Letter from the Middle East: The counter-cyclical unconventional renaissance
While US shale firms batten down the hatches or seek M&A solutions to their problems, Mid-East Gulf unconventionals are enjoying a revival
The appetite to develop unconventional resources in the Mid-East Gulf remains surprisingly robust, with a quest for gas the main motivator for going after these tricky reservoirs. But, to make these plays work economically, the developers will need to show sophisticated skills and cost control. Kuwait has for some years been developing the deep, tight and sour Jurassic oil and gas in its north. But technical, safety and budgetary challenges have meant progress has been slow. In April 2018, Bahrain said it had found 10-20tn ft³ (280-560bn m³) of gas in the deep pre-Unayzah (Permian) onshore and 80bn bl of shale oil in place in the Khalij Al Bahrain offshore basin. It estimated this could prod
Also in this section
21 April 2026
After overcoming a COVID-induced demand collapse with several years of successful market management, geopolitical events have conspired to provide the pact’s biggest test to date
21 April 2026
The regime’s policy of using nuclear ambiguity as a deterrent may have failed but it has realised it has other cards to play, while its neighbours are reappraising their approach to security
21 April 2026
As the global energy system undergoes a fundamental realignment, Algihaz Holdings has established itself as a critical player bridging conventional energy markets and the next generation of renewable infrastructure.
21 April 2026
The 25th WPC Energy Congress is taking place from 11-15 October 2026 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center.
