Global energy technology firm SLB has successfully secured a significant seven-year contract with the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC).
The landmark agreement, formed under the auspices of KOC’s flagship Ahmadi Innovation Valley (AIV) initiative, designates SLB as the very first contracted technology partner for the ambitious programme. This strategic alignment is explicitly designed to support applied research, the deployment of advanced technologies, and comprehensive digital innovation programmes that are closely aligned with Kuwait's long-term energy objectives.
The Ahmadi Innovation Valley serves as Kuwait Oil Company’s premier innovation platform. It has been strategically constructed to bring together industry leaders, academic institutions, and leading technology providers. The primary aim of this collaborative ecosystem is to address and overcome strategic technical challenges within the upstream energy sector. By fostering a cooperative environment, the initiative provides KOC with a highly flexible and structured approach to evaluate, pilot, and eventually deploy emerging technologies across its extensive operational network to ensure maximum efficiency.
Ahmad Jaber Al-Eidan, the chief executive officer of Kuwait Oil Company, highlighted the strategic importance of this new collaborative framework and its projected impact on the nation's broader industrial goals.
"Ahmadi Innovation Valley represents an important step in advancing technology leadership across Kuwait's energy sector," said Ahmad Jaber Al-Eidan. He further elaborated on the broader implications for the region, adding, "Through collaboration with leading technology partners, we are accelerating technology deployment, strengthening local capabilities and expanding knowledge transfer to support Kuwait's energy industry."
Under the newly established terms of the seven-year agreement, SLB will work intimately with KOC to evaluate, test, and deploy a multitude of advanced technological solutions. The scope of this partnership is vast, encompassing nearly 100 distinct projects that span a wide array of operational and strategic priorities. Key areas of focus for these ongoing projects include the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), industrial internet of things (IIoT) applications, production optimisation, advanced reservoir technologies, sustainable water management, and critical energy transition initiatives.
By leveraging these advanced digital systems, the collaboration aims to significantly improve upstream operations and mitigate execution risks. The utilisation of real-time sensor networks and advanced technological frameworks will enable the Kuwait Oil Company to process operational data more efficiently, optimise critical production parameters, and manage essential resources with a heightened focus on long-term sustainability.
Olivier Le Peuch, the chief executive officer of SLB, underscored the practical challenges of modernising the energy sector and the unique value that this dedicated partnership brings to the table.
"The energy industry has no shortage of technology. The challenge is deploying it at scale and turning innovation into operational impact," said Olivier Le Peuch. Reflecting on the collaborative nature of the new initiative, he added, "Ahmadi Innovation Valley brings together technology providers, researchers and operational teams to accelerate the evaluation, deployment and scaling of new solutions across KOC's operations. We are proud to contribute our technology, domain expertise and global experience while helping strengthen local capabilities and support the next generation of Kuwaiti talent."
To properly support the extensive technical requirements of the Ahmadi Innovation Valley initiative, SLB has also committed to establishing a permanent physical footprint within the region. As a core component of the overarching agreement, SLB plans to construct a dedicated Ahmadi Innovation Valley facility situated directly in Kuwait. The construction of this specialised technological centre is officially expected to begin in the year 2026, with the facility's grand opening planned for 2028. Once fully operational, this site will serve as a centralised hub for applied research and technology management, spanning multiple business lines and technology domains.
This newly awarded contract represents a major milestone in the enduring relationship between the two entities. It builds upon a robust foundation of collaboration between SLB and the Kuwait Oil Company that dates back more than 85 years. As the upstream energy sector continues to face complex transitional challenges, this renewed partnership ensures that both organisations are exceptionally well-positioned to drive digital innovation, enhance operational efficiency, and support the sustainable evolution of Kuwait’s vital energy infrastructure for the future.
ADNOC Drilling has announced the delivery of its state-of-the-art AD-300 rig, which it calls the first AI-enabled, fully automated walking island rig.
Delivered nearly three months ahead of schedule, it combines automation, AI, digital technologies and hybrid power capability, with optional grid connectivity, to enhance safety, reduce downtime and improve well delivery efficiency, and will work offshore UAE for ADNOC.
