract bids from international firms
Takreer tenders deals for lubricant refinery

31 December 2009, 13:46 GMT
Abu Dhabi aims to meet local demand and export base oils
Sonatrach discovers five gas reservoirs in December

31 December 2009, 13:03 GMT
Algeria developing pipeline projects to link up with Europe
Firms delay Shah gas deal as difficulties mount

30 December 2009, 20:44 GMT
Sources blame deteriorating relationship between joint venture partners
Hyundai signs $1bn gas processing deal

30 December 2009, 19:53 GMT
Contract is part of $10bn Abu Dhabi integrated development
Beijing cuts Saudi chemicals duties

30 December 2009, 19:47 GMT
Anti-dumping measures continue but at a lower level of tax
Kuwait budget surplus reaches $22bn

29 December 2009, 9:31 GMT
Oil prices double and government spending drops
Kuwait debt bill faces delays

29 December 2009, 9:27 GMT
Government may veto bill to cancel personal debt interest payments
Kuwait discovers oil field

29 December 2009, 9:22 GMT
Northwestern reservoir will add 80,000 barrels of crude to daily production
Oil prices at one-month high

29 December 2009, 9:19 GMT
Prices up on cold weather and falling US inventories
Kuwait Oil awards $450m security contract

29 December 2009, 8:57 GMT
Deal is part of a series of projects planned by Kuwait government
Seoul signs up for renewables development in the UAE

28 December 2009, 12:33 GMT
Ministry of Knowledge Economy may build clean technology facilities at zero-emission city
Daelim wins Jubail plastics plant contract

28 December 2009, 8:21 GMT
Deal is worth $425m
Yemen project investments fall in 2009

27 December 2009, 12:07 GMT
Foreign investments down 98 per cent from 2008
Total unveils Algeria gas plans

27 December 2009, 11:58 GMT
French major wants to start producing gas in 2015
2009 Review: Kuwaiti voters seek an end to deadlock

24 December 2009, 20:43 GMT
The results of Kuwait’s forthcoming national elections will be key to breaking the political impasse and reinvigorating its economy.
Opec keeps oil output steady

24 December 2009, 14:54 GMT
Cartel aims to preserve crude prices in volatile global economy
Kuwait awards oil pumping deals to Halliburton and local firm

24 December 2009, 14:29 GMT
Company plans to maintain reservoir pressure at key fields
Yemen currency reserves fall in October

23 December 2009, 16:45 GMT
Central bank’s ability to buy foreign imports drops to a record low
Muscat awards Saih Nihayda gas deal to South Koreans

21 December 2009, 13:52 GMT
GS Engineering & Construction secures gas compression project
Oil prices rise above $72 a barrel

21 December 2009, 13:39 GMT
Positive data from the US a boon for crude
Austrian firm plans to boost Yemen oil production

21 December 2009, 13:20 GMT
OMV wins deal to build Habban processing facilities
Saudi Kayan sets final bid date for Jubail plastics plant deal

21 December 2009, 12:42 GMT
Petrochemicals producer asks firms for revised prices
US firm wins Petro-Rabigh engineering deal

21 December 2009, 12:25 GMT
Kellogg Brown & Root to expand naphtha capacity by 3 million tonnes a year
Schlumberger secures Kuwaiti oil contracts

21 December 2009, 11:55 GMT
State energy company awards testing deals worth $279m
Algiers awards three out of ten oil production deals

20 December 2009, 13:48 GMT
Bid round echoes poorly received 2008 auction
Kuwait plans $78bn of hydrocarbons spending by 2015

20 December 2009, 12:18 GMT
State energy giant clarifies spending plans for the oil and gas sector
Final bids in for Jubail plastics deal

20 December 2009, 10:45 GMT
Taiwanese and South Korean firms both submit bids on 19 December
Burgan boosts Kuwait oil rig orders by $108m

20 December 2009, 9:33 GMT
Deal is part of plans to produce 4 million barrels a day by 2020
Sokhna seeks financing for refinery

18 December 2009, 12:55 GMT
Disclosure of contract awards eases contractors’ fears that the project has been put on hold
Gasco selects WorleyParsons to upgrade Asab gas facilities

Issue no 51 18-24 December 2009
Australian engineer wins deal to build booster station and pipeline
Kuwait National Petroleum tenders acid gas deal

Issue no 51 18-24 December 2009
Ten international contractors prequalified to bid on deal
Kuwait Oil retenders water injection facilities contract

Issue no 51 18-24 December 2009
State energy firm invites fresh bids after cancelling original award
OMV invites proposals for Yemen oil pipeline

Issue no 51 18-24 December 2009
Scheme is part of wider plans to boost oil output at Habban field
Yemen: A threat to regional stability

Issue no 51 18-24 December 2009
As fears grow that the conflict between the Yemeni government and northern Houthi tribesmen could spill over into neighbouring states, foreign intervention appears increasingly likely
Shinhan to expand Yemen's Marib refinery

16 December 2009, 16:00 GMT
Deal to increase refining capacity is valued at $350m
Abu Dhabi launches refinery pipeline scheme

14 December 2009, 16:52 GMT
Contractors value deal at $700-800m
Iraq second licensing round breakdown

13 December 2009, 15:00 GMT
Production deals deals to boost oil production by 4.7 million barrels a day by 2016
Kuwait Oil Company tenders seawater injection deal

13 December 2009, 13:15 GMT
Contractors value the contract at $700m
Dragon Oil shareholders reject Dubai takeover bid

13 December 2009, 12:38 GMT
Emirates National Oil Company valued the oil and gas company at $3.9bn
Iraq awards seven oil development deals

13 December 2009, 12:30 GMT
Contracts are part of a scheme to produce 12 million barrels a day by 2016
Abu Dhabi holds talks over oil field injection deal

10 December 2009, 17:28 GMT
Offshore operator will ask for prices for construction contract in December
Oil price stabilises at $70 a barrel

10 December 2009, 16:31 GMT
Stocks of crude drop in the US
Iran: Chemical fertilisers

10 December 2009, 15:50 GMT
Supply of chemical fertilisers. Closing date: 18 January 2010
Iran: Electrical motor parts

10 December 2009, 15:49 GMT
Supply of spare parts for Toshiba electric motor. Closing date: 20 December 2009Supply, in two phases, of spare parts for Toshiba electric motor.
Iran: Protection relay

10 December 2009, 15:45 GMT
Supply of SURRENT differential protection relay. Closing date: 20 December 2009Supply, in two phases, of SURRENT differential protection relay.
Riyadh reviews decision over ethane gas prices

9 December 2009, 19:03 GMT
Petroleum minister says changes may not be made until after 2012
Companies line up for Mina al-Fahal refinery deal

9 December 2009, 16:17 GMT
Engineering firms apply to bid for $50m propane recovery unit work in Oman
Gulf currency may take 10 more years to implement

8 December 2009, 17:20 GMT
Kuwaiti parliament questions emir over alleged fraud
Parliament questions Kuwaiti prime minister over alleged fraud

8 December 2009, 15:38 GMT
Sheikh Nasser is first senior Gulf leader to submit to grilling from politicians
Korean firm frontrunner for Omani gas deal

Issue No 50 11-17 December 2009
Winning engineering company to build $250m Saih Nihayda project
Oman Oil considers retendering Musandam gas work

Issue No 50 11-17 December 2009
South Korea’s low bid of $450m is double the project’s budget
Shah gas field developers put construction contract on hold

Issue No 50 11-17 December 2009
Joint-venture halts bidding on deal to build sulphur-handling facilities
Echem sets 2010 deadline for $2bn petrochemicals contract

Issue No 50 11-17 December 2009
Egyptian Petrochemicals Holding Company to launch bidding in February
Real estate is no solution for Sanaa

Issue No 50 11-17 December 2009
Targeting high net worth individuals for real estate deals is missing the point entirely
Sanaa to start work on up to $2.3bn of real estate projects

Issue No 50 11-17 December 2009
State-backed investment authority plans huge tranche of property schemes
War in Yemen costs $10m a day

7 December 2009, 18:05 GMT
Conflict hits government’s fragile finances
Kuwait prime minister prepares for parliamentary questions

6 December 2009, 11:57 GMT
Grilling over alleged financial misconduct will take place on 8 December
Advisers recommend Dragon Oil takeover

6 December 2009, 10:16 GMT
Emirates National Oil Company values oil and gas firm at $3.9bn
Sadaa war displaces 175,000 Yemenis

3 December 2009, 19:15 GMT
Conflict will hit fragile economy
Oil rises above $77 following weak dollar

3 December 2009, 18:43 GMT
US currency mitigates impact of negative news
Abu Dhabi firm sets deadline for oil management deal

3 December 2009, 12:50 GMT
Adma-Opco to produce 100,000 barrels a day of crude from offshore Sarb field
Abu Dhabi to award Sharjah fuel storage deal

Issue No 49 4-10 December 2009
Winning contractor to build fuel storage facilities at Hamriyah
Adco awards $1.5bn onshore oil and gas deals

Issue No 49 4-10 December 2009
National Petroleum Construction to build production facilities in Abu Dhabi
Adnoc postpones Shah pipeline decision

Issue No 49 4-10 December 2009
Joint venture to announce in March 2010 whether a pipeline or railway will be built to transport sulphur
Adma-Opco launches revamp of offshore infrastructure

Issue No 49 4-10 December 2009
Oil company to invite bids for project management consultancy contract
Burgan field set for pressure increase

Issue No 49 4-10 December 2009
Kuwait Oil Company plans water injection scheme to maintain production levels at the giant reservoir
Delays will not benefit Abu Dhabi National Oil Company

Issue No 49 4-10 December 2009
If it is to avoid marring an otherwise excellent year, Adnoc must show some leadership. Either of the Shah schemes could be made to work
Kuwait plans seawater injection retender

Issue No 49 4-10 December 2009
State oil company changes scheme to lower costs
State energy firm drops plans to use foreign oil majors

Issue No 49 4-10 December 2009
Kuwait Oil Company will hire contractors to develop northern fields
Sonatrach settles Gassi Touil dispute

1 December 2009, 11:44 GMT
Algerian energy giant must pay Spanish firms for share in gas development
Abu Dhabi plans $200m gas pipeline revamp

29 November 2009, 13:31 GMT
Contractors asked to express interest ahead of bidding in early 2010
Kuwait parliament to discuss personal debt bill

29 November 2009, 12:23 GMT
Personal and consumer debt currently stands at $25bn
Kuwait posts $17.5bn surplus in six months

29 November 2009, 10:02 GMT
State coffers buoyed by high oil prices and low spending
Firms line up for Zakum dredging management work

26 November 2009, 11:07 GMT
Zadco plans to boost Abu Dhabi’s offshore oil production
Kuwait delays Mina al-Ahmadi refinery deal deadline

Issue No 48 27 November - 3 December 2009
Contractors want more time to prepare bids
Kuwait plans $500m acid-gas plant tender

Issue No 48 27 November - 3 December 2009
State refiner aims to meet global standards on sulphur emissions
National Petroleum Construction frontrunner for Abu Dhabi oil deals

Issue No 48 27 November - 3 December 2009
Adco to upgrade infrastructure and boost production at Bab and Qusawirah
Government must win the debate in Kuwait

Issue No 48 27 November - 3 December 2009
A good performance from the prime minister could give the country’s cabinet a boost of confidence
State energy firm to retender $15bn Al-Zour refinery project

Issue No 48 27 November - 3 December 2009
Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) plans to retender contracts to build its $15bn Al-Zour refinery in the first half of 2010, in an attempt to advance the project after contract cancellations earlier this year.
Kuwait prime minister to face parliamentary questions

24 November 2009, 8:14 GMT
Sheikh Nasser al-Ahmed al-Sabah will be the first senior GCC leader to submit to questioning by a publicly-elected body
South Koreans clean up on $10bn Ruwais refinery

22 November 2009, 17:18 GMT
Contract awards confirm South Korean firms’ competitive dominance
Dodsal bids low for Abu Dhabi nitrogen pipeline deal

19 November 2009, 18:45 GMT
Engineering firm bids $60m for construction contract
Oil trades at $79 a barrel

19 November 2009, 16:53 GMT
Crude supplies fall in the US
Sanaa oil revenues drop 3 per cent

19 November 2009, 15:45 GMT
Yemeni government faces cash crisis
Firms line up for Abu Dhabi nitrogen pipeline deal

17 November 2009, 18:09 GMT
Engineering companies value contract at up to $150m
Abu Dhabi to open bids on gas pipeline

17 November 2009, 16:35 GMT
Engineering, procurement and construction deal worth up to $150m
Al-Meer wins $90m technical services deal in Kuwait

Issue No 47 20-26 November 2009
Firm to provide preventative maintenance at oil and gas facilities
Dodsal frontrunner on Asab pipeline deal

Issue No 47 20-26 November 2009
Contract covers construction of pipeline linking Gasco facilities
Two firms compete for retendered Saudi Kayan plastics deal

Issue No 47 20-26 November 2009
Petrochemicals firm asks China Technical Consultants and Daelim to revise prices
Adnoc is setting pace for region

Issue No 47 20-26 November 2009
Adnoc could cement its new-found reputation as one of the region’s most agile national oil companies
South Koreans bid low for Ruwais deals

Issue No 47 20-26 November 2009
Daewoo Corporation and GS Engineering & Construction are tipped to win final construction deals
Technip wins $408m Abu Dhabi gas compressor deal

16 November 2009, 17:06 GMT
Plan to boost emirate’s gas production by 150 million cubic feet a day
Progressives in Kuwait press for reform

Issue No 46 13-19 November 2009
Following its summer recess, the Kuwaiti parliament is seeking to fast-track reform, but simmering political disputes threaten to hamper the pace of change
Sanaa plans Yemen oil reserve study

6 November 2009, 12:52 GMT
Decision for survey part of ongoing negotiations with World Bank
International firms win first two deals on Al-Rayyan Hills

Issue No 45 6-12 November 2009
Mixed-use development will be built in four phases at a cost of $600m
National Marine Dredging wins Zadco islands reclamation deal

Issue No 45 6-12 November 2009
Contract is part of a scheme to boost production at the Upper Zakum field to 750,000 barrels a day
The risks of oversupply in the Gulf petrochemicals sector

Issue No 45 6-12 November 2009
Gulf petrochemicals producers are suffering as demand falls and key markets restrict imports
Yemen sanctions sale of land to foreign buyers

Issue No 45 6-12 November 2009
Corporation tax will be reduced to 15 per cent
Construction begins on $600m Yemeni real estate project

2 November 2009, 4:59 GMT
Al Yemania Al Qatariah Real Estate Investment & Development Company will begin construction work on 2 November on the first phase of its $600m Al Rayyan Hills real estate development in Sanaa.
Kuwait launches $280m crude oil pipeline deal

2 November 2009, 4:45 GMT
New 120km pipeline will run from northern fields to central Kuwait
Algiers to award $920m Timimoun deal

30 October 2009, 16:50 GMT
Joint venture developer aims to bring 160 million cubic feet a day of gas on stream from 2013
Algiers eases terms for oil majors in licensing round

30 October 2009, 16:46 GMT
International firms will not be required to swap overseas assets for licences
Ruwais refinery scheme to cost $10bn

29 October 2009, 17:47 GMT
Takreer expansion plan will increase plant’s capacity
Oil price drops below $80 a barrel

29 October 2009, 17:01 GMT
Stronger dollar and US inventory data hits crude price
Saudi and Netherlands firms plan catalyst plant

29 October 2009, 15:43 GMT
Tayf and Albermarle value scheme at $80m
Fertil awards $1.2bn contract to upgrade Ruwais facilities

29 October 2009, 7:11 GMT
Shareholder Total approves award to Uhde and Samsung Engineering group
Sonatrach awards El-Merk pipeline deal to Bonatti

28 October 2009, 18:51 GMT
Italian firm set to build three pipelines in eastern Algeria
Technip frontrunner for Asab gas contract

28 October 2009, 12:35 GMT
Four firms bid for engineering, procurement and construction compressor station deal
Kuwaiti leader tells government and parliament to co-operate

27 October 2009, 16:46 GMT
Ruler suspended National Assembly three times since 2006
Sonatrach plans to award pipeline design deal

27 October 2009, 10:55 GMT
Pipeline network will link oil and gas fields with Hassi R’Mel distribution hub
Algiers' oil terms are still too harsh

Issue No 44 30 October - 5 November 2009
Under Algeria’s 2006 Hydrocarbons Law, Sonatrach takes a 51 per cent stake in all upstream developments
South Koreans in line for Takreer deals

26 October 2009, 17:41 GMT
SK Engineering & Construction and GS Engineering & Construction enter lowest bids for refinery contracts
Yemeni oil export earnings rise 58 per cent in August

26 October 2009, 16:10 GMT
Stronger oil prices and state’s growing share of crude production increases earnings
Kuwait set to name Supreme Petroleum Council

26 October 2009, 5:42 GMT
Top decision-making body an increasing source of controversy in the emirate
Zadco gas processing expansion put on hold

25 October 2009, 13:21 GMT
Offshore oil developer considering integrating project into artificial islands scheme
Kuwait tenders gas bottling plant deal

25 October 2009, 13:17 GMT
Contractors value deal at $100m plus
Abu Dhabi extends bidding on $1bn gas network deal

23 October 2009, 17:34 GMT
Contractors win more time to prepare proposals for pipeline construction
Adma-Opco selects contractor for upgrade

23 October 2009, 17:23 GMT
National Petroleum Construction Company to carry out work after submitting lowest price for Lower Zakum
Adnoc sets deadline for pipeline bidders

23 October 2009, 17:18 GMT
Contractors have until 5 November to submit technical bids for final major contract on gas scheme
Gulf oil and gas construction costs plummet by 45 per cent

23 October 2009, 17:07 GMT
Prices have been on a downward trend since the market peaked in July 2008
Oil above $80 on weak US dollar

22 October 2009, 17:17 GMT
Crude hits 12-month high of $82 a barrel on 21 October
Kuwait Oil Company awards $123m compressor deal to second-lowest bidder

22 October 2009, 17:12 GMT
Spain’s TR submitted lowest price in May bid round
Firms line up for Ruwais refinery process deals

22 October 2009, 17:08 GMT
Contracts are part of $8bn scheme to almost double Ruwais refining capacity
Abu Dhabi plans $10bn of contract awards before end of 2009

22 October 2009, 16:30 GMT
Contract awards due on refinery expansion and oil production boost
Adnoc plans to make contractors' lives easier

22 October 2009, 16:26 GMT
Abu Dhabi energy giant is planning key policy changes
Zadco plans Satah oil field tender

22 October 2009, 16:09 GMT
Project worth an estimated $500m
Sonatrach pushes ahead with major refinery schemes

21 October 2009, 18:00 GMT
Projects were delayed in 2008 as subsidiary was reintegrated into state energy giant
Adnoc to roll out artificial island drilling plans

21 October 2009, 15:48 GMT
State energy giant seeks to slash offshore field development costs
Sabic profits double in third quarter

19 October 2009, 17:35 GMT
Revenues improve as commodity prices increase
Libya’s ambitious energy plan

Issue No 43 23-29 October 2009
Tripoli hopes to attract international investors to turn the Gulf of Sirte into a $54bn energy hub as part of a wider programme to overhaul the country’s industrial sector
Image is key to Tripoli's energy strategy

Issue No 43 23-29 October 2009
Political relations between Tripoli and the international community remain strained. Libya’s image as a destination for foreign direct investment is poor
BP waits for Rumaila deal confirmation

18 October 2009, 15:06 GMT
UK energy giant BP says it is yet to receive confirmation that the Iraqi government has approved a contract to develop the giant Rumaila oil field in the south of the country.
Taqa chief executive quits

18 October 2009, 14:38 GMT
Peter Barker-Homek set to begin new role in energy sector
Tripoli reviews downstream management

16 October 2009, 15:00 GMT
Libya’s state-owned Economic & Social Development Fund (ESDF) will shortly take control of the country’s refining and petrochemicals sectors, according to one senior executive at the fund
Adnoc considers rival sulphur transport schemes for Shah

16 October 2009, 14:53 GMT
State energy firm to choose between pipeline and rail link by the end of the year
Firms bidding on Hamriyah deal name two frontrunners

