A recent study by Integrated Global Services (IGS) reveals that nearly half of the oil and gas infrastructure in the Gulf region is operating beyond its intended design life, raising significant reliability concerns. Specifically, 46% of operators report that up to half of their assets are running past their design life, while 14% indicate that the majority of their infrastructure falls into this category.

These findings are compounded by shifting production dynamics in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which are intensifying operational pressures. Facilities in eastern Saudi Arabia have experienced reduced output and unplanned shutdowns due to export constraints, while operators in other regions are increasing throughput to offset disruptions. This acceleration in production accelerates wear on already aging equipment, creating a widening gap between asset condition and operational demands.

Despite these challenges, 83% of respondents expressed confidence in their infrastructure’s ability to meet future needs. However, 65% reported significant production or throughput losses due to unplanned downtime. Dennis Snijders, IGS Director for the Middle East and North Africa, noted that operators are under pressure to maintain reliability and optimize performance under very different operating conditions, especially with disruptions affecting export routes and production balance.

To address these issues, operators are increasingly using both planned and unplanned shutdowns to reassess asset integrity and extend facility life. More than three-quarters of respondents indicated that investment in asset protection and integrity solutions is viable if payback can be achieved within five years. Additionally, companies are balancing reliability needs with cost constraints and decarbonization targets, adding complexity to long-term asset management strategies. As regional supply disruptions persist, maintaining performance from aging infrastructure is emerging as a critical factor in sustaining Gulf oil and gas output.