“The delivery of AD-300 marks a step-change in how we execute large-scale, technology-enabled energy development,” said Abdulla Ateya Al Messabi, CEO of ADNOC Drilling.
“By integrating automation, artificial intelligence and robotics at scale, we are enhancing safety, improving efficiency and delivering more consistent, predictable performance.”
Standing 50 metres tall, the height of a 15-storey building, and weighing around 2,000 tons, AD-300’s advanced technology and energy features will enable more efficient and lower-emission operations, according to ADNOC Drilling.
Its automated walking capability allows it to move seamlessly between well locations without dismantling, while automation systems, such as automated pipe handling and AI-enabled monitoring, help minimise personnel exposure in complex operating environments.
Integrated data systems also provide real-time operational insights for performance optimisation and predictive maintenance.
It is the first of six next-generation rigs on order under a US$1.54bn drilling services contract.
“As the first of six rigs under this programme, AD-300 demonstrates our ability to deliver complex, high-value assets ahead of schedule, accelerating revenue generation while supporting ADNOC’s production capacity expansion and reinforcing the UAE’s leadership in advanced energy solutions,” said Al Messabi.
The first rig, AD-301, is currently being deployed, with the remaining rigs scheduled for delivery through 2027.
ADNOC Drilling hopes the early rig delivery will enable earlier revenue generation and accelerate the rollout of its next-generation rig programme.
“At a time when the world needs reliable energy at scale, the UAE stands ready to supply global customers,” said Tayba Abdulrahim Al Hashmi, CEO of ADNOC Offshore.
“AD-300 and our next-generation island rigs are accelerating our growth, expanding ADNOC's production capacity and delivering long-term value for our stakeholders and the nation.”
McDermott has announced a highly coveted partnership: it has been hand-selected by Aramco as one of only eleven contractors to drive forward massive project management consultancy solutions across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Executing complex energy infrastructure is a strategic priority for Aramco, tied directly to the Kingdom’s long-term development goals. Securing robust project management provides a reliable, integrated framework for large-scale energy, downstream, petrochemical, and low-carbon programmes.
Through a newly established multi-year Project Management Consultancy (PMC) Long-Term Agreement (LTA), McDermott is officially positioned as a central engineering and project management service provider within Aramco's sprawling strategic investment portfolio. Operating as a fully integrated provider in over 30 countries with a workforce exceeding 30,000 personnel, McDermott continues to advance the next generation of global energy infrastructure.
The joint venture's integrated Out-of-Kingdom and In-Kingdom delivery model leverages McDermott's global experience alongside Solutions Leaders Fayez Engineering's (SLFE) local capabilities. SLFE operates as an Aramco-approved general engineering services plus (GES+) contractor, and this framework produces dynamic, efficient execution while adhering to Aramco's rigorous In-Kingdom Total Value Add (IKTVA) and localisation objectives.
As part of this strategic collaboration, McDermott will combine its overarching technical expertise and global delivery frameworks with SLFE's robust domestic presence to seamlessly transform project execution. McDermott will provide its technology leadership in overall execution planning, governance, and front-end development (pre-FEED and FEED), seamless integration through established engineering centres, and continuous oversight to develop a fit-for-purpose project management solution for Aramco processes. SLFE, meanwhile, will spearhead engineering and client support within the Kingdom.
“Just as the United States and the Kingdom share a commitment to long-term collaboration, we share a commitment with SLFE to localisation, knowledge transfer and sustainable capacity building within the Kingdom,” said Michael McKelvy, McDermott's chief executive officer and chair of the board.
“This long‑term agreement reflects Aramco's confidence in our proven execution capabilities and our track record of delivering complex, world‑class projects in the Kingdom,” added Rob Shaul, McDermott's senior vice president of low carbon solutions.
Ashraf Alkhaznadar, SLFE's president and CEO, noted the mutual benefits of the joint venture for the region's broader development. “We are proud to partner with McDermott on this strategic agreement with Aramco,” he said. “Together, we bring complementary strengths that support Aramco's long‑term vision while continuing to develop national engineering capability.”
