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Saudi Energy Minister Announces New 8 Arabian Oil, 6 Natural Gas Discoveries

Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. Reuters file photo
Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. Reuters file photo
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Saudi Energy Minister Announces New 8 Arabian Oil, 6 Natural Gas Discoveries

Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. Reuters file photo
Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. Reuters file photo

Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz announced that the Saudi Arabian Oil Company -Saudi Aramco- has discovered fourteen Arabian oil and natural gas fields and reservoirs in Eastern Region and the Empty Quarter. The discoveries include six fields and two reservoirs of Arabian oil, as well as two fields and four reservoirs of natural gas.
The minister extended his congratulations to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister on these discoveries, expressing his wishes for continued growth, development, and prosperity for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its people, SPA reported.
Prince Abdulaziz stated that "Jabu" oil field has been discovered in Eastern Region, following the flow of Arabian Extra Light Oil in "Jabu-1" well at a rate of 800 barrels per day (bpd). "Sayahid "oil field was also discovered, where Arabian Extra Light Oil flowed in "Sayahid-2" well at a rate of 630 bpd. Additionally, "Ayfan" oil field was discovered, where Arabian Extra Light Oil in "Ayfan-2" well flowed at a rate of 2,840 bpd, with 0.44 million standard cubic feet (MMscf) of associated gas per day. Furthermore, "Jubaila" oil reservoir has been discovered in "Berri" field after Arabian Light Oil flowed in " Berri-907" well at a rate of 520 bpd, associated with 0.2 MMscf of gas per day. In addition, "Unayzah-A" oil reservoir was discovered in "Mazalij" field after the flow of Arabian Super Light Oil in "Mazalij-64" well at a rate of 1,011 bpd, along with 0.92 MMscf of associated gas per day.
In the Empty Quarter, "Nuwayr" oil field has been discovered after the flow of Arabian Medium Oil in "Nuwayr-1" well at a rate of 1,800 bpd, with 0.55 MMscf of associated gas per day. Additionally, the oil field "Damda" was discovered, where Arabian Medium Oil flowed in "Damda-1" well at a rate of 200 bpd from "Mishrif-C" reservoir, while Arabian Extra Light Oil flowed from "Mishrif-D" reservoir in the same well at a rate of 115 bpd. Also, the discovery of "Qurqas" oil field was confirmed after Arabian Medium Oil flowed in "Qurqas-1" well at a rate of 210 bpd.
For natural gas, the minister of energy announced the discovery of "Ghizlan" gas field in Eastern Region, where gas flowed in " Ghizlan-1" well at a rate of 32 MMscf per day from "Unayzah B/C" reservoir, with 2,525 barrels of condensate. Also, "Araam" gas field was discovered after gas flowed in "Araam-1" well from "Unayzah B/C" reservoir at a rate of 24 MMscf per day with 3,000 barrels of condensate.
"Qusaiba" unconventional gas reservoir was also discovered in "Mihwaz" field in Eastern Region, where gas flowed in "Mihwaz-193101" well at a rate of 3.5 MMscf per day, with 485 barrels of condensates.
In the Empty Quarter, "Arab-C" gas reservoir was discovered in "Marzouq" field, where gas flowed in "Marzouq-8" well at a rate of 9.5 MMscf per day. The same well also resulted in the discovery of "Arab-D" gas reservoir, after the flow of gas at a rate of 10 MMscf per day. Additionally, the "Upper Jubaila" gas reservoir was discovered from the same well, where gas flowed at a rate of 1.5 MMscf per day.
Finally, Prince Abdulaziz stressed on the importance of the added value that these discoveries represent, solidifying the Kingdom’s leading position in the global energy sector, and reinforcing its rich hydrocarbon potential. Citing that such discoveries will lead to opening new horizons for the Kingdom’s economic development and strengthening its ability to meet both domestic and global energy demand efficiently and sustainably for decades to come. These discoveries will also support sustained economic growth and prosperity, in line with Vision 2030 and Saudi Arabia’s ambitious goals to fully harness its natural resources and enhance global energy security.