16 October 2009, 11:12 GMT
Contracting & Trading and Al-Jaber Energy submit bids of $150m for fuel storage project
Cegelec wins Qatar petrochemicals control centre deal

15 October 2009, 18:43 GMT
French contractor values deal at $40m
Oil prices at highest level in a year

15 October 2009, 18:32 GMT
US dollar falls to a new low
Gulf Petrochemical wins Omani oil and gas deals

15 October 2009, 15:18 GMT
Occidental awards long-term contracts worth $200m
Firms submit Ruwais refinery proposals

14 October 2009, 17:42 GMT
State-owned Abu Dhabi Oil Refining Company (Takreer) has received proposals for its project to build a $500m lubricants refinery at Ruwais.
Abu Dhabi to commission sulphur study

14 October 2009, 16:46 GMT
Abu Dhabi Gas Industries Company (Gasco) is to commission a major study to help the emirate prepare for an unprecedented increase in sulphur production
Total holds up expansion of Fertil production complex

13 October 2009, 18:12 GMT
Contract award cannot go ahead until French company gives its approval
Tripoli launches $54bn energy cities plan

13 October 2009, 11:09 GMT
Projects at Ras Lanuf and Marsa el-Brega are intended to create 32,000 jobs and attract foreign investment
Cities will drive development in Libya

Issue No 42 16-22 October 2009
A $54bn initiative will turn the Gulf of Sirte into an industrial hub. Energy cities could be the catalyst needed to kick start the private sector
Gulf petrochemicals firms accuse China and EU of protectionism

12 October 2009, 17:02 GMT
Overseas countries introduce regulations to block GCC imports
Six line up for $500m oil and gas pipeline contract

12 October 2009, 15:57 GMT
Six international firms have bid for the biggest oil and gas project Oman’s state-run energy companies have tendered so far this year
Five join contest for Fujairah terminal work

12 October 2009, 14:46 GMT
Five international engineering firms have submitted final bids for a contract to expand Fujairah-based Vopak Horizons’ Arabian Sea oil terminal.
Oman to award $60m refinery deal

11 October 2009, 13:15 GMT
Bidders expect an award in the first half of November
Qatar awards $610m fertilisers expansion deal

11 October 2009, 11:04 GMT
Italian/South Korean group wins deal after direct negotiations
Oil trades above $70 as equity market rallies

8 October 2009, 17:54 GMT
Projected increase in US demand drives crude price higher
Isco wins $38m Kuwait Oil Company services deal

8 October 2009, 16:19 GMT
Local firm to provide engineering services at workshops
Top Kuwaiti oil executive retires

8 October 2009, 12:23 GMT
Political issues hit development of energy sector
Confusion over Kuwait's plans to boost oil output

8 October 2009, 12:12 GMT
State energy firm refutes minister’s claims of production delays
Tebodin wins Gasco flare reduction contract

Issue No 41 9-15 October 2009
State-owned energy firm Abu Dhabi Gas Industries Company (Gasco) has appointed the Netherlands’ Tebodin to oversee a major project to reduce the amount of gas it burns off at its Habshan processing facilities
Kuwaiti cabinet must support reform

Issue No 41 9-15 October 2009
Kuwait’s democratic system has become a victim of its own success. Without compliance from the cabinet, Kuwait cannot move ahead
Time for Kuwait to move forward

Issue No 41 9-15 October 2009
Kuwait’s new parliament faces the first serious test of its ability to help the development of the economy
Firms plan Timimoun gas development in Algeria

7 October 2009, 17:57 GMT
Scheme will produce 160 million cubic feet a day of gas
Firms line up for Abu Dhabi gas deal

7 October 2009, 17:49 GMT
Scheme set to boost Asab distribution capacity
Sipchem plans Saudi petrochemicals research centre

6 October 2009, 15:54 GMT
Private firm signs memorandum of understanding to build and manage scheme
Abu Dhabi to upgrade gas pipeline network

6 October 2009, 15:26 GMT
Gasco delays deadline for final bidding round
Kuwait delays oil production scheme

6 October 2009, 15:15 GMT
State firm modifies Jurassic field project specifications
Kuwait creates firms to boost private sector

5 October 2009, 17:47 GMT
Company shares to be distributed to Kuwaiti citizens
Abu Dhabi stalls Ruwais expansion plans

5 October 2009, 15:52 GMT
Gasco re-evaluates feasibility of $300m sulphur terminal project
Korean firm in line to build Kuwaiti gas facility

5 October 2009, 13:11 GMT
SK Engineering submits lowest price of $725m for deal to enhance Kuwait’s gas distribution network
The MEED List: Scotland and the Gulf

5 October 2009, 11:45 GMT
Five people driving the trade links between Scotland and the Gulf.
Scotland making the case for investment

5 October 2009, 11:40 GMT
The Scottish government is looking for ways to make the country more attractive to Middle East investors as it seeks to double the amount of Gulf money invested in the country.
Scotland's universities building a profile in the region

5 October 2009, 11:37 GMT
With a reputation for offering world-class vocational courses, Scotland’s educational institutions are steadily gaining a presence in the Gulf.
Scottish banks prepare for the upturn

5 October 2009, 11:29 GMT
It has been a tough year for Scotland’s largest banks, but the country’s financial system remains intact, and its institutions continue to target the lucrative Gulf market.
Taqa and Senergy

5 October 2009, 11:27 GMT
Abu Dhabi’s state-run Taqa and Scottish start-up Senergy were both formed in 2005. Having worked together in Scotland, the companies are now primed for growth in each other’s home markets.
Scotland exporting hydrocarbons knowledge to the Gulf

5 October 2009, 11:19 GMT
Four decades of oil and gas production in the North Sea has made expertise in accessing hard-to-extract hydrocarbons one of Scotland’s most important assets.
Interview: Lena Wilson, CEO, SDI

5 October 2009, 11:12 GMT
The head of Scottish Development International is heading to the Middle East in her role of selling ‘Brand Scotland’ overseas.
Emerging links: Scotland and the Gulf

5 October 2009, 10:55 GMT
As Scotland pushes for greater economic and political independence from the UK, it has put the Gulf at the heart of its growth strategy.
Abu Dhabi pushes ahead with offshore oil developments

4 October 2009, 12:30 GMT
Engineering firms asked to state interest in design deals as part of scheme to boost offshore oil production
Allister Langlands

Supplement: Scotland and the Gulf
A key person driving the trade links between Scotland and the Gulf
Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabr al-Thani

Supplement: Scotland and the Gulf
A key person driving the trade links between Scotland and the Gulf
Lena Wilson

Supplement: Scotland and the Gulf
A key figure driving the trade links between Scotland and the Gulf
Leo Koot

Supplement: Scotland and the Gulf
A key person driving the trade links between Scotland and the Gulf
Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al-Maktoum

Supplement: Scotland and the Gulf
A key person driving the trade links between Scotland and the Gulf
Abu Dhabi completes purchase of Dutch oil operator

1 October 2009, 18:12 GMT
Deal part of Taqa’s expansion strategy in North Sea
Oil price rises above $70 a barrel

1 October 2009, 17:52 GMT
Poor demand outlook in US causes concern for traders
Firms line up for Abu Dhabi gas work

1 October 2009, 15:58 GMT
Scheme to increase gas processing capacity in the emirate
Gulf Keystone plans legal action to withdraw from Algerian deal

1 October 2009, 12:44 GMT
UK company aims to focus on Kurdistan operations
Abu Dhabi delays Ruwais refinery bid deadlines

Issue No 40 2-8 October 2009
Bidders on main process unit packages have more time to prepare prices
Borouge to tender Ruwais expansion deals

Issue No 40 2-8 October 2009
Third phase of petrochemicals complex will be the largest in the world
Firms line up for $300m Saudi petrochemicals construction deal

Issue No 40 2-8 October 2009
At least three contractors submit bids on 27 September deadline
Firms line up for Kuwait gas booster deal

Issue No 40 2-8 October 2009
International contractors value construction work at $800m
Abu Dhabi awards construction deal to boost oil production

30 September 2009, 15:39 GMT
Foster Wheeler wins project management work
Jacobs Engineering secures Ruwais expansion contract

29 September 2009, 16:40 GMT
US firm to provide engineering and design services at Borouge 3 complex
Tethys Oil and Consolidated Contractors plan Omani exploration

28 September 2009, 17:35 GMT
Firms to conduct work in concessions in southeast of sultanate
Abu Dhabi plans geothermal power generation

28 September 2009, 15:59 GMT
Reykjavik Geothermal wins drilling deal for work at $20bn zero-carbon city
Petrochemicals prices decrease after demand drops

28 September 2009, 11:47 GMT
Buyers delay orders while waiting for plants to begin production in the region
Client prepares to open Sharjah fuel project prices

27 September 2009, 13:54 GMT
Contractors will be told who the low bidder is by end of September
Vopak Horizons delays terminal expansion bid

27 September 2009, 8:24 GMT
Fujairah-based company pushes submission date back by more than a month
Kuwait retenders Mina al-Ahmadi refinery deal

25 September 2009, 12:06 GMT
Ongoing dispute with KNPC over $700m contract means original winner, SK Engineering, could lose out
Kuwait makes $50m loan to develop Yemeni and Egyptian oil assets

25 September 2009, 10:37 GMT
International Finance Corporation hopes deal will improve economies
Abu Dhabi to miss production target

Issue No 39 25 September - 1 October 2009
Emirate’s aim of raising oil production to 3.5 million barrels a day is unlikely to be achieved until 2019
Abu Dhabi Oil Refining Company delays bidding on Ruwais plant

Issue No 39 25 September - 1 October 2009
Utility extends commercial bid deadline as it reviews future of power plant expansion
Energy firms need help from Kuwaiti government

Issue No 39 25 September - 1 October 2009
Kuwait Petroleum Corporation has been thwarted at almost every turn by the country’s political infighting
Chinese firm wins Abu Dhabi oil rig deal

24 September 2009, 15:40 GMT
Adnoc awards $218m contract to China National Petroleum Corporation subsidiary
Oil prices fall below $70 after increase in US stocks

24 September 2009, 11:56 GMT
Contract values tumble below $70 a barrel on the back of data released in US
Consortium bids low for Ruwais expansion deal

24 September 2009, 11:15 GMT
Samsung and Uhde submit competitive price for $1bn construction work
Dow Chemical appoints head of Kuwaiti operations

24 September 2009, 10:53 GMT
US firm seeks to repair damaged relations with emirate
Abu Dhabi delays bid deadline for gas work

23 September 2009, 15:25 GMT
Gasco plans to upgrade key distribution infrastructure
Air Products to design Jubail air separation unit

23 September 2009, 12:08 GMT
US gas processing firm will work with Samsung Engineering on $300m project
Weatherford wins Kuwait well testing deal

22 September 2009, 17:36 GMT
US oil company signs $70m contract
Petroceltic discovers gas in Algeria

22 September 2009, 15:26 GMT
Irish firm makes third find at Isarene concession
Yemen gas project set to begin production

18 September 2009, 10:29 GMT
Multinational scheme to start commercial operations after technical delays
Oil price increases as dollar weakens

18 September 2009, 10:06 GMT
Inventories in US at lowest level since January
Abu Dhabi asks for combined prices on Lower Zakum deals

Issue No 38 18 - 24 September 2009
Processing and reservoir injection work is worth more than $400m in total
Korean firms compete to build $400m plant in Jubail

Issue No 38 18 - 24 September 2009
Four South Korean contractors have submitted bids for a $400m petrochemicals project at Jubail in Saudi Arabia more than a year after the Saudi authorities cancelled the original tender because they thought prices were too high.
Offshore oil fields key for Abu Dhabi

Issue No 38 18 - 24 September 2009
Next year, Adma-Opco will tender contracts for its first offshore oil developments in more than 40 years
Takreer to award refinery expansion deals in October

Issue No 38 18 - 24 September 2009
Abu Dhabi is requesting final commercial bids on the plant by 30 September
Sofregaz wins Algerian gas pipeline deals

17 September 2009, 19:19 GMT
French firm to design sections of Sonatrach distribution network
Aker Solutions signs Jubail design management deal

16 September 2009, 17:58 GMT
US firm will supervise Saudi petrochemicals complex study
Alcatel-Lucent to upgrade Sonatrach communications network

16 September 2009, 16:27 GMT
US company plans to develop systems at 157 sites in Algeria
Lamprell secures $52m oil rig orders

16 September 2009, 15:40 GMT
Local company will complete work at Jebel Ali free zone in Dubai
Black Cat wins $110m Qatar gas pipeline deal

16 September 2009, 13:14 GMT
Qatar Petroleum awards construction project to local contractor
Concerns grow over Kuwaiti law for foreign workers

16 September 2009, 12:58 GMT
Overseas employees can change jobs more easily but will increase sponsorship firms’ costs
Kuwait approves Gulf monetary union

15 September 2009, 17:09 GMT
Countries still need to ratify Gulf Co-operation Council proposals
Kuwait delays $500m oil and gas deals

15 September 2009, 10:37 GMT
Oil company gives contractors more time to arrange financing
Al-Hassan wins Oman gas construction deal

15 September 2009, 6:45 GMT
Local contractor secures $50m contract on Kauther gas project
Opec oil revenues to drop 42 per cent in 2009

14 September 2009, 18:32 GMT
Lower production and prices set to hit international cartel
Yemen oil production and revenues continue to slide in July

13 September 2009, 15:02 GMT
Revenues down 75 per cent year to date
Deadline set for Shah sulphur handling construction deal

13 September 2009, 14:51 GMT
October closing date set for engineering proposals on key export terminal deal
Kuwait government reaches a deal over oil projects

13 September 2009, 14:45 GMT
Parliamentary committee to approve major oil and gas projects
Abu Dhabi delays bidding on Shah scheme by two months

Issue No 37 11 - 17 September 2009
Deadlines for sour gas project changed after pressure from potential bidders
Abu Dhabi reaps what it sows

Issue No 37 11 - 17 September 2009
Demand for food will rebound; the world will need 187 million more tonnes a year of fertilisers by 2014
Fertil to award $1bn Ruwais expansion

Issue No 37 11 - 17 September 2009
Three groups bid for delayed construction and technology contract to expand fertilisers capacity
Takreer seeks firm to build storage depot

Issue No 37 11 - 17 September 2009
Takreer is inviting interest in the first construction package on its scheme to build a network supplying fuel from Abu Dhabi’s refineries to Abu Dhabi International airport
Yemen currency reserves at fresh four-year low

9 September 2009, 15:39 GMT
Central bank’s reserves can only cover eight months of imports - a record low
China National Petroleum withdraws Verenex offer after Tripoli interference

9 September 2009, 15:29 GMT
Chinese state energy giant withdraws $500m offer for Canadian exploration firm
October date set for Shah gas pipeline deal

8 September 2009, 17:34 GMT
Joint venture partners set 11 October date for product pipelines package
Gasco sets final bid date for $100m pipeline deal

8 September 2009, 17:17 GMT
Firms prepare price proposals for deal to build 100km plus pipeline in Abu Dhabi
Oil Search finds oil in Kurdistan

7 September 2009, 16:35 GMT
Drilling campaign yields 750 barrels a day of oil from Shakal-1 well
Taqa completes further North Sea acquisition

7 September 2009, 16:11 GMT
Abu Dhabi investment vehicle buys four exploration blocks from international oil companies
Oil price drops below $70 after stock markets falter

4 September 2009, 11:38 GMT
Bourses lose value after concerns over credit cutbacks in China
Firms line up for two $1bn Adnoc oil deals

Issue No 36 4 - 10 September 2009
International contractors submit technical proposals for upgrades at Bab and Qusawirah oil fields.
Oil recovery can cover cost rises for Adnoc

Issue No 36 4 - 10 September 2009
Adnoc is currently tendering projects worth more than $20bn. Prices are beginning to rise and the projects market is getting into gear.
Iran appoints oil minister

3 September 2009, 18:07 GMT
Majlis approve appointment of Mirkazemi to top post
Qatar awards offshore exploration licence to Chinese firm

3 September 2009, 13:22 GMT
China National Offshore Oil Corporation to conduct seismic surveys and drill wells
Vegas Oil starts commercial production in Egypt

2 September 2009, 18:16 GMT
Northwest Gemsa concession operator links wells to export pipeline network
Oman releases oil recovery construction tenders

2 September 2009, 11:15 GMT
Petroleum Development Oman plans to build steam-injection project at Amal
Saudi petrochemicals plant to produce 8 million tonnes of petroleum products

1 September 2009, 16:22 GMT
Ras Tanura complex will be the largest of its kind in the world
Abu Dhabi and ConocoPhillips in talks for $10bn Shah gas field management deals

Issue No 35 28 August - 3 September 2009
Firms in talks for $10bn Shah gas field management deals. Project will increase production at the site to 1 billion cubic feet a day
Kuwait can afford to stall oil projects

Issue No 35 28 August - 3 September 2009
Nationalist politicians want, rightly, to guard the country’s enormous natural wealth
Oil majors lose faith in Kuwaiti projects

Issue No 35 28 August - 3 September 2009
Firms expect no deals in Kuwait this year because of infighting over the development of the sector
Fluor completes Kuwait petrochemicals plant construction

27 August 2009, 8:42 GMT
US engineering firm completes construction of $3bn Olefins II project in Kuwait
Oil falls on US stocks, China fears

27 August 2009, 8:42 GMT
Inventory rise in US, fears of China industrial cutbacks, pull oil back to $70 a barrel
Iran: Supply of spare demister spare parts

27 August 2009, 8:41 GMT
Supply of parts for SASBO magna-former reactor flash drum and demister for National Iranian Petrochemical Company – Kala Petrochemical Company. Closing date: 12 September 2009
Ipic set to buy in to Papua New Guinea gas deal

27 August 2009, 8:40 GMT
Abu Dhabi fund in advanced negotiations with Australian firm for 3.5 per cent stake in liquefied gas scheme
Lamprell profits drop 34 per cent in first half

27 August 2009, 6:54 GMT
Lower demand for offshore construction and repair services hits UAE firm
Conflict in Yemen displaces 100,000 people

25 August 2009, 6:55 GMT
Fighting between government troops and Houthi rebels intensifies
Iran: Supply of Catalyst

24 August 2009, 8:43 GMT
Supply of acetylene converter catalyst for Kala Petrochemical Company. Closing date: 2/9/2009.
Qatar: Well testing services

24 August 2009, 8:43 GMT
Provision of surface oil well testing equipment and services.
Bidders push for more time to price Ruwais process units

Issue No 34 21 - 27 August 2009
Firms say September deadline is too soon given fluctuating materials costs.
Firms prepare final bids for Bab and Qusahwirah upgrade contract

Issue No 34 21 - 27 August 2009
Work at Bab and Qusahwirah fields is expected to be awarded in September.
Iraq's war on debt

Issue No 34 21 - 27 August 2009
Baghdad’s efforts to convince Kuwait to drop reparation payments have little hope of success.
Abu Dhabi should pace oil and gas awards

14 August 2009, 18:58 GMT
The danger for Abu Dhabi lies in pushing deals through too quickly. Overstretched engineers trying to cut costs will not benefit the emirate.
Kuwaiti operators award $430m worth of maintenance deals

14 August 2009, 17:46 GMT
Gulf Spic and Kharafi National win two contracts each as state's plans stall.
Adnoc prequalifies 10 firms for Shah gas deal

14 August 2009, 10:34 GMT
National oil company sets December technical bid deadline for final major construction package.
Oil price rises to $70 a barrel

13 August 2009, 10:00 GMT
US crude oil prices fell below $70 a barrel for the first time in a week on 11 August, and continued to trade lower as reports from an international agency forecast lower than anticipated demand for the remainder of 2009.
Tariq al-Ghanim bids low for Kuwait oil deal

13 August 2009, 8:48 GMT
Kuwait's Tariq al-Ghanim Trading Company has submitted the lowest bid for a contract to maintain crude oil and water tanks for state oil and gas operator Kuwait Oil Company (KOC).
Taqa profits fall 71 per cent in second quarter

13 August 2009, 8:14 GMT
Net profits at Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa) fell 71 per cent in the second quarter of 2009 after commodity prices decreased.
Sonatrach creates Saharan oil and gas exploration firm