This landmark agreement underscores McDermott’s deeply rooted relationship with Aramco and its established history of successfully executing intricate engineering and energy projects throughout the Middle East. By continuing to deliver fully integrated, technology-driven solutions from concept to commissioning, McDermott is not only cementing its critical role in advancing the Kingdom's long-term developmental and energy transition targets, but it is also actively shaping the next generation of global energy infrastructure to empower a more sustainable future for the wider industry.
SLB has signed a memorandum of understanding with Qualcomm Technologies to enable edge AI solutions for the energy industry, with a focus on enabling AI applications across production operations.
The collaboration combines Qualcomm Technologies’ low-power edge computing and AI processing capabilities, with SLB’s Agora edge AI and IoT solutions developed for remote and complex environments, supporting real-time operational decision-making across wells, facilities and production systems.
With energy operators increasingly adopting automation and autonomous workflows across production environments, demand for agentic AI systems that can run closer to operations is rising, given they can support more responsive and resilient operations in remote environments where connectivity, latency and operational continuity are critical. This collaboration is expected to help operators modernise legacy operational environments while strengthening cybersecurity across operational technology.
“Together, SLB and Qualcomm Technologies aim to help operators apply AI more effectively across energy infrastructure,” said Rakesh Jaggi, president, Digital, SLB. “Many energy operations rely on real-time decision-making in remote environments where connectivity and responsiveness directly affect performance. AI systems designed around the realities of energy operations can help support more consistent and autonomous workflows across those environments.”
“Many industrial environments require AI systems that can operate with limited power, constrained connectivity, separation between operational technology and information technology environments, and real-time operational demands,” said Nakul Duggal, EVP and Group GM, Automotive, Industrial and Embedded IoT, and Robotics, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “This collaboration brings Qualcomm Technologies’ low-power AI processing closer to energy operations, alongside operating assets, helping enable edge intelligence for new use cases and supporting progress toward more autonomous workflows.”
The deep waters off the coast of Egypt are witnessing a quiet revolution in subsea engineering, as heavy, corrosive steel makes way for lighter, more sustainable composite technologies.
For the first time in the region, advanced thermoplastic composite pipe (TCP) technology is being deployed to modernise offshore infrastructure. Leading TCP manufacturer Strohm has secured a landmark contract to supply a 2,000-meter flowline for one of the West Delta Deep Marine (WDDM) projects. Operated by the Burullus Gas Company, a joint venture uniting EGAS, Shell, and Petronas— this project signals a significant shift in deep-sea energy logistics.
The new flowline, engineered with carbon fibre and PA12 polymer, is designed to withstand extreme subsea conditions with a pressure rating of 5,000psi and is qualified to the DNV-ST-F119 standard. Resting at depths of nearly 600 meters, this state-of-the-art system is actively replacing an existing steel flowline. The TCP technology offers a striking environmental and logistical edge over its predecessor: it is inherently strong, non-corrosive, spoolable, and lightweight. Crucially, the material is 100% recyclable and drastically reduces the carbon footprint of subsea operations by allowing installation from small vessels or subsea pallets rather than energy-intensive specialised installation ships.
The installation itself, managed by Oceaneering International, will employ a cost-effective 'horizontal lay' method utilising a multi-purpose vessel to maximise efficiency. Norman Lentsch, Strohm's Business Development Manager for Africa, recognises the strategic importance of this regional debut. “This contract marks an important milestone for us as we enter the Egyptian market for the first time. We are proud to work with Oceaneering International and Burullus Gas Company as we support the region's growing energy infrastructure needs with our high-quality flowline solutions,” he said.
He further emphasised the industry's growing trust in this innovative material, saying, “Our entry into the local market underscores the confidence operators have in our TCP products, our extensive track record and our ability to deliver consistent quality and performance. We look forward to demonstrating Strohm's commitment to safety and excellence.”
The partnership with Oceaneering brings critical installation expertise to the table, further optimising the project's bottom line. Chris Dyer, Senior Vice President at Oceaneering's Offshore Project Group, detailed how their existing capabilities create seamless project execution. Dyer said, “At Oceaneering, we have extensive experience installing flexible products, including TCP. By leveraging our umbilical product installation capabilities to support TCP installations, we can maximise our assets globally and streamline project execution, providing tangible benefits to the end user in overall project cost and schedule."
