The talks centered on expanding cooperation in natural gas, increasing the involvement of Egyptian companies in Jordan’s energy infrastructure projects, and identifying joint investment opportunities in mining, with a particular focus on phosphate production and downstream mineral industries.

Badawi said Egypt is keen to deepen cooperation with Jordan in both the energy and mining sectors, building on the two countries’ longstanding partnership in natural gas. As part of the discussions, both sides also reviewed ways to expand the presence of Egyptian petroleum companies within Jordan’s energy sector. Companies including Fajr Jordan Egyptian, Petrojet, Enppi, and Gas Misr are already active in the Jordanian market, while Eprom, Town Gas, and Modern Gas are expected to participate in future projects related to natural gas distribution, operations, and maintenance.

Joint Technical Working Groups to Advance Future Implementation

Al-Kharabsheh said cooperation between Jordan and Egypt has become a model for Arab energy integration, noting that previous joint projects have laid a strong foundation for expanding strategic partnerships that deliver long-term economic benefits for both countries. He also announced that Jordan is approaching the signing of agreements with two Egyptian companies to carry out natural gas distribution projects in the industrial cities of Ma’an and Al Muwaqqar.

These projects are expected to complement the continuing expansion of gas networks in Mafraq and Zarqa, supporting broader use of natural gas across Jordan’s industrial sector and further strengthening energy cooperation between the two nations.

The meeting marked the beginning of Badawi’s visit to the Jordanian capital and was attended by Egypt’s Ambassador to Jordan Khaled El Abyad, Yasser Salah El Din, Chairperson of Fajr Jordan Egyptian Natural Gas Company, Mohamed El Bagoury, Head of the Legal Affairs Department at Egypt’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, along with senior officials from both countries.

At the conclusion of the discussions, the two ministers agreed to establish joint technical working groups to follow up on the proposals presented during the meeting. These groups will develop implementation mechanisms covering natural gas, mining, value-added industries, infrastructure development, and investment partnerships between Egyptian and Jordanian companies, creating a structured framework for advancing future bilateral initiatives.

Operational Strategy and Efficiency

During a recent videoconference with the Board of Directors of the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC), Minister Karim Badawi discussed measures to enhance operational speed and efficiency. EGPC Chairman Salah Abdel Kerim and Deputy Chairman Amal Tantawi reviewed the current agenda, focusing on maintaining the recent positive momentum in output.

Karim Badawi noted that Egypt has successfully cleared outstanding dues over the last two years. This financial stabilization, combined with new incentive packages, has helped return crude oil production to a growth trajectory.

Natural Gas Development and Exploration

The Ministry is currently working closely with investment partners to boost natural gas output. Much of the production in this sector originates from deepwater fields in the Mediterranean. These projects require significant investments and complex exploration timelines.

A notable result of these efforts is the Denis discovery in the Temsah concession. This field is estimated to hold approximately 2 trillion cubic feet of gas. According to the Badawi, this discovery demonstrates that fostering an attractive investment climate is essential for unlocking future potential.

Ensuring Energy Security

Regarding national energy security, the energy sector successfully met the fuel requirements for the electricity grid during the summer of 2025. This was necessary to address record demand levels reaching 40.5 gigawatts (GW). Close coordination between the Ministry of Petroleum and the Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy ensured that these supplies remained stable. Efforts are ongoing to maintain this consistency for the remainder of the summer season.

During the session, the officials reviewed the ongoing development of the Egypt Upstream Gateway (EUG). Minister Badawi emphasized that the EUG is a cornerstone of the sector’s modernization efforts. Current upgrades are focused on integrating data analytics and AI technologies to refine investment evaluations and mitigate operational risks. By utilizing AI in petroleum sector, the Ministry aims to accelerate decision-making processes and more accurately pinpoint high-potential areas for upstream exploration.

