Press Release

Middle East & Africa Drilling Market is Expected to Register a 5.19% CAGR Through 2030

Abundant Hydrocarbon Reserves and Government Policies & Investment Incentives are likely to propel the market during the forecast period.


According to TechSci Research report, “Middle East & Africa Drilling Market – By Country, Competition, Forecast and Opportunities, 2020-2030F”, Middle East & Africa Drilling Market was valued at USD 8.72 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 11.92 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 5.19% during the forecast period.

The integration of digital technologies and automation is a rapidly growing trend across the MEA drilling sector. As operators look to enhance efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness, digital transformation is becoming central to drilling operations. This trend is evident in both technologically advanced Middle Eastern markets and gradually in parts of Africa.

Technologies such as real-time data analytics, automated drilling systems, predictive maintenance, and machine learning are increasingly being adopted to monitor and control drilling activities. These tools enable operators to make quicker, data-driven decisions, reduce equipment failures, and optimize well performance.

In Saudi Arabia and the UAE, digital oilfields are already being deployed, where interconnected sensors, cloud computing, and AI platforms work together to manage drilling parameters and reservoir performance in real time. These developments are helping reduce non-productive time (NPT) and improving safety outcomes by minimizing human error.

Africa is also catching up. Countries like Egypt and Nigeria are introducing digital monitoring systems in their upstream projects. International oilfield service providers are playing a crucial role in enabling this transformation by offering integrated digital drilling solutions tailored to the region’s needs.

The adoption of automation is especially important in high-risk or high-cost environments such as offshore rigs or politically unstable areas, where minimizing onsite human activity can reduce exposure.

Despite the benefits, digital adoption faces challenges including high upfront investment costs, the need for skilled labor, and limited digital infrastructure in certain areas. However, as global competition intensifies and cost pressures mount, the push for digital drilling solutions will likely accelerate, transforming how drilling is planned, executed, and maintained across the region.


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Based on Application, The oil & gas dominates the Middle East & Africa (MEA) drilling market primarily due to the region's exceptional hydrocarbon resource base, long-standing energy infrastructure, and strategic role in global energy supply. MEA holds a significant share of the world's proven oil and natural gas reserves—particularly in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, the UAE, Nigeria, and Angola. These vast reserves provide a natural foundation for extensive exploration and production (E&P) activities, which in turn drive sustained demand for drilling operations.

Historically, the economies of many Middle Eastern countries have been built around the oil and gas industry. National oil companies (NOCs) like Saudi Aramco, ADNOC, and Sonatrach, along with global energy majors, continue to invest heavily in upstream projects to maintain and expand production capacities. Drilling plays a central role in these activities, whether in mature fields requiring enhanced recovery or in new frontiers such as offshore and unconventional reserves.

In Africa, significant untapped reserves, particularly offshore in Angola, Mozambique, and Senegal, are drawing interest from international operators. These projects require complex drilling operations, often involving deepwater or ultra-deepwater technologies, which further elevates the importance of the drilling segment within the oil and gas sector. Additionally, the global demand for energy—especially amid efforts to diversify supply chains and ensure energy security—keeps MEA a focal point for oil and gas production. As natural gas gains importance as a transitional fuel, gas-focused drilling is also increasing across the region.

Based on Country, Qatar is emerging as the fastest-growing country in the Middle East & Africa drilling market, driven by strategic investments, substantial hydrocarbon reserves, and ambitious expansion plans.

A cornerstone of Qatar's growth is the North Field expansion project, set to increase its liquefied natural gas (LNG) production capacity from 77 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) to 142 mtpa by 2030. This ambitious initiative is supported by the discovery of additional gas reserves, elevating Qatar’s total reserves to over 2,000 trillion cubic feet.

In 2024, Qatar awarded USD 6.3 billion in oil sector contracts, marking a significant increase from previous years. Notably, QatarEnergy awarded a $4 billion offshore contract to Saipem for the North Field expansion, highlighting the country's commitment to enhancing its drilling infrastructure.,

The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), the nation's sovereign wealth fund, is also ramping up investments in energy and infrastructure projects, further bolstering the country's drilling sector

 


Major companies operating in the Middle East & Africa Drilling Market are:

  • Schlumberger Limited
  • Halliburton Company
  • Baker Hughes Company
  • Transocean Ltd.
  • Weatherford International
  • Noble Corporation
  • Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc.
  • Seadrill Limited


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The Middle East & Africa drilling market presents substantial growth opportunities driven by vast untapped hydrocarbon reserves, rising energy demand, and increased investment in deepwater and unconventional resources. Strategic government initiatives, coupled with expanding roles of national oil companies, are fostering a favorable exploration environment. The transition towards natural gas and adoption of advanced drilling technologies further enhance market potential. Additionally, geopolitical shifts and the need for energy diversification globally position MEA as a critical supply hub. As infrastructure improves and digital innovations gain traction, the region offers attractive prospects for drilling contractors, technology providers, and service companies alike.” said Mr. Karan Chechi, Research Director of TechSci Research, a research-based global management consulting firm. 

Middle East & Africa Drilling Market, By Type (Drilling Services, Drilling Fluids, Drilling Machines, Drilling Tools), By Application (Oil & Gas, Mining, Construction & Infrastructure, Aerospace & Defense, Automotive & Heavy Equipment) By Country, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2020-2030F”, has evaluated the future growth potential of Middle East & Africa Drilling Market and provides statistics & information on Market size, structure and future Market growth. The report intends to provide cutting-edge Market intelligence and help decision-makers make sound investment decisions., The report also identifies and analyzes the emerging trends along with essential drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the Middle East & Africa Drilling Market.

 

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