By moving away from traditional steel toward next-generation composite pipes, this Egyptian deployment acts as a blueprint for the future of offshore energy, where flexibility, carbon reduction, and cost efficiency guide deep-water development.
Leading international jackup drilling contractor Borr Drilling remains upbeat on more Middle East work despite current issues facing the region.
In the company’s Q1 2026 results, Bruno Morand, CEO, painted a positive picture overall with revenues reaching US$247mn and strong operational performance with technical utilisation of 99.4%.
As well as updates from other regions, such as the USA and Mexico, Morand outlined his thoughts on the state of play in the Middle East and its potential impact for work around the world.
“While the Middle East conflict has created near-term uncertainty, key tenders in the region continue to progress, with some modest delays,” he noted.
“More broadly, in our view, recent events have strengthened the longer-term outlook for the sector providing for a higher oil price and a renewed focus on energy security.”
He added that shallow-water basins “continue to represent an attractive resource, offering low-cost, short-cycle barrels that enable our customers to respond rapidly to the market backdrop.”
Due to the planning and budgeting processes of its customers, the company expects that improved activity and day rates will lag the oil price development by 6 to 12 months, as evidenced after the military invasion of Ukraine, when day rates strongly increased.
As such, Morand said the company is “increasingly confident” about its prospects for 2027 and 2028, adding that he expects the disruptions from the conflict in the Middle East to be both substantial and long lasting.
Reflecting this confidence, Borr Drilling completed the acquisition of five jack-up rigs from Noble Corporation in January 2026 for US$360mn and entered into agreements to acquire five further jack-up rigs via a new joint venture for a further US$287mn.
“With this backdrop, Borr Drilling's expanded fleet is well placed to support our customers’ demand and deliver long-term shareholder value as the cycle develops.”
Following preliminary estimates from drilling activities offshore Eastern Mediterranean, Eni is anticipating the presence of approximately 2 trillion cubic feet of gas initially in place and 130 Mbbl of associated condensates.
Discovered from the Denise W 1 exploration well, it especially aligns with the major's near-field and infrastructure-led exploration strategy as it comes with the potential for a massive fast-track development. The well is positioned less than 10 kms away from existing infrastructure, belonging to the Temsah Concession lying 70 km offshore in 95 m of water depth.
As part of substantial investments in brownfield assets, Eni had secured a 20-year renewal of the Temsah Concession in 2025 from the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation and Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company. The discovery thus comes as a significant return of investment for the oil major, similar to the now-producing Temsah field, which also featured a gas-bearing sandstone reservoir of excellent quality with about 50 m of net pay like the Denise well.
Eni's joint venture with EGPC, Petrobel, which operates the Denise Development Lease of the Temsah Concession, secures boosted gas output for the country, contributing to its national goals and energy security.
Eni operates the Denise Development Lease of the Temsah Concession with a 50% contractor working interest, alongside bp which holds the remaining 50%.
Eni has been active in Egypt since 1954 and today holds a diversified portfolio spanning exploration, development, and production, with oil and gas production of 242 kboed equity in 2025.
TotalEnergies and the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS) have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at expanding cooperation on offshore exploration activities in Egypt’s north-western offshore region.
The agreement establishes a framework for technical collaboration covering early-stage exploration work and subsurface assessments across a large offshore area believed to hold promising deepwater hydrocarbon potential.
Under the partnership, both organisations will work jointly on geological and geophysical studies, technical evaluations and exploration-related activities designed to improve understanding of the region’s subsurface formations and identify future development opportunities.
The move reflects Egypt’s continued efforts to strengthen its position as a major energy hub in the Eastern Mediterranean while attracting further international investment into its offshore sector.
Nicola Mavilla, senior vice president exploration at TotalEnergies, said the agreement reinforces the company’s long-standing relationship with Egypt and supports future energy development efforts.
“We are pleased to launch this cooperation with EGAS, which reflects our shared ambition to further strengthen our partnership with Egypt,” he said.
“This agreement will support the assessment of Egypt’s deep offshore exploration potential and contribute to future energy development opportunities in the region.”