Optimizing Production and Operational Efficiency

The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding the use of AI in petroleum sector to boost production levels and improve overall operational efficiency. He highlighted the necessity of prioritizing AI applications that provide immediate and measurable impacts, particularly those that maximize output from existing fields. This approach is intended to reduce costs while fostering a culture of data-driven decision-making throughout the industry.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to energy efficiency and the industry’s environmental responsibilities. SLB presented a suite of digital solutions designed for real-time energy monitoring and the optimization of equipment performance. These tools are essential for the early detection of methane emissions and the reduction of flare gas through effective recovery and utilization techniques.

Additional measures focus on enhancing the efficiency of compressors and pumps while reducing energy losses, helping the sector advance its sustainability objectives and carbon reduction goals.

Other Partnerships in AI-driven Petroleum Sector

Egypt recently anounced a potential joint venture with UAE-based AIQ. The proposed platform, AIQ Egypt, would combine EUG data with sophisticated AI technologies to further streamline upstream exploration and lower production costs across Egypt’s petroleum sector.

The discussions regarding this strategic initiative took place during a formal meeting between Karim Badawi, the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, and Dennis Jol, the Chief Executive Officer of AIQ. The dialogue centered on the broader application of digital transformation and automated technologies throughout the entire oil and gas value chain. Minister Badawi emphasized that petroleum sector AI technology has evolved into a fundamental requirement for the future of the industry, citing its ability to process geophysical and seismic data with superior speed and precision to enhance executive decision-making.

Enhancing Upstream Oil and Gas Through Technical Innovation

The integration of petroleum sector AI technology is expected to accelerate exploration timelines and significantly improve operational efficiency while reducing overhead costs. According to the technical briefings, the available technologies span the entire upstream oil and gas value chain, ranging from subsurface analysis and drilling to asset management and facility integrity. The primary objectives of this collaboration are to minimize production expenses, maximize output efficiency, and increase the value added across all operational stages.

Advancing Energy Sector Innovation and Predictive Maintenance

The partnership is focusing on a new generation of applications driven by physics and chemistry models to refine seismic interpretation and reduce operational risks. A notable success already recorded by the technology provider includes an automated system for the early prediction of Electrical Submersible Pump failures. This system can identify potential malfunctions up to 45 days before they occur, ensuring operational efficiency and preventing costly production downtime. Furthermore, the collaboration involves the use of intelligent platforms for well data management and the deployment of smart cameras to improve occupational health, safety, and environmental protection.

Both parties also reviewed the application of petroleum industry AI in hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling. These technologies are intended to optimize well design and increase field productivity while shortening drilling durations. By utilizing energy sector innovation to break up rock formations more effectively, the industry can better access trapped resources. This digital transformation effort is supported by the expertise of the AQI, which was founded in late 2020 as a joint venture between Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and  Presight, another Emirati technology company.

Yassin Mohamed, Deputy CEO of DLNG, aconfirmed that the facility adheres to the highest standards of occupational health and safety. The operational review included a look at the systems for receiving and storing imported shipments, which involves unloading cargoes at the jetty and utilizing designated storage tanks. This inspection highlights the ongoing efforts to optimize available assets and improve the efficiency of infrastructure utilization to sustain long-term operations.

Strategic Regional Energy Trade Hub Objectives

The Damietta LNG plant visit aligns with the Ministry’s broader strategy to leverage Egypt’s advanced facilities, including the plants at Damietta and Idku. As the only natural gas liquefaction sites in the Eastern Mediterranean, these assets are central to establishing the nation as a regional energy trade hub. Badawi noted that the integrated infrastructure provides a platform for international cooperation and strategic partnerships.

Current collaborations involve working with Cyprus and various investment partners to process Cypriot gas resources through Egyptian facilities. The Damietta LNG plant is positioned to play a significant role in this process, receiving gas volumes once production commences in Cyprus for subsequent export to global markets, further strengthening the energy trade hub framework.

Regasification Unit and National Grid Stability

In addition to the plant tour, Badawi inspected the Energos Winter, a floating storage and regasification unit stationed at the United Gas Derivatives Company terminal. During the meeting with the vessel’s crew, the Minister was updated on the consistency and efficiency of the regasification processes. This vessel is one of four such units currently operating within the country to manage imported shipments.