12 August 2009, 17:03 GMT
Algeria’s state energy giant Sonatrach has signed an agreement to jointly develop oil and gas fields in the Sahara desert with the national oil companies of Thailand and Vietnam.
Firms ask Adco to delay bid deadline

12 August 2009, 13:03 GMT
Firms preparing to bid for the first construction package of the '1.8 million project' being tendered Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Operations (Adco) to boost the emirate's onshore oil production to 1.8 million barrels a day are asking for more time.
Opec forecasts falling oil demand in 2010

12 August 2009, 12:35 GMT
The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) predicts demand for oil produced by its members will continue to fall in 2010, in its monthly report published on 11 August.
Qatar: Seabed survey

12 August 2009, 6:55 GMT
Balymetric survey of Qatar Petroleum operating areas. Closing date: 27 September 2009.
Iran: Air cooler parts

12 August 2009, 6:54 GMT
Supply, in two phases, of parts for Seo Koatsu air cooler to National Iranian Petrochemical Company. Closing date: 19 September 2009.
Qatar: Boat landing facilities

12 August 2009, 6:54 GMT
Construction of new boat landing facilities for Qatar Petroleum offshore platforms. Closing date: 4 October 2009
Iran: Supply of control panel

12 August 2009, 6:53 GMT
Supply of parts for SCHORCH electricity control panel to National Iranian Petrochemical Company - Kala Petrochemical Company. Closing date: 21 September 2009
Almeer Technical Services bids low for Kuwaiti maintenance deal

11 August 2009, 9:38 GMT
Kuwait's Almeer Technical Services Company has submitted the lowest bid for a KD25.6m ($89m) maintenance contract for Kuwait Oil Company (KOC).
Yemeni oil revenues drop 75 per cent in first half of 2009

11 August 2009, 8:56 GMT
Sanaa’s oil export revenues fell 75 per cent in the first half of 2009 because of a 26 per cent drop in the country’s production and a big decrease in oil prices compared with the same period a year ago.
Kuwait and China plan to build $9bn refinery on Donghai Island

11 August 2009, 8:13 GMT
Kuwait Petroleum International (KPI) and Chinese state refiner Sinopec have decided on a new location for their $9bn refinery in China.
Firms expect delays on $500m Oman Oil contract

10 August 2009, 14:36 GMT
Oman Oil will delay bidding on its $300-500m Musandam gas processing project because it has yet to complete the detailed engineering design, one contractor hoping to bid tells MEED.
Yemen currency reserves reach four-year low

10 August 2009, 14:05 GMT
The Central Bank of Yemen’s foreign currency reserves can only cover eight-and-a-half months of imports, a record low for the Arab world’s poorest country.
Sabic sets up $1bn joint venture for acrylics plant

10 August 2009, 10:58 GMT
Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (Sabic) has signed a letter of intent to form a $1bn joint venture with Japan's Mitsubishi Rayon to build a plastics plant .
Kuwait releases $800m booster station tender

9 August 2009, 10:51 GMT
Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) has tendered a major new construction contract to build a new oil booster station in West Kuwait worth an estimated $800m.
Kuwait delays oil booster station bid deadline

9 August 2009, 10:48 GMT
State oil and gas operator Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) has postponed the bid deadline to 13 September for a major new contract to build a new oil booster station in North Kuwait by a month after making amendments to the tender documents. The previous closing date was August 16.
Australians start drilling for oil in Yemen

9 August 2009, 10:18 GMT
Australian oil exploration and production firm Oil Search will start drilling for oil in its two Yemen concessions before the end of August.
Abu Dhabi awards Nasr production deal

7 August 2009, 15:40 GMT
Contract is one of the first awarded for an offshore field in four decades as emirate seeks to boost output.
Firms line up for sixth phase of Fujairah terminal expansion

7 August 2009, 15:22 GMT
Fujairah-headquartered Vopak Horizons expects seven international firms to bid by the end of August on the sixth-phase expansion of its oil terminal in the northern emirate.
Sanaa seeks $2bn bailout from Riyadh

7 August 2009, 14:57 GMT
Government needs money to pay for food and fuel imports after revenues from oil exports plummet.
Energy demand will pick up over long term

7 August 2009, 14:39 GMT
In the middle of a global downturn, Abu Dhabi's decision to develop new offshore oil fields for the first time in 40 years seems incongruous. But the emirate has traditionally taken a long-term view when it comes to the energy sector, its chief source of income, and the plan to develop the Nasr and Umm al-Lulu fields is simply a continuation of this strategy.
European oil prices at 10-month highs

6 August 2009, 14:54 GMT
European crude oil prices reached new highs for 2009 above $75 a barrel on 6 August as traders switched their focus from the US economy to long-term supply and demand issues. Positive economic sentiment also buoyed prices.
Yemen investment risk increases

6 August 2009, 12:31 GMT
Investment risk in Yemen is increasing because of the country's "deteriorating political situation", according to a leading risk consultancy.
Consultant to review Sonatrach awards

6 August 2009, 11:58 GMT
Algerian state energy giant Sonatrach has signed up US consultant Booz & Company to revamp the way it awards construction contracts.
Taqa takes stake in North Sea energy assets

5 August 2009, 16:03 GMT
Taqa Energy, a subsidiary Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa), is continuing its recent run of acquisitions in the North Sea by taking a 15 per cent stake in assets owned by the multinational L11b group.
Kuwait set for $20bn surplus

5 August 2009, 15:29 GMT
Kuwaitcould run a budget surplus of KD6bn ($20bn) in 2009-10 on the back of higher than expected oil prices, according to the National Bank of Kuwait.
Fluor appoints Kuwaiti oil executive to board

5 August 2009, 11:34 GMT
US engineering and construction major Fluor Corporation has appointed a senior Kuwaiti oil executive to its board of directors.
Borealis makes $50m in second quarter

4 August 2009, 15:54 GMT
German/UAE owned petrochemicals maker Borouge returned to profitability in the second quarter of 2009, generating Eu35m ($50m) of net profits, compared with a loss of Eu56m during the first three months of the year.
Abu Dhabi takes over UK oil pipeline system

4 August 2009, 9:04 GMT
Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa) subsidiary Taqa Bratani has taken over the operation of the Brent pipeline system in the North Sea, which transports 8 per cent of the UK's offshore oil production.
Man Turbo wins $85m Abu Dhabi compressor deal

4 August 2009, 8:02 GMT
Germany's Man Turbo has won the Eu60m ($85m) contract to supply compressor units to Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Operations (Adco) for its development at the Bab gas field.
Iran: Supply of spare switchgear parts

3 August 2009, 6:52 GMT
Supply of parts for ABB MV switchgear. Closing date: 21 September 2009
Oman plans new oilfield steam injection development

2 August 2009, 12:24 GMT
Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) is planning to treble production at the Amal oil fields in the southeast of the country by using steam technology.
Oman oil export revenue falls 47 per cent

2 August 2009, 12:14 GMT
Oman's oil export revenues for the first five months of the year fell more than 47 per cent compared to 2008 despite a 7 per cent increase in output, MEED estimates.
Oman awards first phase of oil and gas data project

2 August 2009, 12:10 GMT
Oman has appointed US-based Halliburton to oversee the first stage of its project to collate all available geographic data for the oil and gas sector.
Qafco enters negotiations with Saipem over $3bn plant

31 July 2009, 17:45 GMT
Fertiliser giant seeks to cut costs for Mesaieed scheme by retaining contractor.
Technip wins deal to design $400m Abu Dhabi oil pipeline

31 July 2009, 17:34 GMT
Abu Dhabi Oil Refining Company (Takreer) has awarded France's Technip a contract to design the second phase of the pipeline network linking Abu Dhabi's refineries and international airport.
Fertil ends bidding delay on urea plant

31 July 2009, 17:22 GMT
Abu Dhabi-based Ruwais Fertilisers Industries (Fertil) will ask for final prices in August for its much-delayed $1.2bn-plus contract to increase urea production, according to contractors preparing to bid on the deal.
Oil prices edge up

30 July 2009, 15:38 GMT
Crude oil prices approached seven-month highs during the week ending 30 July.
Petroleum Development Oman extends tender deadline

30 July 2009, 12:03 GMT
Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) has extended the prequalification deadline for four long-term services contracts worth up to $150m a year.
UN approves Kuwaiti compensation claims

30 July 2009, 11:03 GMT
The UN's Compensation Commission (UNCC) has approved and awarded 10 Kuwaiti claims for damages against Iraq worth a total $430m.
Algeria oil terms little changed

29 July 2009, 15:59 GMT
The contractual terms being offered to international oil companies (IOCs) participating in Algeria’s most recent bid round for oil and gas exploration and production permits are little changed from a disastrous auction at the end of 2008.
Taqa buys Dutch energy firm for $400m

29 July 2009, 14:25 GMT
Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa) has agreed to buy the Dutch energy firm DSM Energie Holding for about $400m to expand in the North Sea energy market.
US commission accuses Abu Dhabi man of insider trading

28 July 2009, 12:51 GMT
The US' Securities & Exchange Commission has filed a civil action against an Abu Dhabi man for alleged insider trading.
Samsung to build air separation plant in Saudi Arabia

28 July 2009, 9:04 GMT
South Korea's Samsung Engineering has won a $300m contract to build an air separation plant in Saudi Arabia, adding to the firm's order book after it secured Jubail export refinery work in June.
Chinese firm completes Skikda refinery

28 July 2009, 8:38 GMT
Chinese state energy firm China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) has completed building a $385m condensate refinery at Skikda in northeast Algeria, according to a company statement issued on 28 July.
Adco delays bids for oil production contract

27 July 2009, 14:05 GMT
Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Operations (Adco) has delayed its deadline for technical bids to oversee an increase its oil production to 1.8 million barrels a day, until 28 July.
Austrian firm to upgrade Algerian pipeline meters

27 July 2009, 13:32 GMT
Austria's ILF has won a contract to oversee a revamp of the systems that Algeria uses to monitor its network of oil and gas pipelines.
Engineering firms hope to win trans-Saharan pipeline deal

27 July 2009, 13:18 GMT
Algeria, Niger and Nigeria will tender a contract to design the estimated $13bn trans-Saharan gas pipeline before the end of 2009, according to international engineering firms.
Kuwait Oil Company plans $7bn drilling platform tender

26 July 2009, 13:49 GMT
Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) plans to tender a $7.2bn contract to supply 27 oil and gas drilling platforms as part of a strategy to increase oil production capacity in the emirate by 1 million barrels a day (b/d) over the next 10 years.
Schlumberger revenues fall despite strong Gulf order book

26 July 2009, 12:59 GMT
US oil and gas engineering services firm Schlumberger's revenues in the Middle East and Asia fell 5 per cent in the second quarter of 2009 despite a large number of jobs booked in Gulf states.
Gofsco signs up for Kuwait oil well services

26 July 2009, 12:13 GMT
The local Gas & Oilfields Services Company (Gofsco) has won a KD35m ($122m) to provide oil field services in Kuwait.
Abu Dhabi Polymers Company (Borouge)

24 July 2009, 16:57 GMT
The state-owned petrochemicals producer is in the middle of an ambitious expansion project.
Kuwait needs to compromise with international oil companies

24 July 2009, 16:54 GMT
Chevron's presence in Kuwait has now been reduced to one office. MPs have made it all but impossible for foreign companies to turn a profit.
Interview: Mohamed al-Qamzi

24 July 2009, 16:54 GMT
The senior vice-president of Abu Dhabi Polymers Park discusses the creation of the final link in the chain from oil field to finished product.
Chemicals Industrial City: A world-beating facility in Abu Dhabi

24 July 2009, 16:52 GMT
Tacaamol, the first stage of Chemicals Industrial City, will be one of the largest integrated petrochemicals complexes on the planet.
How the petrochemicals industry is taking shape in Abu Dhabi

24 July 2009, 16:45 GMT
Abu Dhabi will have spent about $100bn on developing its petrochemicals sector by the time it completes its plans in 2030, with much of the infrastructure having to be built from scratch.
Abu Dhabi's petrochemicals vision

24 July 2009, 16:38 GMT
With the fourth-highest crude oil and gas production in the Gulf, the emirate is aiming to create a completely integrated industry that can compete with the best in the world.
Oman Oil invites international interest in $500m energy deal

24 July 2009, 14:10 GMT
State energy firm Oman Oil Company is inviting at least four international companies to bid for the $300-500m contract to build an oil and gas pipeline and a processing plant at Musan-dam in the north of the country.
Firms line up for $100m-plus Abu Dhabi pipeline deals

24 July 2009, 12:40 GMT
Contractors expect emirate to award $28bn worth of contracts over the year.
Chevron closes head office in Kuwait

24 July 2009, 11:55 GMT
The longest-standing foreign oil major operating in the country exits talks over technical services agreement.
Oil price rises after market stabilises

23 July 2009, 15:13 GMT
The oil price continued to rise during the week ended 22 July as pessimism over economic recovery faded, and contracts moved back to what analysts see as a comfortable range of $65-75 a barrel.
Hague court gives control of Abyei oil fields to north Sudan

23 July 2009, 13:41 GMT
An international court has settled a dispute between the governments of north and south Sudan over the borders in the central Abyei region, giving the northern state control of major oil fields in the area.
Yemen: the region's failing state

23 July 2009, 12:27 GMT
With a shortage of renewable resources and terrorist groups on the rise, Yemen, the poorest country in the Arab world, needs international investment to save it from economic meltdown.
Adnoc holds talks over injection system for Habshan field

23 July 2009, 8:14 GMT
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) is holding talks with international engineering firms to design a nitrogen injection system for the onshore Habshan oil field.
Sinopec wins $150m oil drilling contract in Kuwait

22 July 2009, 16:06 GMT
Chinese oil exploration and production firm Sinopec has won a SR43.6m ($150m) contract for the supply of drilling rigs to Kuwait Oil Company (KOC).
Kuwait awards nitrogen pumping deals to US firms

22 July 2009, 15:34 GMT
Kuwait has awarded contracts worth a total of KD79.84m ($278.59m) to two US firms for the supply of nitrogen pumping equipment and services.
Sabic outperforms rival petrochemicals producers

22 July 2009, 12:48 GMT
Petrochemicals giant Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (Sabic) has outperformed its international rivals in the second quarter of 2009, despite a 76 per cent drop in profits compared with the same period in 2008, according to Bahrain-based investment bank Sico
Yemen firm delays export of gas by one month

21 July 2009, 15:58 GMT
Multinational liquefied natural gas (LNG) producer and exporter Yemen LNG has postponed the scheduled date for exporting gas by one month.
Dammam 7 moves ahead with Jubail petrochemicals complex

21 July 2009, 15:49 GMT
Saudi Arabia's Dammam 7 Petrochemicals has secured propylene supplies for its planned acrylic acid and acrylates petrochemical complex at Jubail, and hopes to begin construction soon.
Thai firm to write down $10m regional exploration well

21 July 2009, 11:18 GMT
Thailand's PTT Exploration & Production will write down a second $10m-plus loss on an oil permit in the Middle East and North Africa for 2009 after failing to find significant amounts of crude during drilling in Oman.
Yemen plans to replace Aden refinery

20 July 2009, 14:26 GMT
Yemen plans to replace its existing refinery at the Port of Aden with a new plant to help meet rising domestic demand for oil products and diversify into the petrochemicals industry.
Gulf Keystone risks losing Algerian exploration permit

20 July 2009, 13:06 GMT
UK-based Gulf Keystone may forfeit a $7.5m investment in a major oil and gas exploration and production permit in Algeria.
Sabic reports increase in profits

20 July 2009, 11:21 GMT
Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (Sabic) returned to profitability in the second quarter, with net profits of SR1.8bn ($480m).
Kuwaiti bond cuts are not enough

17 July 2009, 15:42 GMT
Political wrangling and suffocating bureaucracy have stalled public sector projects for the past five years.
Kuwait cuts size of contractor bid bonds

17 July 2009, 15:01 GMT
Government lowers required rate to a flat 2 per cent of the price submitted in attempt to increase interest.
Regulator draws up shortlist for Jeddah airport city work

17 July 2009, 14:52 GMT
Saudi Arabia's aviation regulator, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (Gaca), is finalising a shortlist of developers to oversee the first phase of a multi-billion-dollar development on land surrounding King Abdulaziz International airport in Jeddah.
Local firm submits low bid for Abu Dhabi oil pipeline deal

17 July 2009, 13:16 GMT
The local National Petroleum Construction Company (NPCC) is the front runner for an estimated $300m contract to replace a major underwater oil pipeline in Abu Dhabi after submitting the lowest price, according to sources close to the project.
Oil price rebounds to $60 a barrel

16 July 2009, 14:51 GMT
Crude oil contracts in the US and Europe traded below $60 a barrel for the first time since May this week, before pushing back above what analysts see as a psychological barrier for traders.
Riyadh starts petrochemicals production at Yanbu

16 July 2009, 11:55 GMT
Saudi Arabia's Yanbu National Petrochemical Company (Yansab) has started production at its new petrochemicals complex at Yanbu Industrial City.
Abu Dhabi awards gas deals worth $10bn

16 July 2009, 11:27 GMT
Abu Dhabi has awarded five construction contracts worth more than $10bn on its major integrated gas development (IGD), more than a week after bids were submitted.
National Bank of Kuwait reports $439m profit

15 July 2009, 15:12 GMT
National Bank of Kuwait has reported a net profit of KD126m ($439.2m) for the first half of 2009, saying that good risk management and a conservative approach to investing have helped it to maintain profits.
Adnoc completes technical assessments for oil and gas tank farm

15 July 2009, 14:32 GMT
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) subsidiary Adnoc for Distribution (Adnoc Fod) has finished assessing technical proposals for a contract to build a $150m tank farm for oil and gas products.
Demand for Opec oil drops 8 per cent

15 July 2009, 13:12 GMT
The international oil cartel Opec expects demand for crude oil produced by its member states to fall by 2.3 million barrels a day (b/d) in 2009.
Bahraini bank forecasts lower profits for polypropylene firms

14 July 2009, 15:24 GMT
Bahraini investment bank Sico says it expects profits for polypropylene producers to fall in the third quarter of 2009 because of new production capacities coming on stream in Saudi Arabia.
Firms line up for Habshan gas work

14 July 2009, 14:33 GMT
Abu Dhabi Gas Industries (Gasco) is prequalifying companies to bid on an estimated $60m contract to build a standby flaring unit at its Habshan gas processing facilities.
Gulf Keystone to sell Algerian oil permit

14 July 2009, 12:58 GMT
UK-based Gulf Keystone says it plans to sell its share of a major oil and gas exploration and production permit in Algeria so it can concentrate on its operations in the Kurdistan region of northern Iraq.
Sipchem and Hanwha to create Jubail petrochemicals firm

13 July 2009, 15:24 GMT
Saudi International Petrochemicals Company and South Korea's Hanwha Chemicals Corporation have agreed to create a joint venture petrochemicals company which will operate at Jubail, Saudi Arabia.
Abu Dhabi delays onshore oil bids

13 July 2009, 13:35 GMT
Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Operations (Adco) has extended the deadline for a first round of bidding on its multibillion dollar '1.8 million project'.
Descon wins $100m air separation deal in Emirates

13 July 2009, 12:11 GMT
Pakistan's Descon Engineering has won a $100m contract to build an air separation unit at German/UAE joint venture Elixier's new nitrogen plant at Mirfa in Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi assesses bids for integrated gas development

12 July 2009, 12:15 GMT
Abu Dhabi Gas Industries Company (Gasco) and Abu Dhabi Gas Liquefaction Company (Adgas) are assessing bids for onshore work on their multibillion dollar integrated gas development (IGD).
Beijing approves $3bn Sabic joint venture

12 July 2009, 9:47 GMT
Chinese regulator National Development & Reform Commission has given Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (Sabic) approval to jointly develop a $3bn petrochemicals complex at Tianjin, northeast China.
Safco profits fall 60 per cent in second quarter

12 July 2009, 9:40 GMT
Net profit at Saudi Arabian Fertiliser Company (Safco) fell 60 per cent to SR480m ($128) in the second quarter of 2009 on the back of lower prices for fertilisers, the company said in an 11 July statement.
Energy projects push in Abu Dhabi will raise prices

