The Arab Republic of Egypt and the State of Qatar signed a memorandum of understanding on Sunday in the Qatari capital, Doha, to enhance strategic cooperation in the energy field, with a focus on the sale and import of liquefied natural gas and other vital energy sectors.
The Egyptian Ministry of Petroleum clarified in a statement published on its social media platforms that the memorandum constitutes a fundamental step towards diversifying energy sources and ensuring the fulfillment of local market needs in parallel with increasing domestic production. This strengthens Egypt’s position as a regional hub for natural gas trading and energy commerce.
The statement confirmed that the memorandum reflects the deep strategic partnership between Egypt and Qatar, as QatarEnergy operates in six offshore areas in Egypt, particularly in the Mediterranean Sea, with plans to pump new investments over the next five years. These plans include drilling exploratory wells in cooperation with major global energy companies.
In the same context, the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company “EGAS” signed the executive mechanism for supplying shipments of Qatari liquefied natural gas to Egypt through the Sokhna and Damietta ports.
The ministry emphasized that these agreements enhance the stability of gas supplies for the local and regional markets and support Egypt’s ability to achieve energy security and expand export activities, keeping pace with the accelerating growth in global gas demand.
As part of its efforts to develop domestic production, the ministry announced a new gas discovery in the Western Desert with a production capacity reaching 36 million cubic feet per day. The discovery was made by “Khalda” Petroleum Company in cooperation with “Apache” Corporation, following the drilling of the exploratory well Jumana-1. This strengthens reliance on local discoveries and supports plans to attract foreign investment in the energy sector.
The initial reserves of the well are currently being evaluated, and it is scheduled to be included in the production map soon. This will allow Egypt to increase production rates and enhance its role in regional energy security.
Arab Republic of Egypt
The Arab Republic of Egypt is a transcontinental nation in North Africa and the Middle East, renowned as the site of one of the world’s earliest and most influential civilizations along the Nile River. Its history spans ancient pharaonic kingdoms, Greco-Roman rule, Islamic caliphates, and its modern founding as a republic in 1953. The country is globally famous for monumental archaeological sites like the Pyramids of Giza and its profound cultural legacy.
State of Qatar
The State of Qatar is a sovereign country on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, historically shaped by its Bedouin heritage and maritime pearl-diving economy. It transformed dramatically following the discovery of its vast oil and natural gas reserves in the mid-20th century, leading to rapid modernization and significant global influence. Today, it is known for its futuristic architecture, hosting major international events, and as a hub for diplomacy and culture in the region.
Doha
Doha is the capital city of Qatar, a modern metropolis that grew from a small fishing and pearling village into a major global hub following the discovery of oil and natural gas in the mid-20th century. Its history is showcased in sites like the Souq Waqif, a restored traditional market, and the Museum of Islamic Art, which anchors its cultural development.
Egyptian Ministry of Petroleum
The Egyptian Ministry of Petroleum is the government body responsible for managing Egypt’s oil and natural gas resources. It was established in the 1970s following a period of nationalization and has since been central to developing the country’s significant hydrocarbon sector, including major discoveries like the Zohr gas field.
Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea is a historically vital body of water connecting Europe, Africa, and Asia, serving as a cradle for numerous ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Its strategic location fostered trade, cultural exchange, and conflict for millennia, shaping the development of Western and Middle Eastern societies. Today, it remains a major hub for commerce, tourism, and geopolitical activity.
Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company
The Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS) is a state-owned entity established in 2001 to manage Egypt’s natural gas resources. It oversees exploration, production, and distribution, playing a central role in the country’s energy sector and economic development.
EGAS
EGAS is a historic winery located in the Cima Corgo sub-region of Portugal’s Douro Valley, founded in the late 19th century by the Egas Moniz family. It is renowned for producing high-quality Port wines and has played a significant role in the region’s winemaking traditions for generations.
Sokhna
Sokhna, formally known as Ain Sokhna, is a coastal resort town on Egypt’s Red Sea coast. Historically, its natural hot springs gave the area its name, meaning “hot spring” in Arabic, and it has been developed into a major industrial and commercial port zone in recent decades. Today, it is a popular weekend destination for residents of nearby Cairo due to its beaches and proximity.
Damietta
Damietta is a major Egyptian port city located at the mouth of the eastern branch of the Nile Delta. Historically, it was a key strategic and commercial center, famously targeted during the Fifth and Seventh Crusades in the 13th century due to its importance for controlling trade routes. Today, it is renowned for its furniture industry and distinctive architectural style featuring ornate wooden facades on many buildings.
Western Desert
The Western Desert is a vast arid region in Egypt, historically inhabited by nomadic tribes and home to several oases that have served as crucial trade and travel routes since antiquity. It contains significant archaeological sites, including the Bahariya Oasis, where a Roman-era necropolis with gilded “Golden Mummies” was discovered.
Khalda Petroleum Company
Khalda Petroleum Company is an Egyptian joint venture established in the 1990s between the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) and Apache Corporation. It operates primarily in the Western Desert, focusing on the exploration and production of oil and natural gas, and has been a significant contributor to Egypt’s hydrocarbon output for decades.
Apache Corporation
Apache Corporation is an American independent energy company founded in 1954, primarily engaged in the exploration, development, and production of natural gas and crude oil. It is not a physical cultural site or landmark, but a significant entity in the petroleum industry with a history of operations in key regions like the Permian Basin and offshore Gulf of Mexico.
Jumana-1
Jumana-1 is a remote archaeological site in Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ula region, known for its collection of well-preserved ancient rock art and inscriptions. The carvings, which include depictions of humans and animals, are believed to date back thousands of years, offering insights into the cultural and historical narratives of early civilizations in the Arabian Peninsula.
