Middle East

In a strategic geographical area for energy industry development, we operate through technological innovation, scientific expertise and fast start-ups.

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Strategic deals and diversification

Our challenges

In recent years, the Middle East has become an increasingly strategic area for Eni. In this region, in addition to traditional activities, also in the development of low-carbon projects aimed at facilitating the energy transition.

Eni has been active in the region since the 1950s thanks to the initiative of Enrico Mattei, who was able to create fair and lasting partnerships with producer countries. In recent years we have increased our presence in this area, which has become a strategic hub for our operations. Historically a global leader in hydrocarbon production, with half of proven global reserves, the Middle East is now seeking to establish itself as a global laboratory for new strategies and technologies, rethinking the use of traditional sources and exploiting the potential of renewables. The volatility of the price of hydrocarbons and the more recent international geopolitical tensions, have heightened the need for producer countries to defend their independence and diversify their economies. In addition to the need to reduce dependence on the hydrocarbon sector, the countries in the area must deal with other important challenges such as the overall redefinition of development models towards greater economic and environmental sustainability, and the interaction between public and private sectors, so as to combine economic growth and green technological innovation while reviewing the social contract, which is still too closely linked to the redistribution of oil revenues. Along with the leaderships in these countries, we are leaning into the future of energy, and following our distinctive model of technological excellence and cooperation with partner countries we are committed to energy diversification, the reduction of emissions and the enhancement of the circular economy, supporting global energy security and achieving a fair energy transition.

The strategy

We are present in the area throughout the energy chain, operating in line with our strategy of geographical and technological diversification for access to energy resources, contributing to the satisfaction of the growing domestic energy demand and to decarbonisation.

Eni boasts a historical presence in the East Mediterranean, where it is a major player in the development of gas resources, through major discoveries in Egypt, the potential of its activities in Cyprus and Lebanon, with a view to the energy integration and cooperation in the area, also investing in decarbonisation paths. In keeping with our strategy to diversify our portfolio, even geographically, since the end of 2017 we have been rapidly expanding in the Middle East. With our entry in the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, Lebanon and Qatar, as well as our consolidated presence in Iraq and Egypt, we are a key player in projects and initiatives throughout the entire value chain, from exploration to development, production, refining and trading, in a geographically strategic area at the centre of the main energy routes from and to the markets of Europe, Asia and Africa. This central role has become even more relevant following the energy crisis that emerged from the Covid-19 pandemic and worsened by the conflict in Ukraine. In the United Arab Emirates, thanks to our fruitful partnership with ADNOC, we have further strengthened our integrated approach and business resilience, expanding and diversifying our portfolio of refining and trading operations and launching a major initiative for the development of opportunities in the renewable energy and low-carbon and green hydrogen sectors, as well as research initiatives aimed at creating advanced technological solutions for energy efficiency, the capture, utilisation and storage of CO₂ and the reduction of routine flaring and methane and greenhouse gas emissions. The cooperation with Mubadala Energy also opens up further joint opportunities in the energy transition in the Middle East and beyond. In Bahrain, we launched a partnership to develop circular economy projects in harmony with the goals of the UN 2030 Agenda for the efficient recovery of water, soil and waste. The most recent step in our expansion in the region saw Eni’s entry to Qatar, as a new international partner for the expansion of the world’s largest LNG project, the North Field East (NFE), strengthening our presence in the Middle East and marking a significant milestone in our energy sourcing diversification strategy.

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Oil & natural gas net developed and not developed in Middle East 2022

at 31 December 2022
18,662 km²
total net acreage in United Arab Emirates
at 31 December 2022
446km²
total net acreage in Iraq
143,638 km² total net acreage in Asia
at 31 December 2022
1,461km²
total net acreage in Lebanon
at 31 December 2022
58,955km²
total net acreage in Oman

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Projects in the Middle East

We are developing business activities throughout the area and promoting fair, responsible and sustainable industrialisation.

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Ghasha: oil&gas in the United Arab Emirates

This project is made up of the Hail, Ghasha, Dalma and other offshore fields located in the United Arab Emirates. It will produce more than 1.5 billion cubic feet of gas per day with expected start-up in the middle of the next decade. 

The gas produced could meet over 20 per cent of the United Arab Emirates' domestic demand for gas.

More about Ghasha
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Health care and staff training in Iraq

We work to improve the quality of the haematology, oncology and surgery services at the Basra Children’s Hospital.  SDGs: 3

In collaboration with the Gaslini Institute in Genova, we are building a new ward, supplying equipment and repairing and upgrading existing systems.

more about the project
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Ruwais: refining in the United Arab Emirates

In 2018, we acquired 20 per cent of the Ruwais refinery in Abu Dhabi, which gives us one of the best expansion opportunities on the market.

This acquisition will allow us to increase our global refining capacity by about 35 per cent and significantly improves productivity.

More about Ruwais

Our operations

We have been operating in the Middle East since the 1950s. Our activities are mainly in the Upstream sector, but important partnerships also allow us to strengthen our commitments in the Downstream sector. We currently operate in:

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Le nostre attività in Medio Oriente