10 July 2009, 17:23 GMT
Abu Dhabi plans to award $28bn worth of oil and gas deals between March 2009 and March 2010. There is a danger that Adnoc could become a victim of its own success.
Abu Dhabi signs two key Ruwais deals

10 July 2009, 16:27 GMT
Abu Dhabi Oil Refining Company (Takreer) has awarded the two remaining project management contracts for the multi-billion-dollar project to expand its refinery at Ruwais.
Abu Dhabi opens bidding on key oil and gas projects

10 July 2009, 11:31 GMT
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) is negotiating hard with contractors to reduce costs on three major schemes.
Yemen LNG's Joel Fort on benefits of gas export project

9 July 2009, 15:23 GMT
The head of the company hopes the gas export project will benefit both its shareholders and the host country.
Oil price rebounds

9 July 2009, 15:04 GMT
Oil prices reached seven-week lows before rebounding slightly to about $61.50 a barrel during the week ended 9 July, as new data pushed prices down.
Tekfen wins Qatar polyethylene plant subcontract

9 July 2009, 13:13 GMT
Turkey's Tekfen Construction has won a $165m contract to build a new polyethylene plant for Qatar Petrochemical Company at Mesaieed.
Abu Dhabi signs $10bn agreement for Shah gas scheme

9 July 2009, 12:40 GMT
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) and the US' Conoco Phillips have signed a final agreement to invest an estimated $10bn in the development of sour gas reserves at the Shah gas field in the south of the emirate.
Abu Dhabi commissions further studies on Shah gas pipeline

8 July 2009, 15:56 GMT
The US' Fluor is to conduct further studies into the sulphur pipeline which forms a key part of Abu Dhabi's $10bn Shah gas development, according to sources close to the project.
Kuwait delays production at Shuaiba plant

8 July 2009, 14:14 GMT
The Kuwait Styrene Company is in talks with its customers after delaying the start of production at its new petrochemicals plant at Shuaiba.
Abu Dhabi Holding considers building fibre fabric plant

8 July 2009, 13:45 GMT
Abu Dhabi Holding is studying the possibility of building a fibre fabrics plant at the new Abu Dhabi Polymers Park (ADPP).
Petrofac secures Omani gas package

7 July 2009, 15:04 GMT
UAE-based Petrofac has won a $350m contract on Petroleum Development Oman's Kauther gas field depletion project.
Sonatrach plans to start Touat gas production in 2013

7 July 2009, 14:46 GMT
Algerian state energy giant Sonatrach and France's GDF Suez plan to start commercial gas production at their Touat concession in 2013, according to a statement released by the two companies on 7 July.
Abu Dhabi petroleum firm buys Nova Chemicals

7 July 2009, 12:55 GMT
The Abu Dhabi state-owned International Petroleum Investment Company (Ipic) has completed its acquisition of Canadian petrochemicals producer Nova Chemicals for about $2bn, including the assumption of its debt.
Samsung to renovate Skikda refinery

6 July 2009, 14:33 GMT
South Korea's Samsung Engineering has signed a $2.6bn contract to upgrade Algeria's Skikda refinery, according to a company statement on 6 July
Borouge awards $1bn Ruwais expansion deals

6 July 2009, 14:12 GMT
Abu Dhabi Polymers Company (Borouge) has awarded construction and design contracts at its Ruwais site worth more than $1bn.
Kuwait passes budget with $17bn deficit

6 July 2009, 13:54 GMT
Kuwaiti lawmakers have approved the country’s budget for 2009-2010, which was passed by emiri decree in March and projects a current account deficit of KD4.9bn ($17bn) for the year.
Investors need to make a profit in Algeria

3 July 2009, 15:09 GMT
Resource nationalism has been returning to places such as Algeria and Iraq since oil prices collapsed.
Contractors in the Emirates seek more time to prepare bids for Ruwais

3 July 2009, 13:51 GMT
Contractors bidding on the expansion of the Ruwais refinery are seeking more time to prepare their bids, despite the client, Abu Dhabi Oil Refining Company (Takreer), having already pushed back its deadline by one month.
Yemen gas exporter seeks military protection from Gulf pirates

3 July 2009, 13:09 GMT
Yemen LNG holds talks with government to secure the services of the navy.
Algiers launches fresh bidding round for oil and gas licences

3 July 2009, 13:03 GMT
Alnaft has approached energy majors to assess interest in 10 concessions.
Kuwait forces contractors to fund projects

3 July 2009, 12:47 GMT
Firms are struggling to raise the finance to bid for early production facilities deals issued by KOC.
Local firms bid low for Kuwaiti oil and gas deals

2 July 2009, 9:36 GMT
Two Kuwaiti companies are the frontrunners to win five-year oil and gas facilities maintenance contracts worth a total of $232m in south and eastern Kuwait.
Borouge signs Indian co-operation agreement

1 July 2009, 16:10 GMT
Abu Dhabi Polymers Company (Borouge) has set up a co-operation agreement with Indian automotive plastics supplier Machino Polymers, with the aim of entering the lucrative market in the subcontinent.
Chevron tests steam injection at neutral zone oil well

30 June 2009, 15:45 GMT
The US' Chevron Corporation has started the first phase of its $340m steam-injection pilot programme in the neutral zone between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
Sonatrach completes reintegration of subsidiaries

30 June 2009, 13:57 GMT
Algerian state energy giant Sonatrach has completed reintegrating three of its subsidiaries in an effort to streamline its business structure.
Gulftainer wins Borouge logistics work

30 June 2009, 13:53 GMT
Sharjah-based ports operator Gulftainer has won a five-year deal to oversee logistics operations at Abu Dhabi’s main petrochemicals production complex.
Regional petrochemicals shares drop 50 per cent in 2009

29 June 2009, 14:31 GMT
The Middle East's largest listed petrochemicals producers have lost more than 50 per cent of their value over the past 12 months, according to Bahrain-based investment bank Sico.
Shell signs Kuwaiti liquefied gas deal

29 June 2009, 13:57 GMT
Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) has signed up Shell International Trading, a subsidiary of the UK oil and gas giant Shell, to supply the country with liquefied natural gas (LNG) from August.
Dow Chemical plans to sign Saudi research deal

29 June 2009, 13:53 GMT
US petrochemicals giant Dow Chemical plans to sign a multi-million-dollar research agreement with Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (Kaust) to study new ways of producing petrochemicals.
Sipchem sells 11 per cent stake in subsidiaries

29 June 2009, 13:50 GMT
Saudi International Petrochemicals Company (Sipchem) has sold 11 per cent stakes in two of its subsidiaries for a total of SR240m ($64m), the company said in a statement.
Kuwait delays $110m oil pipeline contract

29 June 2009, 13:40 GMT
Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) has delayed the deadline for bids for a $110m contract to build crude oil pipelines in the north of the country.
Worley Parsons wins $150m gas deal

28 June 2009, 10:18 GMT
Abu Dhabi Gas Industries Company has signed up Australia's Worley Parsons to oversee the construction phase of its giant integrated gas development (IGD) in a deal worth $150m.
Samsung confirms Skikda refinery win

28 June 2009, 10:11 GMT
South Korea's Samsung Engineering has been officially notified that it won a $1.2bn contract to upgrade Algeria's Skikda refinery, the company said in a notice to the South Korean stock exchange on 22 June.
Japanese win Petro Rabigh expansion study

28 June 2009, 9:59 GMT
A Saudi /Japanese joint venture has signed up Japan's JGC to oversee the development of an expansion of their giant integrated refinery and petrochemicals complex at Rabigh in Saudi Arabia.
Abu Dhabi to enter talks over Ruwais

26 June 2009, 20:45 GMT
Abu Dhabi is to hold talks with international firms submitting technical bids for two contracts to manage the expansion of Abu Dhabi Oil Refining Company's (Takreer) refinery at Ruwais, before setting a deadline for commercial bids.
Clients save money by delaying projects in the region

26 June 2009, 19:21 GMT
National oil companies have made average savings of 19 per cent by holding back schemes since last year.
Gulf petrochemicals producers maintain competitive advantage

26 June 2009, 12:23 GMT
While petrochemicals prices have fallen significantly since last year, Middle East producers remain in a strong position compared with their European and US rivals. But plans for large new plants are on hold.
Zain begins $2.5bn syndication

21 June 2009, 14:37 GMT
Kuwait's mobile phone operator Zain has launched the first phase of syndication of a $2.5bn Islamic loan.
Kuwait regasification operational in July

21 June 2009, 14:05 GMT
The US' Excelerate Energy will complete the construction of Kuwait's first $150m floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) regasification terminal in early July in time for peak summer gas demand.
Further delays to Kuwait oil manifold deal

21 June 2009, 12:52 GMT
Kuwait Oil Company has delayed the bid deadline for a contract to build a new crude oil manifold in West Kuwait by around two weeks after requests from bidding contractors.
Takreer awards first Ruwais refinery contract

21 June 2009, 12:40 GMT
Abu Dhabi Oil Refining Company (Takreer) has awarded the Netherlands' Dredging International the first major contract on its Ruwais refinery expansion scheme.
Abu Dhabi right to act cautiously

19 June 2009, 19:11 GMT
MEED estimates the emirate will award more than $27bn worth of oil and gas contracts by mid-2010.
Petro-Rabigh to award expansion deal

19 June 2009, 17:28 GMT
Joint venture is expected to hand the design and management contract to Japan's JGC Corporation.
Borouge holds talks over design of third Ruwais facility

19 June 2009, 16:37 GMT
Borouge 3 will produce 2.5 million tonnes a year of petrochemicals.
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company reviews bids for fuel storage facility

19 June 2009, 14:08 GMT
Abu Dhabi is assessing bids for a contract to build a major $150m fuel storage facility at Hamriyah in Sharjah.
Firms line up for Taweelah cracker deal

19 June 2009, 14:02 GMT
Chemaweyaat to invite bids on ethane facility in September, with award set for second quarter of 2010.
Abu Dhabi prepares for the upturn

18 June 2009, 19:01 GMT
The emirate's national oil company is pushing ahead with four multi-billion-dollar projects this year, at a time when other state energy firms are scaling back their plans and putting expansion schemes on hold.
Abu Dhabi delays Shah gas pipeline tender

18 June 2009, 14:35 GMT
The US' Conoco Phillips and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) have delayed the tender of a construction deal key to their $10bn development of the Shah gas field in order to refine the scope of work involved.
Adma-Opco confirms $402m offshore deal

18 June 2009, 8:47 GMT
Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Company (Adma-Opco) has confirmed the award of a $402m engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract to the local National Petroleum Construction Company (NPCC).
Ipic receives regulatory approval to buy Nova Chemicals

17 June 2009, 14:13 GMT
US and Chinese regulators have given Abu Dhabi state-owned investment fund International Petroleum Investment Company (Ipic) permission to buy the Canadian company Nova Chemicals.
SNC Lavalin to build $1bn Algerian gas processing facilities

17 June 2009, 14:02 GMT
Canada's SNC Lavalin has won a $1.1bn contract to build gas treatment facilities in southeast Algeria for state-owned energy giant Sonatrach.
Arzew cracker stalls on gas price dispute

17 June 2009, 12:22 GMT
Algeria’s state-owned energy giant has stopped work on its planned ethane cracker at Arzew after problems with talks on natural gas prices, according to contractors hoping to bid on the construction of the plant.
Canadian firm to build Algerian gas processing facilities

15 June 2009, 15:12 GMT
Canada's SNC Lavalin has won a $1.1bn contract to build gas-treatment facilities in southeast Algeria for state-owned energy giant Sonatrach.
Sheikh Nasser will need clear vision for Kuwaiti petroleum sector

15 June 2009, 12:38 GMT
The Kuwaiti prime minister must build a strong petroleum council to regain his government's credibility.
Mashael prequalifies Sohar refinery bids

15 June 2009, 12:01 GMT
Bahrain's Mashael Group is prequalifying engineering and construction contractors to bid on its $200m heavy oil refinery project at Sohar port, following the signing of a long-term lease agreement at the site.
International firms compete for offshore pipeline contract in the Emirates

15 June 2009, 11:14 GMT
Zadco, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc), has asked the firms to submit technical bids detailing planned engineering work by 22 June, with commercial prices outlining cost structures to follow in September.
Abu Dhabi launches '1.8 million' onshore oil scheme

12 June 2009, 17:55 GMT
Adco invites bids for the main construction package on its $3bn onshore oil capacity upgrade.
Kuwaiti Oil Ministry outlines energy masterplan

12 June 2009, 16:47 GMT
Kuwait has finalised a five-year development plan for the country's oil and gas sector and will appoint a new Supreme Petroleum Council (SPC) in a bid to restart progress on a string of major energy projects.
Positive data boosts oil price above $70

11 June 2009, 16:04 GMT
Crude oil prices reached a new eight-month high on 11 June, as positive data bolstered prices which have been rising steadily since hitting lows of under $40 a barrel in February.
Kuwait delays bid deadline for oil pipeline contract

11 June 2009, 13:50 GMT
Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) has delayed the bid deadline for a contract to build a network of oil and gas pipelines in North Kuwait.
Sonatrach awards Gassi Touil gas deal to Japanese firm

11 June 2009, 13:15 GMT
Japan's JGC Corporation has been awarded a $1.5bn contract to build an upstream gas processing plant at the Gassi Touil basin in eastern Algeria.
Agency gives Kuwait a negative rating

10 June 2009, 17:14 GMT
Ratings agency Moody's has put Kuwait's sovereign rating on a negative outlook as tensions continue between the country's executive and legislative arms of government.
Adnoc issues tender for $10bn Shah gas field

10 June 2009, 13:55 GMT
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) has issued the first official tender for construction work on its $10bn Shah sour gas field development scheme.
National Petroleum Construction gas deal worth $405m

10 June 2009, 13:31 GMT
UAE-based National Petroleum Construction Company's (NPCC) contract to build an offshore gas processing platform in Abu Dhabi was worth $405m, according to a source close to the deal.
Hyundai Heavy Industry completes building oil platform in Abu Dhabi

9 June 2009, 14:52 GMT
South Korea's Hyundai Heavy Industry (HHI) has completed the construction of a third offshore oil production platform to be used at the Umm Shaif field in Abu Dhabi.
Lootah Group to invest in Dubai gas equipment plant

9 June 2009, 14:37 GMT
UAE-based SS Lootah Group is to invest $64m in a new oil and gas equipment manufacturing plant in Dubai, the company said in a 9 June statement.
Swiss firm wins $233m gas services deal in Algeria

9 June 2009, 14:06 GMT
Switzerland-based ABB has won a $233m contract to provide equipment and technical solutions for three gas plants in Algeria.
Tethys makes oil discovery in Oman

8 June 2009, 15:01 GMT
Sweden's Tethys Oil has discovered 'huge' amounts of oil at its Block 3 and 4 concessions in Oman, the company said in statement on 8 June.
Kuwait extends bid deadline for oil and gas gathering centre

8 June 2009, 13:34 GMT
Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) has delayed the bid deadline for the contract to build an oil and gas gathering centre in the west of the country by about three weeks.
Mott MacDonald wins UAE chemicals storage work

8 June 2009, 8:04 GMT
UK-based Mott MacDonald has won the contract to manage the development of a chemicals storage terminal at Jebel Ali in the UAE.
Bechtel wins Abu Dhabi petrochemicals expansion consultancy

7 June 2009, 13:23 GMT
The US' Bechtel has won a project management consultancy (PMC) contract covering the third-phase expansion of a major petrochemicals complex at Ruwais, Abu Dhabi.
Oman oil trading up 68 per cent in 2009

7 June 2009, 10:36 GMT
The volume of Oman crude oil futures contracts being traded on the Dubai Mercantile Exchange (DME) has increased by 68 per cent in 2009 as confidence in the Gulf's benchmark contract grows, the DME said in its annual report.
Sonatrach awards $1.3bn pipeline contracts

7 June 2009, 8:14 GMT
Algerian state-owned energy company Sonatrach has awarded three contracts worth more than $1.3bn as part of a scheme to boost capacity of the country's gas transportation network.
Ras Tanura investment faces 12-month delay over design

5 June 2009, 15:54 GMT
Aramco and Dow put investment decision on hold until third quarter of 2010.
Chevron trials heavy oil recovery in Gulf neutral zone

5 June 2009, 15:50 GMT
The US' Chevron Corporation will launch a $337m steam injection pilot scheme in a bid to boost heavy oil production at its concession in the neutral zone, between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, in the second half of 2009.
Linde seeks to win Gulf work without bids

5 June 2009, 15:28 GMT
German contractor Linde is in talks with several Gulf petrochemicals companies about bypassing costly bidding processes for contracts to design and build cracker units.
Total and Chevron stall on Iraqi licensing bid

5 June 2009, 14:51 GMT
Oil majors still considering whether to bid in Iraq's first oil round in light of financing requirements.
LyondellBasell to retain its interests in Saudi Arabia

5 June 2009, 14:15 GMT
LyondellBasell is retaining its stakes in two major petrochemicals companies in the kingdom according to Just Jansz, technology president of the Dutch chemicals giant, quashing rumours it may abandon the ventures.
Oil price nears $70 as US stock levels rise

4 June 2009, 14:10 GMT
Oil prices in the US and Europe came within $2 of the symbolic $70 a barrel mark in the week ended 4 June, before dropping slightly on data that showed stock levels in the US had risen.
Tasnee to open chemical plants in 2009

4 June 2009, 12:07 GMT
Saudi Arabia's Tasnee will start operations at two new petrochemicals plants before the end of 2009, according to a senior company executive.
Financier urges Gulf to form industrial investment fund

4 June 2009, 8:54 GMT
GCC governments should form a collaborative industrial investment fund in order to see through major projects as international banks lose their appetite for such schemes, a senior regional financier says.
Oman Oil buys stake in Enagas

2 June 2009, 12:04 GMT
State-owned Oman Oil Company has bought a 5 per cent stake in Spanish gas transportation company Enagas.
Oman signs bitumen plant deal with Mashael Group

1 June 2009, 16:37 GMT
Oman's Sohar Industrial Port Company has signed a $200m agreement to develop a new bitumen plant with Bahrain's Mashael Group.
Qapco awards Mesaieed contract to Uhde

1 June 2009, 13:24 GMT
Germany's Uhde has won a contract to build a polyethylene plant at Mesaieed in Qatar after prolonged negotiations with the client on the project, Qatar Petrochemicals Company (Qapco).
Abu Dhabi to keep oil production steady in July

31 May 2009, 14:40 GMT
Abu Dhabi will keep its oil production steady in July, excluding one of its main oil fields.
Swiss and US consortium wins Abu Dhabi oil deals

31 May 2009, 13:59 GMT
A Swiss/US consortium has won two contracts worth more than $80m to supply compressors, electrical systems and maintenance services to boost production at two Abu Dhabi oil fields.
No major changes in Kuwaiti cabinet

31 May 2009, 11:34 GMT
Kuwait's returning Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser al-Ahmed al-Sabah has appointed a new cabinet with key posts left unchanged from the executive which resigned in March, leading to fears that political deadlock in the country may continue.
Low oil prices benefit Algiers

29 May 2009, 18:17 GMT
Some $8bn worth of awards made this year have caught contractors' attention, and there is more to come.
Abu Dhabi awards $470m worth of oil and gas contracts

29 May 2009, 16:50 GMT
Abu Dhabi has demonstrated its commitment to developing the emirate's oil and gas sector by awarding two contracts worth more than $470m in recent weeks.
Qapco seeks to reduce cost of building Mesaieed plant

29 May 2009, 16:34 GMT
Qatar Petrochemical Company (Qapco) is holding talks with two international firms to bring down the price of a $400m petrochemicals scheme at Mesaieed in Qatar on which they have already bid.
Chemaweyaat to generate $6bn a year

29 May 2009, 16:27 GMT
First phase of Abu Dhabi petrochemicals venture predicted to have annual sales of 6.3 million tonnes.
Kuwaiti cabinet choice crucial to project success

29 May 2009, 15:37 GMT
$235bn worth of megaprojects are under threat as Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser decides on new ministers.
Algeria's $120bn gas prize

28 May 2009, 17:53 GMT
With $120bn worth of energy projects to be launched by 2020, the state is becoming the focus of attention.
Oil price higher after Opec keeps production stable

