Saudi Aramco has discovered an offshore non-associated gas field off the Red Sea coast of the kingdom.

The discovery was made 26 kilometres offshore north west of Dhuba. One test well flowed at 10 million cubic feet a day (cf/d) 17,700 feet below the sea surface while another showed a flow of 5.2 million cf/d at a distance of 17,275 feet.

The Red Sea has estimated oil reserves of about 100 billion barrels and is also believe to have substantial gas deposits. Seismic surveys and testing is currently being carried out ahead of an anticipated first phase development worth $25bn.