Saudi Aramco CEO Amin Nasser said he expects the Jafurah unconventional gas project in eastern Saudi Arabia to contribute approximately $23 billion annually to the country’s GDP.
Speaking at the Al-Ahsa Investment Forum 2025, he highlighted the project’s role in increasing Aramco’s gas production capacity by more than 60% by 2030.
The forum, organized by the Al-Ahsa Chamber and attended by government officials, business leaders, and industry experts, focuses on investment opportunities in Al-Ahsa and Saudi Arabia’s broader economic development. Aramco, as the event’s strategic partner, aims to showcase investment prospects in the energy sector and beyond.
Nasser emphasized Al-Ahsa’s historical significance to Aramco, stating that the company has expanded its projects in the region to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
He described Jafurah as “the crown jewel of shale gas fields in the Middle East,” with total investments exceeding $100 billion over the next 15 years. The project is projected to reach a production capacity of 2 billion standard cubic feet per day of sales gas by 2030, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading gas producer.
Nasser also highlighted the development of King Salman Energy Park (SPARK), a major industrial hub. The first phase of SPARK has attracted over 60 local and international investors, with investments exceeding SAR 12 billion ($3.2 billion), and is expected to generate more than 40,000 direct and indirect jobs. SPARK now serves as Aramco’s central hub for drilling services and logistics support for Saudi oil and gas fields.
Additionally, a dry port is under development within SPARK, set to become the largest in the Eastern Province, with an annual capacity of 10 million metric tons of cargo. Operations will begin in phases starting in the second quarter of this year.
According to Nasser, Aramco is also focusing on environmental sustainability, partnering with King Faisal University to establish a center for nature-based solutions and conducting research on Saudi Arabia’s mangrove forests. These efforts align with the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative.
On the social front, Aramco is enhancing educational environments and supporting community programs. One key initiative is the construction of the region’s largest center for individuals with disabilities, set for completion in February 2026.