28 May 2009, 13:33 GMT
Oil prices reached six-month highs on 28 May after the international oil cartel Opec decided to keep its production quotas stable.
Kuwait finalises Shuaiba opening deadlines

28 May 2009, 11:59 GMT
Kuwait Paraxylene Production Company (KPPC) will start production at its new petrochemicals plants at Shuaiba in the third quarter of 2009, the company's chairman said at a meeting on 24 May.
Abu Dhabi to study future of gas reserves

28 May 2009, 9:13 GMT
Abu Dhabi is planning a major study into how it should use its gas reserves after 2020, according to a senior executive at state-owned Abu Dhabi Gas Liquefaction Company (Adgas).
Germanischer Lloyd wins Emirates pipeline consultancy deal

27 May 2009, 15:04 GMT
Germany’s Germanischer Lloyd (GL) has won a contract to provide risk management and technical assurance services on a major pipeline project connecting Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.
Siemens wins $83m Mirfa substation deal

27 May 2009, 13:05 GMT
Germany's Siemens Energy has won a Eu60m ($83m) contract to supply an electrical substation for the Elixier nitrogen plant at Mirfa in the UAE.
Yemen gas project to begin operating in June

27 May 2009, 12:28 GMT
The multinational Yemen LNG (liquefied natural gas) project will start initial operations in June, according to Joel Fort, the company's chief executive officer.
UAE needs policy shift to avoid gas shortage

26 May 2009, 15:55 GMT
Abu Dhabi will face a gas deficit of 1 billion cubic feet a day (cf/d) by 2020 if the country's policymakers fail to overcome supply and demand imbalances, according to a major UK consultant.
Abu Dhabi aluminium plant 50 per cent complete

26 May 2009, 15:54 GMT
Abu Dhabi-based Emal International has completed 50 per cent of its new $5.6bn aluminium smelter at Taweelah in Abu Dhabi, according to a senior company executive.
Kuwaiti prime minister set to appoint cabinet

24 May 2009, 16:03 GMT
Kuwait's newly reinstated Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser al-Mohamed al-Ahmed al-Sabah has until 31 May to appoint a new cabinet, according to sources close to the country's government.
Libya renegotiates international oil and gas deals

24 May 2009, 16:00 GMT
Libya's National Oil Company (NOC) has renegotiated the terms of its production sharing agreements for various oil and gas concessions with three international companies. The deal will give the North African state a greater share in the revenues they generate.
Borouge boosts plastics capacity to meet growing demand

24 May 2009, 12:26 GMT
Abu Dhabi Polymers Company (Borouge) plans to triple its plastics production capacity to meet growing demand in China, Asia and the Middle East.
ExxonMobil to provide technology for Jubail plant

24 May 2009, 12:21 GMT
The US' ExxonMobil has won the contract to provide the polyethylene technology for a new Saudi International Petrochemical Company (Sipchem) ethylene vinyl acetate plant at Jubail.
Regional fertilisers firms' profits rise 98 per cent

24 May 2009, 12:18 GMT
Net profits at listed fertilisers companies in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region rose 97.7 per cent in 2008 despite suffering losses totalling $20.5m in the fourth quarter of the year, according to a report by analysts at Kuwait's Global Investment House (GIH).
Emirates energy minister deserves credit

22 May 2009, 18:53 GMT
Contractors in the UAE expressed scepticism as projects were delayed. What appeared to be stalling tactics now appear to be canny moves.
Local firm takes lead in bidding for Kuwaiti callout service contract

22 May 2009, 15:37 GMT
Local firm Mechanical Engineering & Contracting Company (MECC) is the front runner in the bidding for a major service agreement being tendered by Kuwait Oil Company (KOC), according to documents seen by MEED.
Abu Dhabi tenders Shah gas field deals

22 May 2009, 11:24 GMT
Adnoc has invited contractors to submit prices for the four main construction packages by late June.
Oil price stabilises after US supply disruptions

21 May 2009, 12:50 GMT
Crude oil prices returned to six-month highs during the week ended 21 May, with the US’ benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) stabilising above $60 a barrel following news of supply disruptions in the US.
Firms set to bid for Abu Dhabi civil defence centre

21 May 2009, 9:09 GMT
At least eight firms will bid for a contract to build a AED90m ($24.5m) civil defence training centre for Abu Dhabi’s interior ministry, according to contractors in the region.
GE signs Omani gas turbine services agreement

21 May 2009, 8:00 GMT
The US' GE Oil & Gas has signed a 16-year service agreement on Oman LNG's 12 gas turbines at the Qalhat complex in the northeast of the sultanate.
Sheikh Sabah appoints Kuwaiti prime minister

20 May 2009, 13:07 GMT
Kuwait's Emir has reappointed his nephew Sheikh Nasser al-Mohammed al-Ahmed al-Sabah as Kuwait's prime minister, according to a source close to the country's cabinet office.
Kuwait Oil Company signs deal with Det Norske Veritas

20 May 2009, 12:32 GMT
Norway's Det Norske Veritas (DNV) has won a consultancy contract in Kuwait worth more than $22m, according to the state-owned Kuwait Oil Company (KOC).
Paradigm Earth Sciences wins Kuwaiti seismic work

20 May 2009, 12:29 GMT
Amsterdam-based Paradigm Earth Sciences has won a KD2m ($6.9m) contract to provide seismic data processing services to state energy giant Kuwait Oil Company (KOC).
Local firm bids low for Kuwait water injection project

20 May 2009, 12:24 GMT
Kuwait's Finesco International General Trading & Contracting Company is the front runner for a contract to build and maintain a water-injection plant in north Kuwait after submitting a bid 50 per cent cheaper than its nearest competitors.
Takreer delays Ruwais refinery bid deadline

19 May 2009, 16:13 GMT
Abu Dhabi Oil Refining Company (Takreer) has extended the technical bid deadline on three project management contracts for its new Ruwais refinery project by more than a month.
Agency gives Kuwait a stable credit rating

19 May 2009, 16:01 GMT
US-based credit ratings agency Standard & Poor’s has affirmed Kuwait’s AA- sovereign credit rating with a stable outlook on the back of the country’s strong balance sheet.
Kuwait shuns international oil companies

19 May 2009, 13:40 GMT
Kuwait will keep international oil companies (IOCs) out of the future development of its oil and gas sector, according to an International Monetary Fund (IMF) report.
Gasco sets deadlines for Ruwais deal

18 May 2009, 15:28 GMT
Abu Dhabi Gas Industries (Gasco) has set deadlines for the four international firms bidding on a contract to upgrade the company's sulphur-handling facilities in Ruwais.
Al-Khadda bids low for Kuwait water injection project

18 May 2009, 13:55 GMT
The local Al-Khadda International General Trading & Contracting Company is the favourite to win a contract to design and install two water injection pumps in west Kuwait after submitting the lowest price in an April bid round.
Petroceltic starts Algerian drilling exploration

18 May 2009, 12:26 GMT
Ireland-based oil and gas company Petroceltic International has started a drilling programme at its Isarene concession in northeast Algeria.
Changes in Kuwaiti parliament unclear

17 May 2009, 15:48 GMT
Prospects for change within Kuwait's political system remain unclear despite a 40 per cent change in the make-up of the country's national assembly following the 16 May elections.
Weatherford wins Oman oil services contract

17 May 2009, 11:01 GMT
US-based Weatherford Oil Tools Middle East has won a long-term oilfield services contract in Oman.
Fertil urea expansion bids due in June

17 May 2009, 10:47 GMT
The three international firms competing for a contract to build a grassroots fertilisers complex at Ruwais will submit commercial bids in early June.
Algeria must maintain momentum on energy projects

15 May 2009, 18:41 GMT
Algiers' newfound appetite for pushing projects through quickly could benefit all concerned.
Japanese firm bids low for Gassi Touil gas plant

15 May 2009, 18:09 GMT
Japan's JGC Corporation has submitted the lowest bid, about $1.5bn, for the contract to build an upstream gas processing plant at the Gassi Touil basin in eastern Algeria.
Sonatrach reviews proposals to extend Algerian energy network

15 May 2009, 18:05 GMT
Contractors compete for two packages of the $5bn-plus GK3 pipeline project.
Gasco tenders contracts to upgrade Abu Dhabi gas infrastructure

15 May 2009, 17:55 GMT
July deadline set for technical bids on two packages to increase production.
Spain's TR in line for $100m Kuwaiti gas deal

15 May 2009, 16:07 GMT
Spain's TR is the frontrunner to win a $100m-plus contract to supply and install compressors at three gathering centres in the south of Kuwait, after submitting the lowest price in a bid round.
Oil price reaches $57 as Opec production increases

14 May 2009, 15:17 GMT
The price of crude oil hit $60 a barrel in the US before falling to about $57 a barrel in the week ended 14 May, as Opec production rose and US inventory levels fell in a reversal of recent roles.
Kuwait to stop production at Shuaiba fertiliser plants

14 May 2009, 14:22 GMT
Kuwait's state petrochemicals company has confirmed that it will halt production at its fertiliser plants in Shuaiba in June for a routine maintenance programme.
Opec fails to limit crude production

14 May 2009, 12:28 GMT
The Opec countries increased their production of crude oil in April for the first time in nine months, as the 12-member cartel failed to limit production to agreed quotas.
Yemen gas project on track despite cost overruns

13 May 2009, 9:28 GMT
The multinational Yemen liquefied natural gas (LNG) project will start production in late July or early August after significant delays and cost overruns, according to the company's chief executive officer Joel Fort.
Jacobs Zate wins Petro-Rabigh deal

13 May 2009, 8:46 GMT
Jacobs Zate, the Saudi Arabian subsidiary of US engineering giant Jacobs Engineering, has secured a one-year $1.5m general engineering services (GES) contract for work at a major integrated refinery and petrochemicals complex at Rabigh.
Safwan set to begin Kuwait sulphur production

13 May 2009, 8:43 GMT
Kuwait's Safwan Petroleum Technologies Company (Spetco) will start up the sulphur-recovery unit at its 50,000 barrel a day (b/d) early production facility in north Kuwait before the end of May.
National Bank of Kuwait predicts budget surplus

12 May 2009, 13:11 GMT
Kuwait is headed towards a budget surplus in its current financial year, even though the collapse in the price of oil has caused the country’s exports to plummet.
Orascom wins El-Merk infrastructure work

12 May 2009, 11:55 GMT
Egypt's Orascom Construction Industries (OCI) has won $280m of contracts for infrastructure work at the $3.8bn El-Merk oil and gas production hub in Algeria.
Samsung bids low for Skikda refinery upgrade

12 May 2009, 11:21 GMT
South Korea's Samsung Engineering is the frontrunner to win a contract to upgrade Algeria's Skikda refinery after submitting the lowest bid in the latest of a raft of Algerian contract awards.
Investors undervalue shares in Sabic

11 May 2009, 14:30 GMT
Shares in Saudi Arabian petrochemicals giant Saudi Basic Industries Company (Sabic) are being undervalued by investors following confusion over the company's earnings in the first quarter of 2009, according to UK bank HSBC.
Saudi Ethylene & Polyethylene starts Jubail production

11 May 2009, 12:06 GMT
The Saudi Arabian and US joint venture Saudi Ethylene & Polyethylene Company (SEPC) has started production at its new petrochemicals complex at Jubail in Saudi, which includes two of the largest polyethylene plants in the world.
Takreer invites bids on remaining Ruwais packages

11 May 2009, 12:02 GMT
Abu Dhabi Refining Company (Takreer) has published invitations to bid on the remaining construction packages for its new multi-billion-dollar refinery project at Ruwais.
Sabic and Sipchem sign memorandum for $4bn of projects

10 May 2009, 9:56 GMT
Petrochemicals producer Saudi Basic Industries Company (Sabic) and Saudi International Petrochemical Company (Sipchem) have signed a memorandum of understanding to work together on $4bn of new projects using Sipchem's government allocation of feedstock ethane.
Saipem wins $268m Arzew export terminal contract

10 May 2009, 9:52 GMT
Italy's Saipem has won a $268m contract to build a new marine export terminal in Algeria.
Yemen's oil revenues fall 75 per cent in first quarter

10 May 2009, 9:48 GMT
Yemen earned 75 per cent less from crude oil exports in the first quarter of 2009 than during the same period a year before, as falling prices and production levels hit the country's main source of income.
Algiers should cut red tape in energy sector

8 May 2009, 16:56 GMT
Speedier progress is needed on projects if Algeria is to fulfil its huge ambitions in the energy sector.
Kuwait to hold talks over Al-Zour

8 May 2009, 16:06 GMT
Chief executive of Kuwait National Petroleum Company to visit Far East for discussions with contractors.
Winning bidder to be named for Gassi Touil upstream work

8 May 2009, 15:58 GMT
JGC Corporation and Petrofac are only firms still competing for the $2.5bn deal.
Sonatrach to retender El-Merk pipeline

8 May 2009, 15:28 GMT
State energy firm and partner approach contractors to submit bids after winner of original round pulls out.
Firms bid to overhaul Abu Dhabi gas infrastructure

8 May 2009, 14:48 GMT
Contractors have submitted technical bids for the main construction deal on Abu Dhabi Gas Industries Company's (Gasco) multi-billion-dollar integrated gas development (IGD) programme, one contractor bidding for the contract tells MEED.
Kuwait to issue tender documents for gas booster station

7 May 2009, 13:53 GMT
Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) plans to issue tender documents for a major gas booster station in west Kuwait before the end of May.
Local firms bid low for Kuwait power supply installation

7 May 2009, 12:07 GMT
Kuwaiti firms have submitted the lowest bid prices for a Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) contract to install power supply and distribution networks at two oil and gas fields in western Kuwait.
Sonatrach signs technology deals with Shoabi

6 May 2009, 16:16 GMT
Algerian state energy major Sonatrach has signed technology contracts with four subsidiaries of Saudi Arabian engineering technology firm Shoabi Group, the contractors said in a statement on 4 May.
Gas shortage forces Kuwait to shut Shuaiba plants

6 May 2009, 15:56 GMT
Kuwait's Petroleum Industries Company (PIC) will shut its urea and ammonia plants at Shuaiba for a month starting in late May because it does not have enough gas.
Total's regional oil and gas output drops 4 per cent

6 May 2009, 13:41 GMT
French energy giant Total saw its oil and gas production in the Middle East drop in the first quarter of 2009.
Abu Dhabi to cut oil production

5 May 2009, 16:14 GMT
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) will cut its oil production in June.
Chemaweyaat signs Madeenat design deal with Neste Jacobs

5 May 2009, 15:41 GMT
Abu Dhabi National Chemicals Company (Chemaweyaat) has signed a long-term frame agreement with US/Finnish Neste Jacobs for front-end engineering and design (FEED) work at its Chemaweyaat Industrial City (Madeenat Chemaweyaat) at Taweelah.
Shell opens Jebel Ali bitumen tank

5 May 2009, 12:27 GMT
Shell Bitumen, a subsidiary of the UK's Royal Dutch Shell has opened an 8,000-tonne storage tank in the UAE's Jebel Ali Free Zone.
Emirates Oil opens Korea chemicals terminal

4 May 2009, 13:31 GMT
Dubai-based Emirates National Oil Company (Enoc) has completed its $76m chemical storage terminal project at Ulsain, South Korea.
Sohar urea plant starts trial production

4 May 2009, 11:42 GMT
Sohar International Urea & Chemical Industries (SIUCI) has started trial production at its $638m urea and ammonia plant at Sohar, Oman, more than a year behind schedule.
Dolphin commits to complete pipeline project on time despite delays

4 May 2009, 9:43 GMT
Abu Dhabi-based Dolphin Energy is committed to completing its Taweelah to Fujairah pipeline project on schedule despite construction holdups.
Indago ceases operations after Oman oil exploration sale

3 May 2009, 13:32 GMT
UK-based Indago Petroleum will stop operating as a company and return the business's capital to its shareholders following the sale of its remaining oil and gas interests in Oman.
Opec cuts cost Chevron 50,000 barrels a day in oil production

3 May 2009, 13:29 GMT
Opec production quota cuts cost US energy major Chevron 50,000 barrels a day (b/d) in production during the first quarter of 2009, although the company's production levels increased 64,000 year-on-year.
Kuwait Oil Company delays manifold bid deadline

3 May 2009, 13:26 GMT
Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) has delayed the bid deadline for a KD3m ($10m) contract to build a crude oil manifold in west Kuwait by two weeks.
Kuwaiti politicians will need time

1 May 2009, 16:47 GMT
Kuwait requires a government with strong willpower and a parliament that is prepared to compromise for the sake of the country's future.
Kuwait reverts to original terms on Al-Zour

1 May 2009, 15:09 GMT
Kuwait National Petroleum Company to retender multi-billion-dollar refinery on lump-sum turnkey basis.
BNP Paribas to advise on Chemaweyaat petrochemicals plant

1 May 2009, 15:02 GMT
BNP Paribas in talks with Abu Dhabi National Chemicals Company over role to be awarded in August.
Kuwait Oil awards $300m worth of pipeline work to locals

1 May 2009, 14:52 GMT
Two Kuwaiti firms have won contracts worth KD88.6m ($303.6m) to build major oil and gas pipeline infrastructure for Kuwait Oil Company (KOC).
Dolphin to split Fujairah pipeline deal

1 May 2009, 14:46 GMT
Energy firm likely to award only part of the work to a new contractor following retendering in April.
Kuwaiti voters seek an end to deadlock

30 April 2009, 14:53 GMT
The results of Kuwait’s forthcoming national elections will be key to breaking the political impasse and reinvigorating its economy.
Oil price increases to $51 a barrel

30 April 2009, 14:40 GMT
Crude oil futures contracts for May, the earliest available, were trading above $51 a barrel in the US and Europe on Thursday 30 April, after trading below $46 a barrel in the US the week before.
Gulfsands boosts Syria oil reserve estimates

30 April 2009, 12:31 GMT
Oil reserve estimates at the UK’s Gulfsands Block 26 oil and gas exploration concession in Syria have jumped 82 per cent after an independent contractor completed a study of the area.
Kuwait Oil Company to retender water injection project

30 April 2009, 12:27 GMT
Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) will retender a $750m contract to build a water injection plant in the north of the country in July.
Kuwait delays Dharif water injection bid deadline

29 April 2009, 14:50 GMT
Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) has delayed the bid deadline for a contract to build a water injection pilot plant in west Kuwait.
Arabi Enertech bids low for Kuwait pipeline deal

29 April 2009, 14:47 GMT
Kuwait's Arabi Enertech has submitted the lowest bid for a contract covering the repair and replacement of pipelines in southeast Kuwait.
Equate Chemicals resumes Shuaiba production

29 April 2009, 12:38 GMT
US/Kuwaiti Equate Chemicals has returned petrochemicals production at its Shuaiba complex in Kuwait to pre-April levels after it resumed feedstock supplies from a nearby refinery.
Combined Group bids low for Kuwait chemicals work

28 April 2009, 15:24 GMT
Kuwait’s Combined Group Contracting Company (CGC) has submitted the lowest bid for a $50m contract to build chemical-handling facilities in Kuwait, according to contractors in the country.
Dragon Oil crude sales double

28 April 2009, 12:25 GMT
Dubai-based oil and gas exploration company Dragon Oil more than doubled its sales of crude oil during the first quarter of 2009 compared with the same period a year before, even though prices were half what they were in 2008.
US court dismisses rival claims by Sipchem and Celanese

28 April 2009, 12:22 GMT
A US court has dismissed claims by US chemicals producer Celanese and Saudi International Petrochemical Company (Sipchem) against one another in a dispute over technology licences.
Agency gives Abu Dhabi's Ipic a stable rating

27 April 2009, 14:58 GMT
US-based ratings agency Moody's has given Abu Dhabi’s state-owned International Petroleum Investment Company (Ipic) an Aa2 credit rating, the third highest of its assessment grades, with a stable outlook.
Kuwaiti ruler set to appoint prime minister

27 April 2009, 12:34 GMT
Kuwait's ruler will appoint a new prime minister on 22 May, six days after National Assembly, or parliamentary, elections.
Bahrain plans to increase oil production by 185 per cent

