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
12 December 2025
The federal government is working with Alberta to improve the country’s access to Asian markets and reduce dependence on the US, but there are challenges to their plans
12 December 2025
The latest edition of our annual Outlook publication, titled 'The shape of energy to come: Creating unique pathways and managing shifting alliances', is available now
11 December 2025
The removal of the ban on oil and gas exploration and an overhaul of the system sends all the right messages for energy security, affordability and sustainability
10 December 2025
The economic and environmental cost of the seven-year exploration ban will be felt long after its removal