The regasification unit serves a critical function by converting liquefied gas back into its gaseous state for injection into the national gas grid. This process is essential for meeting the energy requirements of the domestic market, particularly for the industrial and electricity sectors. Furthermore, these units ensure a flexible gas supply system capable of responding to national demand.

Forging a Joint Path for Future Growth

Following constructive discussions, both parties reached an agreement to establish a joint working team. This collaborative initiative will be tasked with formulating an executive program designed to facilitate the expansion of UAE investments in Egypt’s petroleum sector. Furthermore, the team will undertake a comprehensive study of available opportunities, including those related to aviation fuel supply, as well as exploration and production activities. This concerted effort aims to bolster the strategic partnership between Egypt and the UAE, paving the way for new horizons of growth and UAE investment .

Officials from ENOC and Dragon Oil expressed their commendation for the accomplishments of the Egyptian Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (MoPMR). Specifically, they highlighted the successful settlement of all outstanding dues owed to investment partners. This crucial step was recognized as a clear demonstration of the Egyptian state’s strength and integrity, significantly contributing to enhanced investor confidence and the cultivation of an environment conducive to further investment.

A Model of Arab Economic Integration

Minister Badawi described the Egyptian-Emirati partnership within the petroleum sector as a prime example of successful Arab economic integration. He lauded the tangible successes achieved by Emirati companies operating in Egypt, with Dragon Oil being a prominent example.

Dragon Oil’s Impact in the Gulf of Suez

Badawi specifically praised Dragon Oil’s recent achievements, noting a significant advancement in the Gulf of Suez. Through its joint venture with the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC), operating as the Gulf of Suez Petroleum Company (GUPCO), the company has achieved a qualitative leap in the region. By integrating advanced digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) applications, Dragon Oil has successfully revitalized production potential, optimized output, and opened new avenues for investment.

Expanding Horizons: Red Sea Exploration

The Ministry, Badawi added, is committed to providing all necessary support to facilitate the expansion of Dragon Oil’s activities. This includes bolstering operations within its existing concession areas and venturing into promising exploratory regions, with a particular focus on the Red Sea. Such initiatives are anticipated to increase the likelihood of new discoveries, directly supporting the state’s objectives to boost production and ensure the satisfaction of local market demands.

Future Investment Commitments

In April 2026, Abdulkarim Almaazmi indicated that Dragon Oil plans to invest $3 billion in Egypt over the coming years. He further highlighted recent investments in the country, including a new well discovery at the North Safa field and another at the East Crystal well towards the end of 2025.

The Prime Minister was joined by Karim Badawi, the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, alongside key executives from prominent international companies actively engaged in the region. Among these were representatives from UK Shell, Malaysia’s Petronas, and Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company (KUFPEC). The WDDM area operations are managed by Rashid Petroleum Company (Rashpetco), a joint venture involving the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) in collaboration with Shell and Petronas.

During his visit, Madbouly emphasized the profound importance of the petroleum sector to Egypt’s economic landscape. He noted the government’s ongoing efforts to introduce a range of incentives and facilitative measures designed to attract additional investments. These initiatives aim to encourage international energy companies to intensify their exploration and production activities.

“Our goal is to attract more investments into this vital sector and encourage global partners to inject new capital into exploration and development activities,” Madbouly said.

Minister Badawi characterized the WDDM area as one of Egypt’s most significant natural gas-producing regions in the Mediterranean. He presented it as a successful illustration of collaborative efforts between the Egyptian petroleum sector and its international partners. The Minister elaborated that recent sector reforms, coupled with attractive investment incentives, have been instrumental. Additionally, the government’s program to settle outstanding dues owed to foreign partners, which was fully completed by 10th June 2026, has significantly restored investor confidence. This has, in turn, accelerated development plans and bolstered production growth.

Badawi further noted that the 10th and 11th phases of the WDDM development project were successfully implemented throughout 2024 and 2025. These phases have introduced new production capacity, contributing to the reinforcement of domestic gas supplies and helping to mitigate the natural decline in production from mature fields.