27 April 2009, 12:18 GMT
The National Oil and Gas Authority of Bahrain (Noga) aims to increase production at its Bahrain oil field by 185 per cent through a deal with the US’ Occidental (Oxy) and Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Development Company.
Tethys Oil starts drilling in Oman

26 April 2009, 13:44 GMT
Sweden’s Tethys Oil has started drilling at a well in its onshore block 4 concession in Oman in the hope of making a find four years after the previous licence holder abandoned the site.
Kuwait delays production facilities bid deadlines

26 April 2009, 12:04 GMT
Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) has further delayed the bid deadlines for two contracts covering major new production facilities in the north and west of the country.
Firms line up for Kuwait oil and gas station deal

26 April 2009, 12:01 GMT
Sixteen international firms have been prequalified to bid for a major Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) contract to build a new oil and gas booster station in north Kuwait.
International firms compete to manage Ruwais upgrade

24 April 2009, 15:31 GMT
Three international firms are bidding for the project management consultancy contract on the $3bn project to boost capacity at the Ruwais petrochemicals plant in Abu Dhabi.
Aramco brings forward Yanbu joint venture plan

24 April 2009, 15:10 GMT
State oil giant Saudi Aramco is fast-tracking its plans to restrict some engineering and construction contracts to international contractors that create joint ventures with local firms.
Kuwaiti public sector awards to ease cash crisis

24 April 2009, 14:57 GMT
National Bank of Kuwait says contractors will benefit from a series of major projects going ahead this year.
Ras Tanura refinery faces 12-month delay

24 April 2009, 14:37 GMT
Saudi Aramco informs contractors that bidding process for the project will be on hold for up to a year.
Sohar urea plant to start production

24 April 2009, 14:08 GMT
The local Sohar International Urea & Chemical Industries Company will finally switch on its $638m urea and ammonia plant in Sohar at the end of April, more than one year later than planned.
Oil price stabilises

23 April 2009, 15:16 GMT
The US’ benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil contract fell below $46 a barrel this week as negative economic data and ongoing fears over the level of US stocks pushed prices down.
Occidental increases regional oil production

23 April 2009, 13:43 GMT
The US’ Occidental Petroleum increased its oil production in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) by 5 per cent during the first quarter of 2009.
Kuwait cancels Al-Zour refinery pipeline tender

23 April 2009, 11:59 GMT
Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) has cancelled the tender for a contract to build pipelines to its planned new refinery at al-Zour, according to contractors in the country.
Petro-Rabigh reports loss of $7.7m

22 April 2009, 14:19 GMT
Petro-Rabigh, a joint venture of Saudi Aramco and Japan’s Sumitomo Chemical Company, reported a loss of SR28.7m ($7.7m) for the first quarter of 2009, a 65 per cent improvement on the loss it made during the same period in 2008.
Alujain reports $2.9m loss

22 April 2009, 14:16 GMT
Saudi Arabian petrochemicals producer Alujain has reported a SR18.8m ($2.9m) loss for the first quarter of 2009, a 17 per cent improvement on the same period in 2008.
Oil price peak not due to manipulation, claims Total

21 April 2009, 14:04 GMT
The high oil prices in July 2008 were not due to manipulation, but as a result of complex market dynamics said Pierre Barbi, a senior director at French international oil company Total.
Sabic makes loss in 2009

21 April 2009, 12:53 GMT
Saudi Basic Industries Company (Sabic), the Middle East’s largest company by market capitalisation, has reported a first quarter loss of SR973m ($259m) despite making a large profit in the comparable period a year before.
Kuwait estimates budget surplus is $20bn

20 April 2009, 16:19 GMT
Kuwait had a budget surplus of KD6.09bn ($20.8bn) for the financial year 2008-09, according to an estimate from the country’s Finance Ministry.
Kuwaiti firms bid low for Mina Ahmadi refinery deal

20 April 2009, 11:42 GMT
Two Kuwaiti firms have submitted the lowest bids for a KD32.5m ($111.3m) gas maintenance contract tendered by state-owned Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC).
Aramco and Sumitomo sign Petro-Rabigh memorandum

20 April 2009, 11:38 GMT
Saudi Aramco and Japan’s Sumitomo Chemical Company have set milestones for the second phase expansion of their joint venture Petro-Rabigh petrochemicals complex in Saudi Arabia.
Oman ups oil output to plug Opec export gap

19 April 2009, 14:04 GMT
Oman’s oil and gas production and exports rose year-on-year in the first two months of 2009 as neighbouring states cut their own production in line with Opec quotas.
Kuwait awards $390m of drilling service contracts

19 April 2009, 13:13 GMT
Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) has awarded $390m of drilling service contracts as part of its plans to achieve 4 million barrels a day of oil production by 2020.
Kuwait delays compressor contract bid deadline

19 April 2009, 13:09 GMT
Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) has extended the deadline for bids for a contract to install three new compressor units by a month.
Kuwaiti fiscal stimulus needs support

17 April 2009, 18:18 GMT
Should the new assembly arrive in a spirit of compromise, Kuwaitis may well breathe a sigh of relief.
Kuwaiti stimulus package to boost lending to local companies

17 April 2009, 17:42 GMT
Central bank to guarantee up to KD1.5bn in loans rather than invest directly.
Abu Dhabi opens bidding for gas transfer system

17 April 2009, 16:17 GMT
Prequalified companies to submit technical bids for integrated gas development project in early May.
Oil prices stabilise despite lower demand forecast

16 April 2009, 15:47 GMT
The week ended 16 April found May crude oil contracts, the earliest available for the US’ benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI), trading at $50 a barrel after dips earlier in the week after several major reports downgraded their crude oil demand forecasts for 2009.
Petro-Rabigh starts up $10bn petrochemicals cracker

16 April 2009, 14:40 GMT
Saudi/Japanese joint venture Petro-Rabigh has successfully started an ethane cracker which is key to its $10bn new petrochemicals complex at Rabigh in Saudi Arabia.
Harvest Natural Resources wins Oman gas concession

16 April 2009, 14:03 GMT
Houston-headquartered Harvest Natural Resources has signed an exploration and production sharing agreement (EPSA) for a newly-created concession in Oman.
Abu Dhabi sets deadlines for Ruwais management bids

15 April 2009, 15:29 GMT
State-owned Abu Dhabi Oil Refining Company (Takreer) has set deadlines for commercial bids on two management contracts for its multi-billion-dollar refinery project at Ruwais.
Demand for plastics to fall in 2009

15 April 2009, 13:38 GMT
Demand for plastics produced in the GCC will fall in 2009, but will increase the following year, according to a market forecast released on 15 April.
Opec revises oil demand down

15 April 2009, 13:34 GMT
Opec has lowered its forecast for oil demand by a further 400,000 barrels a day (b/d) as the global recession continues.
Opec holds majority of oil overcapacity

14 April 2009, 15:04 GMT
Global oil production is about 10 per cent overcapacity, with Opec members holding the vast majority of unused capacity, according to a senior industry analyst.
Kuwait cabinet sets election date

14 April 2009, 13:58 GMT
Kuwait's cabinet has decided to hold parliamentary elections on 16 May.
BP awards Sharjah gas deal to Amec

14 April 2009, 13:54 GMT
The UK’s Amec has won an engineering and project management services contract from BP Sharjah, a subsidiary of the UK energy giant BP, for the company’s onshore gas facilities at Sharjah in the UAE.
Al-Fajer awards Jumeirah Business Centre phase 2

13 April 2009, 14:10 GMT
The UAE's al-Fajer Properties (AFP) has awarded the construction contract for the second phase of its Jumeirah Business Centre, part of the Jumeirah Lakes Towers development, to the local Al-Ahmadiah Contracting & Trading.
Kuwait awards $420m drilling contract

13 April 2009, 12:47 GMT
Kuwait's Burgan Company for Well Drilling, Trading & Maintenance has been awarded a KD122.6m ($420.6m) contract for the supply of five drilling rigs in Kuwait.
RAK Petroleum completes Oman oil concession acquisitions

13 April 2009, 12:44 GMT
The UAE’s RAK Petroleum has increased its share in Oman’s exploration blocks 31 and 47 to 100 per cent following the acquisition of two oil and gas exploration companies.
Sabic pays out $2.4bn in dividends for 2008

12 April 2009, 11:30 GMT
Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (Sabic), Saudi Arabia’s largest company by market capitalization, will pay its shareholders dividends totaling SR9bn ($2.4bn) for its operations in 2008.
Bouteflika wins third term as Algerian president

12 April 2009, 11:04 GMT
Abdelaziz Bouteflika has won a third successive term as Algerian president with a reported 90.24 per cent of the popular vote.
Bid deadline for Kuwait gathering centre delayed by one month

12 April 2009, 9:16 GMT
Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) has extended the bid deadline for a contract to build and maintain a new gathering centre in west Kuwait by a month after requests from contractors.
Wary Kuwaiti lenders will limit bidding pool

9 April 2009, 19:16 GMT
Kuwait’s banks are now asking contractors to deposit the full amount of the required bonds.
Firms line up for second phase of Petro-Rabigh expansion

9 April 2009, 17:57 GMT
Eight international engineering firms will submit bids for a combined design and management contract on the second-phase expansion of the Japanese/Saudi Petro-Rabigh petrochemicals complex on the Red Sea coast.
Abu Dhabi opens bidding for Ruwais deals

9 April 2009, 17:41 GMT
State-owned refining company tenders management and construction contracts for expansion project.
Contractors struggle to secure bid bonds in Kuwait

9 April 2009, 17:09 GMT
Banks’ demands for increasingly large deposits are stopping firms bidding for major projects.
Galfar bids low for Nimr gas contract in Oman

9 April 2009, 16:34 GMT
Oman’s Galfar Engineering & Contracting has submitted the lowest price for an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract covering a gas compressor station at Nimr in the north of the sultanate.
Firms bid low for Kuwait oil contracts

9 April 2009, 9:50 GMT
Kuwaiti firms have submitted the lowest bids for two major Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) maintenance contracts worth a total of KD66.8m ($228.9m).
Equate cuts Shuaiba petrochemicals production

9 April 2009, 8:00 GMT
US/Kuwaiti Equate Petrochemicals Company cut production at its Shuaiba petrochemicals complex in Kuwait because of related issues at a nearby Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) refinery.
Heritage Oil sells Oman subsidiary for $28m

8 April 2009, 13:18 GMT
UK listed Heritage Oil has sold its subsidiary, Eagle Energy, to UAE-based RAK Petroleum’s Oman arm for $28m.
India targets fertiliser joint ventures in Kuwait

8 April 2009, 10:29 GMT
India’s government is promoting the formation of new Kuwaiti/Indian fertiliser joint ventures to exploit Kuwait's cheap feedstocks and India's growing demand.
India plans to increase trade with Kuwait

8 April 2009, 9:27 GMT
India hopes to increase bilateral trade with major oil supplier Kuwait as it targets $500bn infrastructure investments while growing at 8 per cent a year to 2030.
GE Energy to use service deals to survive downturn

7 April 2009, 14:45 GMT
The US’ GE Energy Infrastructure’s Middle Eastern businesses will get through the downturn by completing service agreements on units it has already sold, according to the company’s president and chief executive officer John Krenicki.
Kuwait Oil Company awards deal to Sinopec

7 April 2009, 12:45 GMT
State-owned Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) has awarded a KD117m ($402m) contract to Chinese oil firm China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) for the construction of five oil and gas rigs, although it is not clear how the deal was done.
GE Energy signs $200m service deal with Emal

7 April 2009, 11:48 GMT
The US’ GE Energy has signed a $200m agreement with Abu-Dhabi based Emirates Aluminium (Emal) to provide services for Emal's new aluminium smelter.
Bader al-Mulla wins Kuwait Oil Company deal

6 April 2009, 13:12 GMT
Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) has awarded a KD6m ($20.6m) contract to the local Bader al-Mulla Brothers & Company for the maintenance of fire and gas detection systems at sites in the south and east of the country.
Firms line up for Oman depletion-compression work

6 April 2009, 12:15 GMT
Firms will enter technical bids for construction works on a depletion-compression project at Saih Nihayda in Oman valued at $300-400m on 3 May.
Tethys reports oil flow at Oman well

6 April 2009, 12:11 GMT
Sweden’s Tethys Oil’s Farha South 3 oil well at the company’s onshore Block 3 concession in Oman has flowed at 754 barrels a day under test conditions.
Kuwait's petrochemicals future depends on free gas supply

5 April 2009, 13:09 GMT
Further development of the petrochemicals sector in Kuwait depends on the development of new gas supplies, according to a senior Kuwait Petroleum Company (KPC) executive.
Repsol finds new gas in Algeria

5 April 2009, 9:35 GMT
Spain’s Repsol plans to drill 35 oil and gas exploration wells in 2009 following a new gas discovery in Algeria’s Ahnet basin.
ABB values El-Merk Contract at $490m

5 April 2009, 9:18 GMT
Switzerland-based ABB has valued the construction contract it won at the US/Algerian Al-Merk oil production hub in March 2009 at $490m.
Kuwait plans $82bn in hydrocarbons spending

3 April 2009, 18:05 GMT
Kuwait Petroleum Corporation sets out investment plans for next five years.
National Bank of Kuwait confident state will withstand downturn

3 April 2009, 17:18 GMT
Kuwait can draw on $500bn in assets to rescue economy, says chief economist.
Oil rises to $51 after positive economic sentiment

2 April 2009, 14:36 GMT
Crude oil contracts for May delivery, the earliest available, were trading at about $51 a barrel in Europe and the US on the afternoon of 2 April, having fallen as low as $47 a barrel in both regions, buoyed late in the week by positive economic sentiment.
Takreer prequalifies firms for Ruwais refinery deals

2 April 2009, 11:25 GMT
Abu Dhabi Refining Company (Takreer) has prequalified companies to bid for construction contracts spread across seven packages for its grassroots refinery expansion project at Ruwais.
Agency downgrades Dow Chemical's rating

2 April 2009, 8:58 GMT
US-based ratings agency Standard & Poor’s has downgraded the US’ Dow Chemical Company’s credit rating from BBB to BBB- and may cut the rating further to BB, adding to the company’s woes following the collapse of a $17.4bn joint venture in Kuwait.
Kuwait extends gas complex tender

1 April 2009, 12:48 GMT
Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) has delayed the bid deadline for the construction contract to build a $600-800m early production facilities gas processing complex in west Kuwait until May.
TCI Sanmar arranges Egyptian petrochemicals plant financing

31 March 2009, 18:20 GMT
India’s TCI Sanmar Chemicals has arranged $645m financing for a new $868m petrochemicals plant at Port Said in Egypt.
Abu Dhabi buys $3.8bn stake in Cepsa

31 March 2009, 18:15 GMT
Abu Dhabi’s International Petroleum Company (Ipic) has bought a €2.87bn ($3.8bn) 32.5 per cent stake in Spanish energy major Cepsa.
Equate to complete building Shuaiba plants

30 March 2009, 17:59 GMT
US/Kuwaiti joint venture Equate will complete the construction of two major petrochemicals plants at Shuaiba in May 2009, a senior executive at Kuwait Petroleum Company (KPC) said on 30 March.
Kuwaiti economy set to contract

30 March 2009, 17:37 GMT
Kuwait will see a fall in inflation and a contraction in the economy in 2009-2010, economists from the country’s central bank and its largest private bank said on 30 March.
Kuwait to hit oil production targets

30 March 2009, 17:15 GMT
Kuwait will achieve its target of four million barrels a day (b/d) of oil production capacity by 2020 despite the global economic downturn and Opec production cuts, a senior Kuwait Petroleum Company (KPC) executive said on 30 March.
Kuwaiti emir needs to win support

27 March 2009, 20:52 GMT
A strong government will be needed to see off any attempts to veto the bills when parliament returns, but there is a glimmer of hope.
Kuwaiti emir seeks to buoy investor confidence

27 March 2009, 19:44 GMT
Laws to regulate companies and markets set to be passed following approval of $5bn stimulus package.
Firms submit bids for Umm Shaif work in Abu Dhabi

27 March 2009, 17:55 GMT
Firms have entered commercial bids for the $500-600m contract to construct an offshore gas processing platform at the Umm Shaif oil and gas field in Abu Dhabi, with an award scheduled for July 2009.
Oil price rises to $50 as US demand grows

26 March 2009, 14:12 GMT
Crude oil contracts traded above $50 a barrel in the US, Europe, and across the Opec basket of 12 crudes for the first time in 2009 in the week ended 26 March.
Shaw wins Algeria gas contract

26 March 2009, 13:15 GMT
The US’ Shaw Group has won an engineering subcontract for a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) recovery facility that it designed for Algeria's state-owned energy major Sonatrach.
Ipic buys 70 per cent of Man Ferrostaal

26 March 2009, 10:02 GMT
Abu Dhabi’s International Petroleum Investment Company (Ipic) has completed its purchase of a controlling 70 per cent stake in German industrial services company Man Ferrostaal.
Kuwait delays Mina Ahmadi bid deadline

25 March 2009, 15:21 GMT
Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) has extended the bid deadline for a contract to design and install an emitted gases retrieving unit at its Mina Ahmadi refinery by two weeks.
Dragon Oil investigates improper procurement process

25 March 2009, 10:45 GMT
Staff at Dubai-based Dragon Oil took payments from contractors and manipulated the company’s procurement process, according to the preliminary results of an ongoing investigation by US consultancy KPMG.
Abu Dhabi makes more oil supply cuts

25 March 2009, 10:39 GMT
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) is to further cut crude oil output from its four main oil fields in May 2009 in line with its Opec commitments.
Heisco bids low for Kuwait Oil Company marine work

24 March 2009, 12:15 GMT
Kuwait’s Heavy Engineering Industries and Shipbuilding Company (Heisco) has submitted the low bid for a contract to provide Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) with staff for marine operations.
Aramco plans $29bn petrochemicals projects

24 March 2009, 10:23 GMT
Saudi Aramco is moving ahead with petrochemicals projects worth $29bn despite the economic slowdown in the kingdom and the wider region.
Al-Hassan wins Oman gas pipeline deal

24 March 2009, 8:39 GMT
Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) has awarded a $25m pipeline construction contract to the local Al-Hassan Engineering Group (Ahec).
Kuwait central bank to issue $317m worth of bonds

23 March 2009, 14:04 GMT
The Central Bank of Kuwait will issue treasury bonds worth KD92m ($317m) on 25 March 2009, according to Egyptian investment bank EFG-Hermes.
Petro-Rabigh extends engineering bid deadline

23 March 2009, 12:07 GMT
Saudi/Japanese joint venture Petro-Rabigh has delayed the deadline for bids for a management and design contract by two weeks.
Petroceltic awards Algeria exploration construction contract

23 March 2009, 11:52 GMT
Ireland-based oil and gas exploration company Petroceltic International has awarded a construction contract for wellhead services at its Isarene concession in Algeria.
Firms bid low for Kuwait pipeline contracts

22 March 2009, 12:02 GMT
Kuwait’s Combined Group Company (GGC) and Al-Dar Engineering & Construction Company have submitted the lowest bids for a contract to build pipelines in west Kuwait.
Shaw Group wins Jubail plastics plant design contract

22 March 2009, 11:13 GMT
The US' Shaw Group has been awarded the front end engineering and design (FEED) contract for a major new petrochemicals plant at Jubail in Saudi Arabia.
Contractors confirm Kuwait refinery contract cancellations

22 March 2009, 11:07 GMT
Construction contracts on the $12bn Al-Zour refinery in Kuwait have been formally cancelled, according to contractors who won the awards in 2008.
Kuwaiti political system needs time to evolve

20 March 2009, 18:25 GMT
In all likelihood, development plans will remain on hold until a new parliament is appointed.
Kuwaiti political turmoil threatens megaprojects

20 March 2009, 17:47 GMT
Future of $235bn spending programme is in doubt after government resigns and parliament is dissolved.
Korean firm wins Bab oil field contract

20 March 2009, 16:58 GMT
South Korea’s SK Engineering has won the contract to install compression units at the Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Operations’ (Adco) Bab oil field with a bid as much as $100m less than its nearest competitors. SK Engineering bid $805m.
Security concerns dampen interest in Yemen oil bid round

20 March 2009, 16:50 GMT
Plans to offer new oil and gas acreage this year will struggle to attract oil majors.
Regional refinery projects put on hold