Egypt has become one of the region’s most active offshore energy markets in recent years, supported by significant gas discoveries and increased exploration activity from global energy companies. The country continues to invest heavily in expanding production capacity and strengthening energy infrastructure as demand for natural gas rises both domestically and internationally.
The new agreement is expected to support additional technical collaboration between TotalEnergies and EGAS while contributing to Egypt’s wider strategy of increasing offshore exploration and boosting long-term energy security.
EGAS plays a key role in managing Egypt’s natural gas resources and coordinating upstream activities with international operators. Through partnerships with foreign energy companies, the organisation aims to accelerate exploration programmes and encourage new investments across the sector.
TotalEnergies has continued to expand its footprint in Egypt through a range of exploration, production and energy development initiatives. The company views the Egyptian market as strategically important within its broader operations across North Africa and the Mediterranean region.
Industry analysts have noted that deepwater offshore exploration remains a priority area for many international operators due to the region’s untapped reserves and growing infrastructure network.
Alongside its oil and gas activities, TotalEnergies continues to pursue investments across renewable energy, electricity, biofuels and low-carbon energy solutions as part of its long-term transition strategy.
The company operates in around 120 countries and employs more than 100,000 people globally, with ongoing investments focused on balancing energy security, operational growth and lower-carbon energy development.
Adnoc Drilling has completed a deal to acquire an 80% stake in Oman’s MB Petroleum Services (MBPS), a drilling and oilfield services joint venture with MB Holding Company, with operations in Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
The transaction, first announced in November 2025, was completed ahead of the original mid-year timeline, an Adnoc Drilling statement noted, reflecting disciplined execution and “alignment” between the partners.
MBPS was valued at around US$204mn and marks the latest acquisition by Adnoc Drilling as it widens its Gulf footprint.
The company also recently bought into SLB's onshore rig business in Oman and Kuwait.
“The completion of MBPS strengthens Adnoc Drilling’s long-term regional capability by adding established operating scale and deep field execution capability in the region,” said Abdulla Ateya Al Messabi, ADNOC Drilling CEO and MBPS Chairman.
“By combining the established operating presence of MBPS with our scale, systems and technology-led approach, we are building a durable platform for delivery across the GCC.”
He said the transaction reflects the company’s “disciplined, value-accretive growth strategy” and alluded to further expansion “as we continue to invest in people and long-term capability across this region.”
The integration of automation, AI, digital systems and data-driven workflows “will further strengthen safe and consistent delivery at scale,” he added.
Under the agreement, Adnoc Drilling, through its wholly owned subsidiary, holds an 80% stake in MBPS, with MB Holding Company, through its subsidiary, retaining a 20% stake. MBPS will continue to operate under the leadership of Dr. Salim Al Harthy, CEO of MBPS, ensuring continuity of management, execution and deep regional expertise.
Dr. Al Harthy said the acquisition marks a “transformational milestone” for MBPS.
“By combining our regional operational expertise with the strength and scale of Adnoc Drilling, we are creating a stronger platform to expand across the MENA region, enhance our capabilities, and deliver greater value to our customers.”
MBPS’ performance in the first quarter of 2026 “exceeded expectations”, according to an Adnoc Drilling statement, with strong outperformance on free cash flow (over 20%) and net income (over 40%).
In January 2026, MBPS secured contract awards for four additional rigs with deployment expected from the second half of 2026 into the first half of 2027, including three in Kuwait and one in Oman.
“These reinforce the platform’s growth trajectory and strengthening long-term activity visibility across core Gulf geographies,” the statement noted.
In Q1 2026, Weatherford International demonstrated resilience in the Middle East despite geopolitical headwinds, securing strategic contracts and achieving notable technical successes that underscore its growing role in well intervention, completions, and digital optimisation across GCC countries.
The oilfield services provider reported a two-year well services contract awarded by a National Oil Company in the UAE.
This agreement covers a range of intervention and production enhancement activities, positioning Weatherford to support ongoing operations in one of the region’s key offshore and onshore basins.
The award comes at a time when operators are prioritising well integrity and production optimisation in mature fields.
In Saudi Arabia, Weatherford delivered two standout achievements. The company set a new global record for extended-reach wireline logging, successfully reaching 29,121 ft measured depth using its Compact Well Shuttle system.
