Strong oil prices allied ally with a surge in its crude output to depress Saudi Arabia's domestic debt by nearly SR31 billion in 2011 and the debt is expected to dip this year to its lowest level in more than two decades.

Expectations crude prices will remain high will also boost the official foreign assets of the world's oil powerhouse to a new peak of nearly $694 billion at the end of 2012 before climbing to an all time high of $726 billion at the end of 2013, according to the Riyadh-based Jadwa Investments.

From SR167 billion at the end of 2010, Saudi Arabia's public debt shrank...

Oman represents one of the fastest growing power and water sectors in the Middle East region with electricity and desalinated water demand expected to increase until 2017 at an average growth rate of about 9% per year according to the Oman Power and Water Procurement Company’s 7-Year Statement 2011-1017.

To face the increasing demand, Oman is investing in strengthening power and desalination water generation capacity and in maximising the network efficiency to improve costs and energy saving benefits and to optimise the rational use of electricity and water resources.

Energy...

Mazoon Electricity Company has recently institutionalized a new code of practice for customers that have difficulty paying their electricity bills. Specifically designed to provide superior services and augment customer satisfaction, the new protocol is set to enhance communications and foster better understanding between customers and the company by discussing and identifyingworkable solutions that address payment deferrals in a professionaland confidential manner.

Eng. Abdullah bin Said Al Badri, General Manager of Mazoon Electricity Company commented, “Customer satisfaction is a...

Qatar University's Gas Processing Center is organizing its 3rd International Gas Processing Symposium. This symposium is intended to be a primary event in the area of gas processing in the world by attracting international scholars and key industry leaders.

This 3rd International Gas Processing symposium will include plenary sessions presented by key industrial senior management, keynote speakers, technical sessions, and paper presentations. In addition, there will be pre-symposium workshops and post symposium trips to Qatari Industrial Cities known to host the biggest
production trains...

The Sultanate’s crude oil and condensates production in January 2012 amounted to 27,497,500 barrels or 887,160 barrels per day, said the monthly report released by the Oil and Gas Ministry.

Total exports of crude oil in January 2012 stood at 21,486,856 bpd, an average of 693,124 bpd, the report added. Asian markets have received the bulk share of the Omani crude oil exports. China topped the list of Omani crude importers in January 2012 with 52.82 per cent followed by Japan 18.18 per cent and Singapore 12.10 per cent of the total exports. But India and South Korea stayed...

An armed terrorist groups on Friday targeted with an explosive device an oil transfer pipeline in al-Sultanieh area in Baba Amr city in the central province of Homs, causing a huge fire.

A source from the Petroleum Ministry said that the Syrian Company for Crude Oil Transfer is currently coordinating with other parties concerned to deal with the problem.

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A Venezuelan oil tanker has been sent to Syria, raising suspicions that Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez is supplying the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad with fuel as it seeks to crush a nearly year-long uprising by some citizens.

A 47-ton Venezuelan vessel named Negra Hipolita was set to arrive at the Syrian port of Banias on Wednesday, shipping records"...

Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), Masdar Institute, and the University of Southampton are collaborating to tackle the MyHeartMap Challenge, using social networks and crowdsourcing.

Launched by the University of Pennsylvania, MyHeartMap Challenge invites members of the public to participate"...

World Smart Energy Week 2012

In just under 2 weeks, Reed Exhibitions Japan will be opening 'World Smart Energy Week 2012', one of the largest renewable energy event in the world with 1,950* exhibitors (2011: 1,562 exhibitors) and 120,000* visitors. (*expected numbers) It is an all-round renewable energy event consisting of 7 exhibitions and 246 technical conferences &"...

Electricity Minister Imad Khamis on Tuesday discussed with Iranian Vice President for International Relations Ali Saeedlou bilateral ties and means of enhancing cooperation between Syria and Iran, particularly in the field of electricity.

The two sides underlined the importance of carrying out joint projects, make use of the available capabilities and remove obstacles"...