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Gulf States Expand Tourism Footprint as Emerging Markets Gain Momentum at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai

Saudi Arabia’s participation in the Arabian Travel Market (Asharq Al-Awsat) 
Saudi Arabia’s participation in the Arabian Travel Market (Asharq Al-Awsat) 
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Gulf States Expand Tourism Footprint as Emerging Markets Gain Momentum at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai

Saudi Arabia’s participation in the Arabian Travel Market (Asharq Al-Awsat) 
Saudi Arabia’s participation in the Arabian Travel Market (Asharq Al-Awsat) 

Emerging tourism markets are carving out space on the global travel map, drawing attention for their dynamic participation at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, while Gulf nations—particularly Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates—are accelerating their expansion in the tourism sector.

As global travel gathers momentum, Gulf-based airlines are eyeing new investment opportunities despite lingering global economic uncertainty, driven by shifting trade patterns and evolving consumer behavior in the international travel landscape.

The 32nd edition of ATM opened in Dubai with more than 2,800 exhibitors and nearly 55,000 industry professionals from 166 countries. Held under the theme “Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship,” the event emphasized building a more sustainable and globally integrated travel industry.

The exhibition reflects the profound changes shaping global tourism, with cross-border and sustainable connectivity now central to the industry’s development. It also highlights the growing influence of emerging markets and the increasing role of Gulf investments in tourism and aviation.

During its participation in ATM, the Saudi Tourism Authority showcased the Kingdom’s accelerating tourism growth, revealing it had attracted approximately 116 million visitors in 2024—a 6.4% increase from the previous year. Fahd Hamidaddin, the authority’s CEO, said Saudi Arabia aims to strengthen its position as a unique summer destination through a robust calendar of events and strategic private-sector partnerships. The focus is on key source markets across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

UAE Tourism Supports Economic Diversification

UAE Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, emphasized the country’s growing stature as a global tourism hub. He pointed to the launch of major national initiatives that align with best international practices, support economic diversification, and attract investment in hospitality, aviation, and travel.

According to bin Touq, the UAE’s tourism sector continued to deliver strong performance in 2024. Hotel revenues rose to AED 45 billion (USD 12.2 billion), up 3% from 2023, while occupancy rates reached 78%, among the highest globally. The country added 16 new hotels last year, increasing the total to 1,251, with room capacity growing 3%. Hotel guests rose 9.5% year-on-year to 30.8 million, achieving 77% of the UAE’s 2031 national tourism target seven years ahead of schedule.

Gulf Airlines Gear Up for Growth

Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves said the airline has yet to feel any major impact from global trade tensions, with seat occupancy remaining strong despite global uncertainty. Etihad plans to add 20 to 22 aircraft in 2025, with the goal of expanding its fleet to more than 170 aircraft by 2030. Neves also noted that the euro’s recent appreciation could boost European travel to the Gulf.

Etihad, which currently operates a fleet of around 100 aircraft, has significant financial flexibility, with 60% of its fleet debt-free. “If a crisis arises, we can ground planes and save up to 75% of operating costs,” he noted.

The airline plans to receive 10 Airbus A321XLR jets starting in August, in addition to 6 Airbus A350s and 4 Boeing 787s. Neves said while delays in aircraft delivery remain a challenge, they have not altered Etihad’s growth strategy. He also confirmed ongoing discussions with manufacturers and signaled interest in Boeing aircraft originally designated for China but now potentially available due to trade restrictions.

Riyadh Air Nears Major Aircraft Deal

Tony Douglas, CEO of Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air, said the new airline is open to acquiring Boeing jets initially built for the Chinese market if trade disputes disrupt those deliveries.

Douglas said global economic headwinds have not affected demand and announced plans to finalize a major widebody aircraft deal soon. The airline aims to expand its workforce to around 1,000 employees in the coming year, as it prepares to begin operations in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Commenting on broader regional developments, Douglas said the resumption of flights from the UAE to Syria and the use of Syrian airspace “may be an early sign that conditions are improving.”