20 March 2009, 14:35 GMT
Governments across the region are delaying plans to build additional refining capacity.
Emirates press ahead with energy sector expansion

20 March 2009, 12:02 GMT
The Petroleum & Mineral Resources Ministry has signalled its determination to continue investing in energy sector infrastructure despite the global downturn, with $28bn worth of projects planned.
Firms prepare to bid for Zakum pipeline work

18 March 2009, 16:14 GMT
Abu Dhabi is to tender a major construction contract for work on the offshore Zakum oil field in the second quarter of 2009, say contractors in the UAE.
Libya creates uncertainty over Chinese plan to buy Verenex

18 March 2009, 12:38 GMT
Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) may veto the acquisition of Canada’s Verenex Energy by China National Petroleum Company International (CNPCI).
Firms line up for Abu Dhabi oil platform work

18 March 2009, 12:14 GMT
Abu Dhabi Gas Company (Gasco) has asked firms to submit bids for the construction of a major offshore oil and gas production platform in Abu Dhabi by 23 March, with a contract award expected in June.
Firms line up for Ruwais refinery construction

17 March 2009, 16:23 GMT
Firms hoping to bid for construction contracts on the Abu Dhabi Refining Company (Takreer) refinery expansion at Ruwais have submitted their prequalification documents.
Occidental signs interim Bahrain oil field accord

17 March 2009, 12:23 GMT
The US’ Occidental has signed an interim agreement with Bahrain’s Mubadala Development Company and the National Oil and Gas Authority (Noga) to form a $1.5bn joint operating company to increase the country’s oil and gas production.
Qapco announces bid deadline for Mesaieed plant

17 March 2009, 12:08 GMT
Commercial bids for construction contracts on the $410m Qatar Petrochemical Company (Qapco) low density polyethylene (LDPE) plant at Mesaieed, known as LDPE III, are due on 23 March.
Kuwait government submits resignation

16 March 2009, 15:29 GMT
Kuwait’s government has submitted its resignation to the country’s emir, a senior cabinet office source tells MEED.
Kuwait awards pipeline deal to Combined Group

16 March 2009, 12:27 GMT
Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) has awarded a contract worth KD39.9m ($135m) to the local Combined Group Contracting Company for the construction of crude oil flow pipelines in north Kuwait.
Kuwait cancels $15bn Al-Zour refinery

16 March 2009, 12:07 GMT
Kuwait’s government is to cancel the planned $15bn Al-Zour refinery on 16 March, although contractors awarded work on the project say they have not been informed of the decision.
Opec can take long-term view

13 March 2009, 18:00 GMT
Demand for oil almost directly correlates to economic growth. Ministers may draw courage from the hope of what 2010 will bring.
Algeria's Sonatrach begins Arzew prequalification

13 March 2009, 16:30 GMT
Technology and design awards to be made on crucial ethane cracker work in the second half of the year.
Developers award El-Merk hub deals in Algeria

13 March 2009, 15:33 GMT
Three international firms win main packages on Algerian megaproject, with work expected to start in April.
Saudi petrochemicals producers keep projects on track

13 March 2009, 10:23 GMT
With access to cheap feedstock giving Saudi petrochemicals firms an advantage over their international rivals, plans to develop a series of major ventures will go ahead despite the global economic downturn.
Energy markets look to Opec for direction

12 March 2009, 16:38 GMT
Oil prices in the US reached their highest level in two months while values for the Opec basket of 12 crudes and the European Brent crude contract showed relative stability and the market looked to Opec for direction in the week ended 12 March.
Opec faces up to cost of output cuts

12 March 2009, 14:22 GMT
The cartel is coming under pressure to reduce quotas further. But can its members afford to comply?
Ruwais refinery bidding to start in 2009

12 March 2009, 12:50 GMT
Abu Dhabi Refining Company (Takreer) will ask companies to prequalify for construction contracts on its grassroots refinery at Ruwais in the second quarter of 2009.
Sonatrach awards El-Merk deals

12 March 2009, 12:37 GMT
Algeria's Sonatrach and the US' Anadarko have awarded construction contracts worth $3bn on their El-Merk oil production hub. The hub will have capacity of 130,000 barrels a day (b/d) of liquids across two 65,000 b/d oil and condensate trains, and 600 million cubic feet a day (cf/d) of natural gas liquids (NGL).
ConocoPhillips commits to Gulf gas projects

11 March 2009, 15:45 GMT
The US' ConocoPhillips has signalled its commitment to two major gas projects in Qatar and Abu Dhabi while unveiling a project expenditure programme worth more than $10bn for 2009.
Oilex completes Al-Jumd well exploration in Oman

11 March 2009, 12:41 GMT
Australia’s Oilex has completed testing of its Al-Jumd-1 well in Oman and is reviewing its commercial viability.
Adnoc requests Zakum dredging bids

11 March 2009, 12:14 GMT
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) has set a 6 April deadline for bidding on a major dredging project, known as the '750 Project'.
Kuwait delays Mina Abdullah maintenance deadline

10 March 2009, 17:08 GMT
Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) has postponed the bid deadline for maintenance work on the Mina Abdullah refinery by a week.
Dow completes Rohm & Haas acquisition

10 March 2009, 13:25 GMT
The US' Dow Chemical Company has reached an agreement to purchase US speciality chemicals maker Rohm & Haas despite the collapse of Dow's joint venture in Kuwait.
Joint venture firm to manage Ras Lanuf upgrade

10 March 2009, 11:00 GMT
Plans to upgrade the Ras Lanuf refinery in Libya will move ahead in 2009 after the formation of a UAE/Libyan joint venture company, Lirco, to run the project.
Opec criticises energy agency

9 March 2009, 15:28 GMT
Opec secretary general Abdalla el-Badri has criticised statements made by the Paris-based International Energy Agency, labelling them “confusing and misleading”.
Petrofac profits rise 40 per cent

9 March 2009, 12:30 GMT
UAE-based oil services company Petrofac made a net profit of $265m in 2008, up 40 per cent compared with 2007.
Equate profits decrease 11 per cent

9 March 2009, 11:18 GMT
US/Kuwaiti Equate Petrochemical Company has reported net profits of $683m in 2008, down 11 per cent on 2007, but still a strong performance for the struggling petrochemicals sector.
Algiers right to compromise on oil

8 March 2009, 12:44 GMT
As project costs fall in 2009, a new spirit of compromise may be coming at just the right time.
Dodsal bids low for Abu Dhabi compressor unit contract

6 March 2009, 16:01 GMT
Dubai-based contractor Dodsal is the low bidder for the contract to install compressor units at Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Operations’ (Adco) Bab oil field, with a price of less than $1bn, contractors tell MEED.
Kuwait Oil delays first major construction deal of the year

6 March 2009, 15:40 GMT
Contractors seek clarity over financial and technical aspects of Jurassic contract.
Algeria's El-Merk oil project back on track

6 March 2009, 14:47 GMT
Construction contracts to be tendered before the end of March as $4bn megaproject is relaunched.
Oil prices increase after Opec cuts

5 March 2009, 18:18 GMT
Crude oil contract prices for April, the earliest available, continued to rise in the US and across the Opec basket of 12 crudes while remaining largely stable in Europe during the week ending 5 March.
Yemen postones elections to 2011

5 March 2009, 16:22 GMT
Yemen has decided to postpone its parliamentary elections by two years from April 2009 until April 2011 to allow for a full review of the country’s electoral system.
Libya delays dismantling of government

5 March 2009, 12:00 GMT
The Libyan government has postponed Muammar Gaddafi's plan to distribute wealth directly to its people by a year to allow for a feasibility study to be conducted.
Qapco signs ethylene supply contract

5 March 2009, 11:14 GMT
Qatar Petrochemical Company (Qapco) has signed a $23.4m contract to provide ethylene supplies to Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation until the end of 2009.
Abu Dhabi buys $1bn stake in Oil Search

4 March 2009, 13:30 GMT
Abu Dhabi’s state-owned International Petroleum Investment Company (Ipic) has bought a 17.6 per cent stake in Australian-listed Oil Search Limited for $1.1bn making it the Australian company's largest shareholder.
Enerflex wins Omani gas deal

4 March 2009, 13:01 GMT
Canada’s Enerflex has won a contract to provide and maintain offshore natural gas compression facilities in Oman for the UK’s BP.
Kuwait emir moves to dissolve parliament

4 March 2009, 12:45 GMT
The emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah, is moving to dissolve the country’s parliament with an official decision due by 5 March.
Tripoli asks oil firms to cut production share

3 March 2009, 16:36 GMT
Libya’s state-owned National Oil Corporation (NOC) has asked four international oil companies operating in the country to accept a lower share of oil production as a reflection of difficult financial and economic circumstances.
Adelphi aims to sell stake in Yemen oil concession

3 March 2009, 12:28 GMT
Australia’s Adelphi Energy will sell its 8.5 per cent interest in Yemen’s Block 7 oil concession to Japan’s Mitsui Exploration & Production Middle East for $4m, if the local government approves the move.
Abu Dhabi firm resumes work on Pakistani refinery

3 March 2009, 11:20 GMT
The Abu Dhabi/Pakistan joint venture partners on the Baluchistan refinery in Pakistan have returned to work on the $5bn project after it was temporarily put on hold in January 2009.
Local firm bids low for Kuwait pipeline repairs contract

2 March 2009, 13:52 GMT
A local firm has put in the low bid for the Kuwait Oil Company contract to repair, replace, and modify oil pipelines in west Kuwait. Kuwait Oil Company expects to award the contract in March 2009.
Takreer invites firms to bid for Ruwais engineering deal

2 March 2009, 13:06 GMT
The Abu Dhabi Oil Refining Company (Takreer) has invited bids for the project management contract for the engineering phase of its Ruwais refinery.
Abu Dhabi delays bids for integrated gas project

2 March 2009, 12:49 GMT
Abu Dhabi has delayed the technical bids deadline for engineering work on its integrated gas development (IGD) project by two months to allow for the entry of new bidders.
Contractors prepare to bid for Rabigh expansion work

1 March 2009, 6:55 GMT
Rabigh Refining & Petrochemicals Company (Petro-Rabigh) is finally moving ahead with the multi-billion-dollar expansion of its Rabigh petrochemicals venture in Saudi Arabia, following delays in the bidding process.
Abu Dhabi puts Zakum offshore production boost on hold

1 March 2009, 6:51 GMT
Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Company (Adma-Opco) is to delay a 100,000-barrel-a-day (b/d) oil production boost at its Lower Zakum field for two years following the sustained drop in oil prices.
Doubts surface over Ras Tanura deal

1 March 2009, 6:44 GMT
Joint venture partner Dow Chemicals under increasing financial pressure as share value plummets.
Abu Dhabi announces further oil production cuts

27 February 2009, 13:13 GMT
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) is to cut its oil production by 15 per cent or more from April 2009 to aid Opec cuts which aim to stabilise oil prices.
Epsilon reviews Yemen activities after abandoning well

27 February 2009, 12:51 GMT
Canada-headquartered Epsilon Energy has plugged an oil well in Yemen after tests showed that it was not commercially viable, and is now discussing its future at its Area 41 concession in the country.
China National Petroleum awaits Libyan approval to buy Verenex

27 February 2009, 12:22 GMT
China National Petroleum Company International (CNPCI) will buy Canadian oil exploration firm Verenex Energy, which primarily operates in Libya, for $499m, if Tripoli gives its consent.
Crude prices rise on falling US imports and Opec cuts

26 February 2009, 15:40 GMT
April contracts for the US’ benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil, the earliest available, increased by $7 a barrel in the week ended 26 February as import levels to the world’s biggest consumer fell.
Bids in for gas compressor contract at Bab field

26 February 2009, 13:42 GMT
Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Operations (Adco) is evaluating bids for an engineering contract to install gas compressors at its onshore Bab field, with contractors hopeful for an award in March.
Dragon Oil postpones 2008 results for internal investigation

26 February 2009, 12:26 GMT
Dubai-headquartered Dragon Oil has postponed the release of its 2008 financial results while it investigates alleged improper conduct by former employees.
Ipic sets up $1.5bn joint venture energy transportation fund

25 February 2009, 14:11 GMT
Abu Dhabi’s International Petroleum Investment Company (Ipic) has continued its recent trend of investments by signing a memorandum of understanding with Greece’s Restis Group to create a $1.5bn energy transportation joint venture.
Losses at Borealis hit minority shareholder

25 February 2009, 13:13 GMT
Austria’s OMV has announced a loss of €66m ($84m) in the fourth quarter of 2008, partly because of losses at Abu Dhabi petrochemicals producer Borealis.
Sabic freezes promotions and pay rises

25 February 2009, 12:35 GMT
Saudi Basic Industries Company (Sabic), the largest company in the Middle East by market capitalisation, has frozen all salary increases, bonuses and promotions within the kingdom as part of cost cutting measures.
Sipchem delays start of Jubail acetyls plant

24 February 2009, 13:46 GMT
Saudi International Petrochemical Company (Sipchem) has delayed the start up of its Jubail acetyls complex by three months, after arranging SR1.35bn ($360m) in extra funding for the project.
Oman starts up Kauther gas plant

24 February 2009, 13:13 GMT
Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) has started operations at its $240m natural gas plant at Kauther, after work was completed two months ahead of schedule.
Ipic acquires Nova Chemicals in $2bn deal

24 February 2009, 12:54 GMT
The UAE’s International Petroleum Investment Company (Ipic) has launched a $2bn friendly takeover of Canada’s Nova Chemicals.
Indago settles Oman insurance claim

23 February 2009, 14:09 GMT
UK-based Indago Petroleum has settled an insurance claim for a blowout at its Jebel Hafit concession in Oman.
Sonatrach commits to gas supply for Sofert

23 February 2009, 12:57 GMT
Algerian state-owned energy major Sonatrach has formally committed to supplying Sofert, an Egyptian/Algerian fertilizer company, with natural gas from 2011.
Dana Gas makes further gas discovery in Egypt

23 February 2009, 12:06 GMT
The UAE’s Dana Gas has discovered 100 billion cubic feet (cf) of natural gas in Egypt’s Nile Delta, bringing its total discoveries in the region to 270 billion cf.
Project delays put Abu Dhabi energy production boost in doubt

22 February 2009, 7:35 GMT
Contractors say cost cutting threatens 2015 deadline for output increase.
Gasco lines up firms for UAE onshore field work

22 February 2009, 7:30 GMT
Several international firms are being lined up for major works to increase oil and gas handling capacity at four onshore fields in the UAE.
Kuwait awards depletion study contracts

20 February 2009, 14:03 GMT
Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) has signed three contracts for depletion studies at selected oil fields in the country, for a total value of KD824,451 ($2.8m).
Opec production cuts lead to fall in US oil stocks

20 February 2009, 13:39 GMT
US crude oil stocks fell in the week ended 13 February as worldwide supplies tightened following a series of Opec production cuts.
Kuwait Oil Company awards three engineering contracts

20 February 2009, 12:05 GMT
Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) says it has awarded three engineering contracts at a total value of KD10.6m ($36m) so far this month.
Opec crude falls as US market remains stable

19 February 2009, 15:25 GMT
Crude oil contracts for March delivery, the earliest available, fell $3-4 a barrel for both European Brent and the Opec basket in the week ended 19 February, while values for the US’ benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) showed a week-on-week gain.
Daewoo wins $200m Arzew gas train contract

19 February 2009, 13:43 GMT
South Korea’s Daewoo Engineering & Construction has been awarded a Won 409bn ($208m) contract for work on the Arzew liquefied natural gas (LNG) train in Algeria by the Italian/Japanese main contractor on the project.
Petro-Rabigh reports $335m loss

19 February 2009, 12:51 GMT
Saudi Arabia’s Rabigh Refining and Petrochemical Company (Petro-Rabigh) has reported a net loss of SR1.26bn ($335m) for 2008 due to weak market conditions and project delays.
Firms invited to bid for design work on Nasr field

18 February 2009, 12:04 GMT
Firms in the UAE have been asked to express interest in bidding for an engineering design contract on the Abu Dhabi Marine Operations Company (ADMA-OPCO) Nasr field development.
Abu Dhabi signals commitment to Chemaweyaat with ruler's decree

18 February 2009, 11:03 GMT
Abu Dhabi’s ruler has signed a decree for the formation of the Abu Dhabi National Chemicals Company (Chemaweyaat), in a further sign of the emirate's commitment to the $20bn industrial chemicals venture.
Tripoli delays meeting to discuss oil nationalisation

18 February 2009, 10:25 GMT
Discussions on the nationalisation of oil assets in Libya have been delayed, with the General People’s Congress to meet later than planned.
Elixier lines up nitrogen pipeline bidders

17 February 2009, 12:47 GMT
UAE/German gas firm Elixier is prequalifying local firms for a nitrogen pipeline construction contract, with the bidding process expected to begin in the second quarter of 2009 after a survey of the planned works.
Aramco delays announcement on Ras Tanura prequalifiers

17 February 2009, 9:54 GMT
Saudi Aramco has delayed naming the firms that have prequalified to bid for construction work on its Ras Tanura refinery expansion, after revising the qualification terms.
J Ray McDermott wins $1.2bn Karan contract after cutting bid

17 February 2009, 9:43 GMT
UAE-based J Ray McDermott has won a construction contract for the platforms and pipelines package at Saudi Aramco's Karan gas development, after the contractor reduced its original bid by more than $100m.
Circle Oil makes gas discovery in Morocco concession

16 February 2009, 13:22 GMT
Initial testing at London-listed Circle Oil’s Sebou concession in Morocco has shown near-record production of almost 20 million cubic feet a day (cf/d).
Dana Gas makes second Egypt gas discovery of 2009

16 February 2009, 12:58 GMT
The UAE’s Dana Gas has made a discovery of approximately 20 billion cubic feet of dry gas at its Haggag concession in Egypt, the company’s second discovery of the year.
Fresh doubts raised over progress on Shah gas development

16 February 2009, 12:43 GMT
Sources close to the $12bn Shah sour gas development planned by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) say that progress on the project is in doubt due to the economic climate and delays to the design process.
Compromise is key for Iraq

15 February 2009, 13:12 GMT
Oil majors are increasingly concerned by the level of profit they are likely to make on deals.
Oil majors criticise Baghdad over new contract terms

15 February 2009, 6:15 GMT
Firms call for a rethink in approach and say conditions could undermine plans to rebuild the industry.
Opec revises down estimate for oil demand

13 February 2009, 17:36 GMT
Opec has revised its world oil demand forecasts for 2009 down by 200 per cent, and says that global supply is now in decline for the first time in 10 years.
Birol warns failure to invest may result in record oil prices

13 February 2009, 17:01 GMT
Failure to invest in new oil and gas infrastructure may result in a capacity crunch leading to record energy prices, according to the International Energy Agency’s chief economist.
Qatar takes majority stake in UK renewables event

13 February 2009, 13:56 GMT
A Qatari exhibitions company has acquired a majority stake in the UK’s All-Energy, which specialises in renewable energy events.
Baghdad to open downstream projects to winners of exploration licences

13 February 2009, 13:04 GMT
Energy majors that win exploration and development licences in Iraq will also be able to approach Baghdad with plans for new refineries and export facilities without having to go through a bidding process, according to a senior industry source in the country.
Dow slashes dividend in wake of cancelled Kuwait project

13 February 2009, 12:24 GMT
The US’ Dow Chemical has slashed its first quarter 2009 dividend by 64 per cent, as the knock-on effects from the failed K-Dow joint venture with Kuwait continues to hurt the company’s finances.
Total continues with Middle East projects despite loss

12 February 2009, 15:14 GMT
France’s Total has reiterated its commitment to projects in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, despite seeing a €776m ($989) loss before adjustments in the fourth quarter of 2008.
Opec oil prices remain steady while US crude falls

12 February 2009, 13:02 GMT
Crude oil contract values for March, the earliest currently available, were largely stable for Europe’s Brent and the 12-crude Opec basket in the week to 12 February, but the US’ benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) contract fell by some $5 a barrel.
Egas attracts bids for six offshore blocks

12 February 2009, 10:54 GMT
Bids have been submitted for six Egyptian Gas Holding Company (Egas) offshore exploration blocks, a senior company source tells MEED.
Iran may consider increasing use of gas reinjection, says analyst

