After the re-imposition of US sanctions in 2018 sparked a crash in its oil industry, Iran accelerated production of natural gas and gas condensates and expanded gas exports to neighbouring countries less vulnerable to sanctions. However, domestic obstacles and continued limits on its energy exports have prevented Iran from securing its place as a major gas provider to the region, and it now has another priority for its rising gas output: its downstream sector.
Grand designs: are Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure plans too ambitious?
Saudi Arabia has announced a trillion-dollar pipeline of infrastructure projects aimed at diversifying the economy beyond oil and positioning the kingdom as a global hub for investment and logistics. The development agenda has created opportunities in a range of new areas such as smart cities, tourism and clean energy. But while the country is telling the world that it’s open for business, the plans are beset by challenges: low levels of foreign direct investment and shaky investor confidence coupled with corporate financing constraints will require new approaches in politics and governance.