This milestone highlights the technology’s capability to evaluate long, highly deviated wells efficiently without traditional conveyance methods, offering significant time and cost savings for complex reservoir characterisation in challenging offshore and extended-reach environments.
Equally significant was the successful execution of the first rigless thru-tubing sand-control gravel-pack operation in the Kingdom.
The intervention restored a shut-in gas well to full production by eliminating sand production without the need for a workover rig.
This rigless approach reduces operational complexity, minimises downtime, and lowers costs, advantages particularly valuable in offshore well intervention scenarios where rig mobilisation can be prohibitively expensive.
Weatherford expects this technique to become a recurring solution for sand management in the region.
Further digital progress was noted in Oman, where the company advanced its partnership with Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) by deploying Electric Submersible Pump (ESP) Predictive Analytics within the ForeSite Well Management System.
Moving from pilot to full operational use, this technology enables proactive well management, reducing failures and optimising artificial lift performance across gas and oil wells.
Weatherford’s Middle East/North Africa/Asia revenue for Q1 2026 reached US$476mn, reflecting a 5% year-on-year decline primarily attributable to heightened geopolitical tensions linked to the Iran conflict.
Sequential revenue fell 14%, driven by project suspensions, logistical disruptions, and reduced drilling and workover activity in several countries, including offshore operations in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Management estimates a US$30–50mn profit impact for H1 2026 but remains optimistic about a meaningful recovery in H2, contingent on regional stabilisation.
Despite these challenges, the company highlighted the strength of its local manufacturing and supply chain base, which helped mitigate early disruptions.
Executives pointed to a multi-year acceleration of capacity and resilience programmes across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Iraq, and Kuwait, where Weatherford’s integrated offerings in drilling, completions, production, and well services provide a competitive edge.
Halliburton has introduced the Volta all electric control system, a fresh step forward in intelligent completions technology designed to improve how reservoirs are managed and monitored
As part of the SmartWell portfolio, this new system focuses on delivering clearer insights, stronger control, and better overall performance throughout a well’s life.
Built using proven field technologies, the Volta system enables continuous monitoring of both well health and reservoir behaviour. This allows operators to act quickly, make informed decisions, and ultimately improve production outcomes. By reducing downtime and speeding up recovery after interruptions, the system helps avoid losses and supports higher annual output.
The integration of the Clariti digital reservoir management suite adds another layer of intelligence. It highlights opportunities to fine tune performance and ensures operators can respond effectively to changing conditions underground. The result is a more connected and responsive approach to managing wells.
Maxime Coffin, vice president, Halliburton Completion Tools, said, “As the company who introduced SmartWell® intelligent completions to the industry, the Volta all-electric control system represents a breakthrough in intelligent completions technology. With EcoStar safety valves, we are now the first to propose a fully electric completion to the industry. Its all-electric architecture reflects Halliburton’s focus on technology leadership, engineering excellence, and technical expertise in completion design and execution. It provides operators with a greater degree of precision, response speed, and improved efficiency to help maximize value throughout the life of the well.”
The design itself is simple yet effective. A single line mono conductor setup removes the need for hydraulic systems, making installation easier and reducing operational risks. Its modular structure also allows flexibility and quicker preparation before deployment.
By combining advanced hardware with intelligent software, the Volta system turns well completions into a fully digital process. Operators gain real time control and can adjust strategies quickly, ensuring consistent performance even in challenging reservoir conditions. This reflects Halliburton’s wider push towards digital solutions that connect technology, people, and operations to deliver reliable and efficient results.
Saipem has been awarded two offshore contracts in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under its long-term agreement with Aramco.
The first contract covers Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Installation (EPCI) of one water injection tie-in platform, two water injection wells, approximately 5km of pipelines and 15km of 15kV cables at the Safaniya oil field.
The second contract includes the EPCI activities for four water injection wellheads, as well as associated subsea facilities, at the Safaniya oil field.
For the operations, Saipem will employ its construction vessels that are currently deployed in the region. These contracts strengthen Saipem’s presence in the Kingdom and further consolidate its longstanding relationship with Aramco.
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