Iraq to Award 30 New Oil and Gas Projects in New Licensing Rounds 

Iraq said it would award 30 new oil and gas projects in its fifth + and sixth licensing rounds. (AFP)
Iraq said it would award 30 new oil and gas projects in its fifth + and sixth licensing rounds. (AFP)
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Iraq to Award 30 New Oil and Gas Projects in New Licensing Rounds 

Iraq said it would award 30 new oil and gas projects in its fifth + and sixth licensing rounds. (AFP)
Iraq said it would award 30 new oil and gas projects in its fifth + and sixth licensing rounds. (AFP)

Iraq, OPEC's second producer after Saudi Arabia, said on Tuesday it would award 30 new oil and gas projects in its fifth + and sixth licensing rounds.

The fifth + licensing round includes 16 new projects, some of which were not awarded in the fifth licensing round and some new projects, the oil ministry official said at the ADIPEC energy conference held in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi.

The sixth licensing round will include 14 projects, he said.



Saudi Arabia Set to Unveil World’s Tallest Skyscraper

Jeddah Tower is slated for completion within 42 months
Jeddah Tower is slated for completion within 42 months
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Saudi Arabia Set to Unveil World’s Tallest Skyscraper

Jeddah Tower is slated for completion within 42 months
Jeddah Tower is slated for completion within 42 months

Construction of the Jeddah Tower in western Saudi Arabia is speeding up. Set to be completed in 2028, it will rise over 1,000 meters, becoming the world’s tallest building.
The tower will showcase engineering innovation and technological progress, marking a key addition to the global skyline.
Kingdom Holding Company announced on Monday the resumption of Jeddah Tower construction and concrete pouring, with the presence of the Chairman of the company, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, its CEO, Eng. Talal Almaiman and representatives from several real estate and architectural firms.
According to the company, Jeddah Tower, which will exceed 1,000 meters in height, will become the tallest building in the world.
It will redefine Jeddah's skyline and position the Kingdom as a hub for architectural excellence and economic opportunities, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals of diversifying the economy and promoting sustainable urban development.
Prince Alwaleed praised the support the project has received from the government. He explained that most of the loans responsible for construction have been repaid, allowing the company to efficiently manage the project.
He emphasized that this support reflects the government’s commitment to major national projects.
He also confirmed that the tower will be completed in 42 months. Concrete pouring has begun for the 64th floor, and the team plans to finish one floor every four days.
The Jeddah Tower is part of a larger 5.3 million square meter development, with the first phase covering 1.3 million square meters. The total investment will exceed 100 billion riyals, and the tower is expected to house between 75,000 and 100,000 people once finished.
Regarding financing, Prince Alwaleed also highlighted the advanced technology being used in the tower’s construction, including new methods for lifting concrete to heights of up to 1,000 meters.
The tower’s design will make it a unique global landmark, with its final height to be revealed later.