The Middle East is experiencing a major expansion in natural gas processing capacity, as regional governments respond to rising domestic energy needs and the imperative to diversify economies away from oil dependence.
This shift is driven by a confluence of factors: robust global and local energy demand, the transition toward cleaner energy sources, and the region’s abundant natural gas reserves.
Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are leading this transformation, investing billions in new gas processing infrastructure.
These investments are not only designed to meet the growing requirements of domestic industries — such as power generation and petrochemicals — but also to expand liquefied natural gas (LNG) export capabilities and strengthen energy security.
Saudi Arabia is at the forefront, accounting for nearly 40 per cent (7.2 billion cubic feet per day, bcfd) of the region’s planned capacity additions by 2030.
The kingdom’s ambitious projects include the Tanajib gas processing plant, expected to come online in 2027 with a capacity of 2.6 bcfd, and the Jafurah Phase II project, set to add 2.0 bcfd.
Both projects are fully owned and operated by Saudi Arabian Oil Co (Saudi Aramco), underlining the state’s commitment to scaling up domestic gas production and reducing reliance on oil revenues.
Qatar, the world’s leading LNG exporter, is the second-largest contributor, responsible for 4.6 bcfd—about a quarter of the region’s capacity growth by 2030.
This entire addition stems from the Ras Laffan-NFE gas processing plant, operated by QatarEnergy LNG and wholly owned by QatarEnergy.
The facility is scheduled to commence operations this year, further cementing Qatar’s status as a global gas powerhouse.
The UAE follows with 2.4 bcfd of new capacity planned by 2030.
The centrepiece is the Bab Gas Cap plant, which will add 1.9 bcfd when it becomes operational in 2027.
Abu Dhabi Gas Industries Limited will operate the plant, with Abu Dhabi National Oil Co as the equity owner.
This regional surge in gas processing capacity aligns with broader global trends.
According to industry analysts, global gas processing capacity is projected to rise by 9 per cent between 2025 and 2030, driven by increasing energy demand and the shift toward cleaner fuels.
For the Middle East, these developments mark a pivotal step in economic diversification, energy security, and the region’s evolving role in the global energy landscape.
