ADNOC Reveals Second Gas Discovery in Abu Dhabi Offshore Block

This latest discovery builds on previously announced exploration concession discoveries. (WAM)
This latest discovery builds on previously announced exploration concession discoveries. (WAM)
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ADNOC Reveals Second Gas Discovery in Abu Dhabi Offshore Block

This latest discovery builds on previously announced exploration concession discoveries. (WAM)
This latest discovery builds on previously announced exploration concession discoveries. (WAM)

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) revealed on Friday a second discovery of natural gas resources in the first exploration well in Abu Dhabi's Offshore Block 2 Exploration Concession, operated by Eni.

The find from a new deeper reservoir. which indicates between 1 – 1.5 trillion standard cubic feet (TSCF) of raw gas in place, builds on the initial finding in February 2022 from a shallower target, taking the total amount of gas in place from this single well to 2.5 - 3.5 TSCF.

A consortium, led by Eni and PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited (PTTEP), was awarded the exploration rights for Offshore Block 2 in 2019 as part of ADNOC's debut competitive block bid round.

ADNOC Upstream Executive Director Yaser Saeed Almazrouei said that the discovery highlights ADNOC's accelerated exploration and development program and how it's "identifying untapped hydrocarbon resources, creating long-term value for the UAE".

"We are particularly pleased to see Eni and PTTEP pursuing deeper zones, which has demonstrated additional potential resources in place. We look forward to continuing to work with all our strategic partners to sustainably identify and further unlock Abu Dhabi's hydrocarbon resources," he said, state news agency WAM reported.

In May 2022, ADNOC also announced the discovery of approximately 100 million barrels of oil in place in Abu Dhabi's Onshore Block 3, operated by Occidental, while in December 2021, up to 1 billion barrels of oil equivalent (BBOE) in Onshore Block 4 Exploration Concession, which is operated by INPEX/JODCO was confirmed.

ADNOC launched Abu Dhabi's first and second competitive block bid rounds in 2018 and 2019, respectively, offering a set of major onshore and offshore blocks to international companies, on behalf of the Government of Abu Dhabi.



Saudi Arabia Sees Highest Level of Non-oil Private Sector Activity in 4 Months

The 1.5-point increase in the PMI reflects a larger expansion in both output and new orders. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The 1.5-point increase in the PMI reflects a larger expansion in both output and new orders. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Sees Highest Level of Non-oil Private Sector Activity in 4 Months

The 1.5-point increase in the PMI reflects a larger expansion in both output and new orders. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The 1.5-point increase in the PMI reflects a larger expansion in both output and new orders. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Business activity in Saudi Arabia's non-oil sector accelerated to a four-month high in September, driven by strong demand, which led to faster growth in new orders. The Riyad Bank Saudi Arabia Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), adjusted for seasonal factors, rose to 56.3 points from 54.8 in August, marking the highest reading since May and further distancing itself from the 50.0 level that indicates growth.

The 1.5-point increase in the PMI reflects a larger expansion in both output and new orders, alongside challenges in supply. The improvement in business conditions contributed to a significant rise in employment opportunities, although difficulties in finding skilled workers led to a shortage in production capacity.

At the same time, concerns over increasing competition caused a decline in future output expectations. According to the PMI statement, inventories of production inputs remained in good condition, which encouraged some companies to reduce their purchasing efforts.

Growth was strong overall and widespread across all non-oil sectors under study. Dr. Naif Al-Ghaith, Senior Economist at Riyad Bank, said that the rise in Saudi Arabia's PMI points to a notable acceleration in the growth of the non-oil private sector, primarily driven by increased production and new orders, reflecting the sector’s expansionary activity.

Al-Ghaith added that companies responded to the rise in domestic demand, which plays a crucial role in reducing the Kingdom's reliance on oil revenues. The upward trend also indicates improved business confidence, pointing to a healthy environment for increased investment, job creation, and overall economic stability.

He emphasized that this growth in the non-oil sector is particularly important given the current context of reduced oil production and falling global oil prices. With oil revenues under pressure, the strong performance of the non-oil private sector acts as a buffer, helping mitigate the potential impact on the country's economic conditions.

Al-Ghaith continued, noting that diversifying income sources is essential to maintaining growth amid the volatility of oil markets. He explained that increased production levels not only enhance the competitiveness of Saudi companies but also encourage developments aimed at expanding the private sector's participation in the economy.

This shift, he said, provides a more stable foundation for long-term growth, making the economy less susceptible to oil price fluctuations.