Written by Ryan McPherson, Regional Director - Middle East, Africa, Russia & CIS at EIC
With $1.1 trillion in energy CAPEX earmarked for projects between 2025–2035, the GCC is way ahead of the pack when it comes to energy investment.
Let’s take a look at why the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and even Iraq are the hotspots to watch, and how the Energy Exports Conference (EEC 2025, 3–4 June, Aberdeen) connects you to the cashflow.
Oil & gas still remains the main source of energy in the region. Take, as an example, ADNOC’s $150 billion expansion and Aramco’s active project pipeline (think tangible FIDs, not just FEED-stage plans).
Then you have $663.5 billion plus in investments, from pipelines in Iraq (Wood Group’s latest showcase highlights untapped potential) to AI-driven optimisation (ADNOC’s in-house tech team is rewriting efficiency playbooks).
Even as the world shifts to renewables, the Middle East knows oil & gas will fuel economies for decades.
Still, don’t let the oil stats fool you…
The GCC is making some interesting moves toward net zero. Saudi Arabia aims for 50% renewables in its grid by 2030, while the UAE’s Energy Strategy 2050 leans hard into solar (92 GW regional capacity incoming) and nuclear.
Oman is betting big on green hydrogen (24 projects underway), and ADIPEC’s “decarbonise faster together” mantra isn’t just talk.
But here’s the twist: energy transition projects make up just 10% of total CAPEX. Translation: They’re not picking sides, they’re pushing oil and gas hard, even as they plant the seeds of a low-carbon future.
Why EEC 2025?
For those interested in the Middle East, they will be in for a treat as we plan to host, among other things in the pipeline, two dedicated sessions, focusing on opportunities for the energy supply chain in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
In these sessions, you’ll hear from the experts about the state of business in these countries along with specific company experiences, especially around working with companies like Aramco and ADNOC.
Stay tuned - EEC 2025 has even more in the works on the Middle East.
The best part? If you're based in the UK, you can head to Aberdeen and learn about energy opportunities without even needing to fly to the Middle East.
Book your place now!