He also pointed to Egypt’s competitive edge, stemming from its integrated infrastructure for gas production and processing. This setup effectively reduces development costs and allows for the rapid integration of newly discovered reserves. Badawi added that the WDDM area possesses ample infrastructure capacity to accommodate increased gas volumes within short timeframes.

The West Mina gas field, recognized as one of the area’s most crucial offshore discoveries, is slated to commence production in the fourth quarter of 2026. The field is projected to yield 160 million cubic feet per day (MMcf/d) upon completion of tie-in operations to the existing infrastructure. This field was discovered in October 2023 and is currently undergoing development by Shell and KUFPEC, utilizing a subsea tie-back to the established WDDM infrastructure.

Following the tour, Prime Minister Madbouly reviewed the ongoing activities of the international partners within the field and their future investment plans for the WDDM area.

Dalia El Gabry, Vice President and Country Chair of Shell Egypt, provided an overview of the company’s extensive operations in Egypt, where it has maintained a presence for over 110 years. She highlighted Shell’s multifaceted role across the energy value chain, encompassing natural gas production in the WDDM, exploration endeavors in the Nile Delta and Herodotus Basin, as well as the liquefaction and export of gas via the Idku LNG plant. El Gabry reaffirmed Shell’s unwavering commitment to close collaboration with the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (MoPMR) and its partners to develop these assets and ensure secure, responsible, and sustainable energy supplies, reinforcing the drive for oil and gas investment.

Hany Esmat, CEO and Country Chair of Petronas Egypt, discussed the company’s partnership with Shell in offshore gas production projects within the West Delta region and its involvement with the Idku LNG plant. He expressed keen interest in expanding Petronas’ investments in Egypt’s dynamic gas sector.

Abdulaziz Al-Mousawi, Country Manager of KUFPEC, detailed the company’s investment portfolio in Egypt, which includes assets in the Gulf of Suez and its Mediterranean partnership with Shell. He also conveyed pride in KUFPEC’s participation in the development of the West Mina field, which is anticipated to begin production in late 2026, underscoring the ongoing commitment to exploration and development.

A key focus of the discussions was the implementation of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) previously signed by Egypt and Syria in the natural gas sector. The ministers reviewed developments related to the agreement and examined the progress of follow-up measures concerning gas supply through the Arab Gas Pipeline. In addition, both sides explored ways to rehabilitate and modernize Syria’s energy infrastructure by utilizing the expertise and technical capabilities available within the Egyptian petroleum sector. Particular attention was given to the potential role of engineering and construction companies ENPPI and Petrojet in supporting these efforts. The meeting also addressed cooperation in technical training, capacity building, and the exchange of expertise designed to contribute to the advancement of Syria’s energy sector.

During the discussions, Badawi said that Egyptian-Syrian relations are built on deep-rooted historical and fraternal ties, which provide a strong foundation for expanding cooperation across various sectors, particularly energy. He also added that the shared interests and aligned vision of both countries regarding Arab integration create significant opportunities to strengthen partnerships in the oil and natural gas industries for the mutual benefit of both nations.

Badawi further noted that Egypt possesses extensive expertise across the oil and gas value chain, supported by advanced infrastructure that includes gas transmission networks, processing facilities, and liquefaction plants. According to him, these strengths position Egypt to support energy cooperation projects with Syria in the coming period.

He also emphasized that stronger energy cooperation between the two countries could contribute to enhanced energy security, deeper regional integration, and greater support for development, reconstruction efforts, and the recovery of Syria’s energy sector.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both ministers agreed to maintain coordination and continue exploring the creation of a technical mechanism to oversee the implementation of agreed projects and cooperation opportunities. The objective is to support the recovery of Syria’s energy sector while further strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two nations.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (MoPMR) highlighted the progress in this endeavor. A meeting between Karim Badawi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, and Scott Childers, Director of Strategic Assets and Emerging Markets at Chevron, the designated operator of the Aphrodite field, alongside a visiting delegation, focused on the preparatory steps for the natural gas development and production project. Attended also by Said Salyma, Executive Managing Director of Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS), and Mohamed El-Bagoury, Head of the Central Department for Legal Affairs at MoPMR, the discussions underscored the commitment to moving forward. The established deadline for the finalization of the main agreements is September 2026.

