National Center for Privatization CEO: Privatization to Contribute in Developing Saudi Economy

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters)
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National Center for Privatization CEO: Privatization to Contribute in Developing Saudi Economy

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters)

Turki Abdulaziz al-Hokail, CEO of the National Center For Privatization & PPP (NCP), stated that privatization processes would contribute in developing the national economy and increasing the kingdom’s competency on the international level.

“Privatization would raise internal efficiency and productivity, enabling the kingdom to employ its human and material resources. This would boost the global competitive characteristics of Saudi Arabia,” said Hokail.

During his interview with Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, he stated that the NCP is dedicated to carrying out its mission and creating an environment that urges expansion in the private sector via sustainable contribution in the national economy.

He noted that the center is “an effective member within an integral system that aims at completing privatization processes and achieving Saudi Vision 2030.”

Responding to a question on how the NCP contributes in achieving Saudi Vision 2030, Hokail replied that the vision is based on comprehensive efforts exerted by the state to update the Saudi economy via reviving the private sector, diversifying the sustainable economy, privatization, reforming labor market and capital markets, along with other basic components.

“These processes would contribute in enhancing the efficiency and performance levels of bodies that will be privatized. This would positively affect services that go in line with the needs of citizens and residents, increase job opportunities, diversify services and products and create a competitive environment. All these represent the basics of Saudi Vision 2030,” he explained.

Hokail stressed that the NCP works in partnership with all related bodies on implementing a package of privatization initiatives.

Speaking on the steps taken in the privatization process, he explained that a strategy is first devised for the sector to be privatized. Organizational, technical and institutional readiness are then ensured before deals are signed though holding and managing exhibitions and introductory events and programs with investors.

High-level of governance is being applied by the center through a long list of procedures and obligations that were determined to ensure the implementation of governance, he added.



Egypt: BP Completes 2 New Gas Wells in Raven Field

Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Karim Badawi, accompanied by several leaders from the petroleum sector, inspect the development and production of natural gas from the West Nile Delta offshore fields in the Mediterranean Sea (Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources) 
Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Karim Badawi, accompanied by several leaders from the petroleum sector, inspect the development and production of natural gas from the West Nile Delta offshore fields in the Mediterranean Sea (Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources) 
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Egypt: BP Completes 2 New Gas Wells in Raven Field

Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Karim Badawi, accompanied by several leaders from the petroleum sector, inspect the development and production of natural gas from the West Nile Delta offshore fields in the Mediterranean Sea (Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources) 
Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Karim Badawi, accompanied by several leaders from the petroleum sector, inspect the development and production of natural gas from the West Nile Delta offshore fields in the Mediterranean Sea (Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources) 

British Petroleum (BP) has successfully completed two additional gas wells in the Raven Field, part of its significant West Nile Delta (WND) development off Egypt’s Mediterranean coast, the Ministry of Petroleum announced in a statement on Sunday.
The drilling was carried out using the Valaris DS-12 drillship, which began operations in mid-2024.
In a statement received by Asharq Al-Awsat, the Ministry said subsea activities are currently ongoing to tie the two wells to the existing network in the Mediterranean, paving the way for production to commence.
Gas production is now expected to begin in February 2025, three months ahead of schedule, following expedited drilling and installation efforts.
“After completing operations at Raven, the Valaris DS-12 has moved on to the King exploration area, where it will target natural gas in the Lower Miocene layer,” the Ministry said.
It added that the reservoir is anticipated to be reached by late February 2025.
The proximity of the King area to BP’s existing West Nile Delta infrastructure will facilitate a seamless connection to the company’s production facilities, supporting Egypt’s broader strategy to boost local gas output.
This development is part of the Ministry of Petroleum’s wider initiative to expand offshore drilling in the Mediterranean.
Recent projects include Chevron’s Khanjar-1, ExxonMobil’s Nefertari-1, BP’s Raven field operations, and Eni’s resumed drilling at the Zohr field.
These efforts are crucial to strengthening Egypt’s position as a regional energy hub, the Ministry said.