11 February 2009, 12:37 GMT
Iran may consider increasing the level of gas supplies dedicated to reinjection into its ageing oil fields to avoid declines in production rates, according to a regional analyst.
Pipeline contract delays add to doubts over Al-Zour refinery

11 February 2009, 12:12 GMT
The closing date for bids on an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract for pipelines at the planned Al-Zour refinery in Kuwait has been extended by a month, prompting some contractors to question whether the wider project will now go ahead.
Shell to hold talks on gas deal with Baghdad

10 February 2009, 17:59 GMT
Baghdad will meet with UK / Dutch energy major Shell Group on 11 February to revise the terms of an associated gas development deal which could lead to the formation of a joint venture by the end of 2009.
UAE warns under-investment in oil will lead to supply crunch

10 February 2009, 15:04 GMT
With oil prices at half the level necessary to sustain the development of new energy infrastructure, the industry may suffer a “capacity crunch” once the global economy revives, according to UAE Energy Minister Mohamed bin Dhaen Al Hamli.
Japex to begin operations at Libyan offshore concession

10 February 2009, 12:53 GMT
Japan Exploration Company (Japex) is to begin operations at an offshore concession in Libya by the end of February, a company source tells MEED.
Opec countries place a quarter of major oil projects on hold

9 February 2009, 17:28 GMT
Of the 130 major oil projects planned by Opec countries, at least 35 have been delayed or cancelled as demand and revenue from oil falters, according to the secretary general of the international oil cartel.
Borouge agrees $1.39bn payment for turnkey contract

9 February 2009, 13:10 GMT
Spain’s TR and Abu Dhabi Polymers Company (Borouge) have signed a final agreement for a $1.39bn payment on a lump sum turnkey contract they agreed in 2007.
South Oil awards Basra debottlenecking contract

9 February 2009, 13:05 GMT
Iraq's South Oil Company has awarded a front end engineering and design (FEED) contract for the debottlenecking and upgrade of its Basra export terminal to the US' Foster Wheeler.
Gasco evaluates bids for Abu Dhabi integrated gas development

8 February 2009, 11:06 GMT
Contractors enter three-part bidding process for five main packages.
Ras Tanura expansion attracts strong contractor interest

8 February 2009, 10:22 GMT
Progress on bidding process reassures firms over future of $8bn refinery upgrade.
Takreer to qualify firms for Ruwais

8 February 2009, 10:17 GMT
Abu Dhabi Oil Refining Company (Takreer) is moving ahead with the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts on its planned Ruwais refinery expansion, by asking firms to apply for prequalification.
Gulf petrochemicals industry has to make most of slump

8 February 2009, 9:32 GMT
This may well prove to be the year the region’s petrochemicals industry fulfils its potential.
Gulf petrochemicals sector to gain from consolidation

8 February 2009, 7:23 GMT
As the sector contracts in line with falling global demand, the region’s producers are in a strong position to overtake their more established international rivals through mergers and acquisitions.
Cosmo Oil forecasts negative full year results

6 February 2009, 13:48 GMT
Tokyo-based Cosmo Oil, which is partly owned by Abu Dhabi emirate, has adjusted its full year income forecast to predict a net loss of JPY92bn ($1bn), as margins continue to be hit by falling prices and lower demand for refined oil products.
Kuwait cabinet approves stimulus package

6 February 2009, 13:05 GMT
The Kuwaiti cabinet has approved an economic stimulus bill after an emergency meeting on 5 February.
Dubai exchange delays launch of plastic futures contracts

5 February 2009, 14:44 GMT
Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange (DGCX) has postponed the launch of its plastics futures contracts, after requests for more time from industry participants.
Crude oil prices stabilise in slowing market

5 February 2009, 14:21 GMT
Crude oil prices remained largely stable at $40-42 a barrel over the seven days ended 5 February, with Opec cuts mitigated by inventory gains in the US.
Awards delayed on Qapco polyethylene contracts

5 February 2009, 12:03 GMT
The award of engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts for a polyethylene plant planned by Qatar Petrochemical Company (Qapco) should be made by the end of March, a month later than expected.
Technip wins Midor expansion contract

4 February 2009, 13:43 GMT
Paris-based Technip has won a Eu43m ($55m) engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract for the expansion of the delayed coking unit at the Alexandria refinery owned by Egypt's Middle East Oil Refinery (Midor).
Akakus seeks interest in Murzuq gasoil plant

4 February 2009, 12:54 GMT
Libyan/European Akakus Oil Operations has asked firms to express interest in prequalification for an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract on a new gasoil separation plant.
Dow reports $1.6bn loss following collapse of Kuwait deal

4 February 2009, 10:25 GMT
The US’ Dow Chemical has reported a fourth quarter loss of $1.55bn for 2008, as demand for its products slumped and a failed joint venture in Kuwait cost it as much as $100m.
Bids for Ras Tanura contracts expected in early 2010

3 February 2009, 14:21 GMT
Bidding for the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts at the Ras Tanura petrochemicals complex in Saudi Arabia is not likely to begin until 2010, according to contractors in the kingdom.
BP reports $3.3bn loss in fourth quarter

3 February 2009, 13:30 GMT
The UK’s BP says it is well positioned to cope with the current financial crisis despite reporting a loss of $3.3bn in the fourth quarter of 2008.
Prequalification closes for Kuwait's Clean Fuel Project

3 February 2009, 12:37 GMT
The prequalification process for a series of engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts for Kuwait National Petroleum Company has closed, with a large number of companies thought to have applied.
Equate delays completion of Greater Equate projects

2 February 2009, 14:30 GMT
The completion of a series of projects planned by the US/Kuwait joint venture Equate has been delayed until later this year, for undisclosed reasons.
Zadco to develop man-made islands as drilling platforms

2 February 2009, 13:22 GMT
Abu Dhabi ’s Zakum Development Company (Zadco) is to create seven man-made islands to use as drilling platforms for its “750 Project”, according to sources close to the project.
Bahrain signs gas agreement with Shell

2 February 2009, 11:29 GMT
The UK/Dutch Shell Group has signed a memorandum of understanding with Bahrain’s National Oil and Gas Authority (Noga) to look at the feasibility of local gas initiatives.
Negotiation is key to success for NOCs

1 February 2009, 10:11 GMT
Clients are now having to ease contractors’ terms to ensure their projects can move ahead.
Libyan Congress debates seizing energy assets from IOCs

1 February 2009, 9:15 GMT
Speculation mounts as assembly discusses replacing international oil firms with national companies.
State oil giants Adco and Aramco improve contract terms

1 February 2009, 9:11 GMT
Adco and Saudi Aramco are easing conditions for contractors in a bid to reduce construction costs.
Adco considers cutting back on '1.8 million' field upgrades

1 February 2009, 7:39 GMT
Capacity expansions at Ruwais and Bab onshore fields could be delayed.
Occidental to sign Awali field contract by end of year

30 January 2009, 13:43 GMT
The US’ Occidental says it will finalise a contract with Bahrain’s National Oil and Gas Authority (Noga) to develop the state’s Awali field by the end of 2009, up to eight months later than previously expected.
Dow 'offended' by Kuwait graft investigation

30 January 2009, 12:55 GMT
The US’ Dow Chemical has said it is “highly offended” by allegations of wrongdoing in its collapsed K-Dow joint venture with Kuwait’s Petroleum Industries Company (PIC).
Shell reports $2.8bn fourth quarter loss

29 January 2009, 14:58 GMT
UK/Dutch Royal Dutch Shell made a net loss of $2.8bn in the fourth quarter of 2008 and registered a net profit of $26.3bn for the year, as tough operating conditions battered oil operators.
Gulf Fluor agrees third phase contracts for fluorides facility

29 January 2009, 13:59 GMT
The UAE's Gulf Fluor has signed contracts worth more than AED500m ($136m) for the third phase of its Abu Dhabi Industrial City fluorides complex.
Oil stalls at $41 a barrel on US inventory gains and bearish sentiment

29 January 2009, 13:09 GMT
Crude oil for March delivery was trading at $41 a barrel on the New York Metal Exchange (Nymex) in out-of-hours trading on 29 January, with prices down around $4 a barrel on the previous week as inventories in the US showed significant gains.
Tehran completes further stages of South Pars development

28 January 2009, 14:42 GMT
Phases 6-9 of Iran's South Pars gas field development will be completed by the end of January, with phase 10 due to be ready a month later, according to local media reports.
Aramco begins work at Star offshore platform facility

28 January 2009, 13:27 GMT
Saudi Arabia’s first facility for the fabrication of offshore oil production platforms has been competed and construction has begun on four new platforms at the facility.
Dana gears up for Sharjah development

28 January 2009, 12:24 GMT
The UAE’s Dana Gas is to move ahead with exploration and development at its Sharjah offshore concession.
Emarat to cover shortfall in Dolphin gas supplies to northern emirates

27 January 2009, 11:34 GMT
Local fuel distributor Emarat says it will supply fuel to the northern emirates to make up for a shortfall in supplies, after UAE-based Dolphin Energy said it would cut gas supplies from Qatar to the UAE by up to half, as part of a planned maintenance works.
Borouge delays bids for Ruwais expansion project

27 January 2009, 10:30 GMT
The deadline for technical bids for a project management consultancy (PMC) contract at Ruwais has been extended after the client, Borouge, made changes to the contract.
Epsilon wins exploration concession in Oman

27 January 2009, 10:18 GMT
Canada-headquartered Epsilon Energy has been awarded an exploration licence for Oman's Block 55 oil and gas concession.
Kuwait forms energy joint venture with Gazprom

26 January 2009, 12:57 GMT
Kuwait’s Noor Financial Investment Company has formed a joint venture with Gazprom Geofizika, a subsidiary of Russia’s Gazprom, creating two companies to work in the oil and gas sector and bringing the Russian giant into the Kuwaiti energy sector.
Repsol makes three Sahara gas discoveries

26 January 2009, 11:59 GMT
Spain’s Repsol has made three gas discoveries in Algeria, totaling more than one million cubic metres a day (cm/d).
Adco cuts cost of Sas awards by $1bn

26 January 2009, 10:23 GMT
Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Operations (Adco) has awarded two contracts on the Sahil, Asab and Shah (Sas) oil fields for a total of $3.5bn - $1bn less than the original bid estimates.
Masdar invests in Japanese clear energy fund

23 January 2009, 18:08 GMT
Abu Dhabi’s Masdar Clean Tech Fund and Japan’s SBI holdings have created a $20m investment fund for alternative energy companies in Japan.
Former Opec chief warns of oil nationalisation plans

23 January 2009, 17:57 GMT
Political reaction to the recent conflict in the Gaza Strip could prompt the nationalisation of oil and gas resources in the region, former OPEC chief Omar el-Badri tells MEED.
Cosmo Oil to extend Abu Dhabi oil concession

23 January 2009, 16:19 GMT
Japan’s Cosmo Oil is to renew its existing offshore oil concession in Abu Dhabi by 20 years, according to local media reports.
Ratings agency affirms Sabic long-term credit rating

22 January 2009, 18:02 GMT
Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (Sabic) has had its A+ long-term corporate credit rating affirmed by US ratings agency Standard & Poor’s (S&P), despite announcing a 95 per cent year-on-year fall in fourth quarter profits.
Gulfsands starts drilling on northern Syria well

22 January 2009, 14:09 GMT
The UK's Gulfsands Petroleum has begun drilling operations at a second well in its Block 56 concession in northern Syria, following an earlier discovery at the same location.
Eon Ruhrgas eyes further north African gas deals

22 January 2009, 13:00 GMT
Germany's Eon Ruhrgas says it will continue to work towards securing gas supplies in North and West Africa, after winning an exploration licence at Rhourde Yacoub in Algeria.
Final investment decision nears on Shah sour gas scheme

22 January 2009, 12:31 GMT
Front end engineering and design (FEED) for the $12bn-plus Shah sour gas development will be finalised within weeks, paving the way for a final investment decision for the project.
Dragon Oil production up 28 per cent in 2008

21 January 2009, 13:00 GMT
Dubai-headquartered Dragon Oil saw a 28 per cent increase in production in 2008 and says it will continue investing in its development plans despite falling oil prices.
Muscat considers offering larger Sohar refinery contract

21 January 2009, 12:26 GMT
Oman Refineries & Petrochemicals Company (ORPC) is considering repackaging a contract at the bitumen plant at its Sohar refinery with other work, in order to attract more competitive bids.
Mott MacDonald wins Fujairah consultancy contract

21 January 2009, 12:06 GMT
The UK’s Mott MacDonald has been appointed as consultant for the engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) phase of the $100m oil terminals storage project at Fujairah planned by the local Gulf Petrochem.
Firms line up for Kuwait oil well testing services

20 January 2009, 12:44 GMT
As many as eight companies have submitted bids for the Kuwait Oil Company’s contract for general well testing services, with awards not expected until March at the earliest.
Sabic fourth quarter profits fall by 96 per cent

20 January 2009, 12:21 GMT
Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (Sabic) has reported a 95 per cent fall in profits for the fourth quarter of 2008, compared to the same period a year earlier.
Dubai World signs up for Nigeria oil and gas development`

20 January 2009, 11:55 GMT
Dubai World has signed a cooperation agreement with the Nigerian government to develop the African state’s oil and gas sector.
Kuwait Oil Company extends compressor deadlines further

19 January 2009, 13:06 GMT
Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) has further extended the closing date for bids for the contract to install new compressors at three gathering centres by a month.
Tecnicas Reunidas finalises $1.2bn value for Saudi Kayan contract

19 January 2009, 12:26 GMT
Spain’s Tecnicas Reunidas has agreed the final value of its contract with Saudi Arabia’s Saudi Kayan for the latter’s Al Jubail phenolics plant at $1.2bn, a source close to the project has confirmed.
WorleyParsons wins Chemaweyaat project management deal

19 January 2009, 11:16 GMT
Abu Dhabi’s Chemaweyaat and Australia’s WorleyParsons have signed a long-term project management and consultancy (PMC) contract, with their first project together the initial phase of the Abu Dhabi firm's industrial city in Taweelah.
Kuwait is missing opportunities

19 January 2009, 6:17 GMT
The K-Dow deal is the latest victim of political infighting.Kuwait needs a reliable system in place to negotiate and finalise deals.
Adco to award Sas work after bidders slash prices

18 January 2009, 12:54 GMT
Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations (Adco) has approved two contracts to increase production capacity at the Sahil, Asab and Shah (Sas) oil fields, after securing lower prices from bidders.
Political disputes hold back Kuwait

18 January 2009, 7:30 GMT
Parliamentary infighting, project delays and cancelled contracts are deterring foreign investors.
Qatar cuts gas supply to European energy major

16 January 2009, 17:33 GMT
Qatarhas cut liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies to customers, including at least one European energy major, following an unidentified technical fault at its Qatargas-1 plant.
Algeria enforces Opec oil production cuts

16 January 2009, 13:52 GMT
Algeria says it will make further cuts to its oil production, in line with the reductions agreed with other Opec states.
Syria signs signs oil and gas agreement with India

16 January 2009, 13:04 GMT
Syria and India have signed a memorandum of understanding for greater co-operation in the oil and gas sector.
Opec predicts further fall in oil demand in 2009

15 January 2009, 17:16 GMT
Global demand for crude oil will drop in 2009 at an even greater rate than previously thought, according to a new report from Opec. It follows a fall in demand in 2008 - the first time this happened in 25 years.
Abu Dhabi Polymers Park maintains investor interest despite economic downturn

15 January 2009, 14:21 GMT
Progress at the Abu Dhabi Polymers Park (ADPP) is continuing despite concerns over global recession and power shortages, says the scheme's vice-president.
Veco wins consultancy role on Abu Dhabi's 1.8 million project

15 January 2009, 14:01 GMT
US/Canadian firm Veco has won the contract for the first part of the project management consultancy (PMC) on the $3bn '1.8 million' project planned by Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations (Adco).
Oilex gains positive results from Oman oil exploration wells

15 January 2009, 11:23 GMT
Australia’s Oilex exploratory well-drilling at the Eastern Flank Salt Basin of Oman’s Block 56 has yielded positive results, with testing programmes now being planned.
Abu Dhabi Polymers Park looks for $100m joint venture partner

14 January 2009, 12:10 GMT
UAE-based Abu Dhabi Polymers Park (ADPP) says it is in talks with potential joint venture partners over investments worth around $100m.
Ipic's $5bn Pakistan refinery put on hold

14 January 2009, 11:53 GMT
Progress on the $5bn refinery in Baluchistan planned by Abu Dhabi’s International Petroleum Investment Company (Ipic) and Pakistan’s Pakistan-Arab Refinery Company (Parco) has been temporarily halted due to procedural issues.
Gulf Keystone to start commercial production at Algerian gas field

14 January 2009, 11:00 GMT
UK-based Gulf Keystone Petroleum says it will press ahead with commercial production at its Hassi Ba Hamou gas field in Algeria, after completing prospecting and appraisal of the well.
Epsilon to begin drilling at fresh well in Yemen

13 January 2009, 13:10 GMT
Canada-headquartered Epsilon Energy is to begin drilling in Mukalla, Yemen within the next five weeks, following a lack of commercial results from a well in Kaninah.
Local firms submit lowest bids for Kuwait gathering centres

13 January 2009, 10:37 GMT
Bids for two gathering centre contracts for the Early Production Facility (EPF) planned by Kuwait Oil Company have been announced, with Combined Group and Heavy Industries & Shipbuilding Company, both local, offering the lowest bids.
Kuwait government sworn in

12 January 2009, 13:17 GMT
A new Kuwaiti government has been sworn in, with Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah returning to the post of prime minister which he vacated in November and Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah taking on the key role of acting oil minister.
Ipic takes 70 per cent stake in Man Ferrostaal

12 January 2009, 11:54 GMT
Abu Dhabi’s International Petroleum Investment Company (Ipic) has agreed to take a 70 per cent stake in Germany's Man Ferrostaal.
Ipic reviews Fujairah refinery plans

11 January 2009, 9:25 GMT
Abu Dhabi-based company says scheme is no longer a priority as demand for refined products plummets.
Investment in Abu Dhabi plastics zone to double this year

8 January 2009, 16:29 GMT
Abu Dhabi Polymers Park has begun construction of its first commercial plot on schedule, and expects investment in the project to more than double in 2009 to a total of $52m.
Kuwait extends bid deadline for Al-Zour pipeline contract

8 January 2009, 13:55 GMT
The closing date for bids on an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract for pipelines at the Al-Zour refinery, planned by Kuwait National Petroleum Company’s (KNPC), has been extended by a month until 10 February to allow for late bid entries.
LyondellBasell's Gulf operations to continue despite bankruptcy filing

7 January 2009, 12:47 GMT
The decision by LyondellBasell, the Netherlands-headquartered chemicals giant, to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the US should not have any effect on the company’s joint ventures in the Middle East according to analysts.
Bids submitted for Kuwait Oil Company gathering centres

7 January 2009, 12:20 GMT
Bids have been submitted for two contracts on the Early Production Facility (EPF) planned by Kuwait Oil Company (KOC).
Dow to pursue legal action against Kuwait over cancelled petrochemicals venture

6 January 2009, 14:45 GMT
US-based Dow Chemicals is to pursue legal action and other undisclosed options against Kuwait’s Petrochemical Industries Company (PIC), after the Kuwaiti company cancelled a $17bn joint venture agreement.
Abu Dhabi energy contract awards expected this month

6 January 2009, 12:36 GMT
Two major contracts planned by Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations (Adco), including the 1.8 million project and the Shah, Asab and Sahil (Sas) full field development, should be decided within the next month, according to project sources.
Ipic close to awarding Pakistan refinery contract

6 January 2009, 11:44 GMT
Abu Dhabi-based International Petroleum Investment Company is likely to award the contract for front end engineering and design (FEED) for its Pakistan refinery project imminently.
Shuaiba aromatics plant delayed until March

5 January 2009, 12:22 GMT
Completion of Kuwait Paraxylene Company’s $1.2bn Shuaiba aromatics plant has been delayed until March due to labour procurement issues and project redesigns.

MEEDPeter Salisbury

MEED
Peter Salisbury