Both parties have committed to intensifying follow-up meetings and expediting the review process for draft agreements, aiming to reach their definitive versions within the coming months. Minister Badawi reiterated Egypt’s unwavering dedication to serving as a principal partner in ensuring the project’s successful execution. He emphasized that adherence to the proposed timelines would be instrumental in enabling the implementation phases, ultimately benefiting the shared interests of Egypt, Cyprus, and the investment partners involved in the field. This advancement in the deal is occurring on both technical and commercial fronts, with ongoing studies and engineering work underway for critical components such as the floating production unit, offshore pipelines, and the comprehensive natural gas transportation and processing system, as detailed by Mr. Childers.

The completion of these foundational agreements is viewed as a significant step toward reaching a final investment decision (FID). This collaboration follows a notable announcement in April 2025, when Cyprus confirmed that Chevron would commence seabed survey operations in early summer. These surveys are essential for the planned construction of a strategic pipeline intended to link the Aphrodite gas field, located in the Eastern Mediterranean, directly to Egypt. This move was preceded by the signing of a memorandum of understanding at EGYPES 2025 between Egypt, Cyprus, and Chevron, which effectively laid the groundwork for the commercial utilization of the Aphrodite gas reserves situated in Block 12 of Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone.

The MoU was formally executed by Sayed Selim, Executive Managing Director of the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS), and Pascal Breant, General Manager of TotalEnergies in Egypt and Cyprus. Prime Minister Madbouly emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to fostering further investment in exploration and research. He highlighted the provision of incentives and facilities designed to attract international partners, with the ultimate goal of increasing new discoveries and expediting the development of existing fields. This strategic approach aims to boost domestic production and subsequently reduce Egypt’s reliance on energy imports.

The Prime Minister further noted that recent discussions with executives from various international oil companies during the Egypt Energy Show underscored the state’s dedication to cultivating an appealing investment climate within the energy sector. These assurances are intended to encourage partners to expand their operational footprint in Egypt’s dynamic oil and gas industry.

Petroleum Minister Karim Badawi elaborated on the framework established by the western Mediterranean exploration MoU, detailing that it encompasses technical cooperation, preliminary natural gas exploration studies, and subsea technical assessments. He expressed optimism that this agreement will facilitate practical exploration endeavors in the region and contribute to mitigating investment risks associated with such ventures.

Minister Badawi revealed that the agreement with TotalEnergies is the result of extensive, high-level dialogues initiated during the visit of TotalEnergies’ Chief Executive Officer, Patrick Pouyanne, to Cairo for the opening of this year’s EGYPES conference. These discussions centered on the company’s renewed focus on gas exploration activities within Egypt, particularly in the western Mediterranean, and the promising opportunities arising from the sector’s current investment incentives and ongoing reform initiatives. He warmly welcomed TotalEnergies’ return to gas exploration in Egypt, characterizing the partnership as a direct outcome of the ministry’s concerted efforts to enhance the investment environment through attractive incentives, diversified regulatory frameworks, and the prompt resolution of outstanding dues owed to partners.

According to Minister Badawi, these strategic measures have been instrumental in rebuilding confidence among international energy companies, motivating them to intensify their exploration, field development, and drilling operations. This increased activity is crucial for augmenting domestic production and reinforcing Egypt’s energy security. The petroleum sector, he added, continues to present compelling investment prospects for strategic allies aiming to bolster exploration and expand Egypt’s natural gas reserves, aligning with the ministry’s strategy for sustained growth in domestic output. The Minister also underscored the Mediterranean’s status as a priority region for expanding gas exploration, citing its considerable untapped potential, complemented by Egypt’s advanced infrastructure and deep-seated expertise, positioning the nation for enhanced collaborations with leading international energy firms.