MENA upstream: 2019 in review – and a look ahead

In this review, we highlight the significant upstream events and trends of 2023 across the Middle East and North Africa. Saudi Arabia’s voluntary 1 million b/d cuts dominated oil production, while regional investment continued to increase, despite lower prices. The region was a hot bed of FIDs with several key projects sanctioned, including Aramco’s Jafurah phase 2, ADNOC’s Hail and Ghasha and QatarEnergy’s North Field South. COP28, hosted by the UAE, dominated headlines in the latter part of the year, where 50 companies signed up to the Oil & Gas Decarbonisation Charter, accelerating net zero and flare reduction targets for regional NOCs. We also delve into the key trends in investment, revenue, production, M&A, licensing and decarbonisation.