Sabic's first investment outside of Saudi Arabia
Oman enters 2023 on a high
International commitments to its expanding petchems and LNG industries are a huge boon
Muscat sealed deals with Riyadh and Tokyo critical to the future of its petrochemicals and LNG industries as 2022 drew to a close. The agreements are also crucial to the sultanate on a macroeconomic basis, as production from its relatively meagre and high-cost crude reserves is set to enter terminal decline. Expansion of the local petchems industry—initially with liquids feedstock due to a recent chronic gas shortage—has long been central to Muscat’s strategy to diversify exports and fiscal receipts away from crude and expand domestic manufacturing, creating urgently needed jobs. The state has pursued the goal with notable single-mindedness, paying for the construction of the largest project
Also in this section
23 January 2026
A strategic pivot away from Russian crude in recent weeks tees up the possibility of improved US-India trade relations
23 January 2026
The signing of a deal with a TotalEnergies-led consortium to explore for gas in a block adjoining Israel’s maritime area may breathe new life into the country’s gas ambitions
22 January 2026
As Saudi Arabia pushes mining as a new pillar of its economy, Saudi Aramco is positioning itself at the intersection of hydrocarbons, minerals and industrial policy
22 January 2026
New long-term deal is latest addition to country’s rapidly evolving supply portfolio as it eyes role as regional gas hub
