Kuwait is in agreement with Saudi Arabia over Al-Durra gas field: Kuwaiti oil minister

Al-Durra gas field. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Updated 05 July 2023
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Kuwait is in agreement with Saudi Arabia over Al-Durra gas field: Kuwaiti oil minister

  • Kuwait rejects Iran’s claims to Al-Durra gas field
  • Urges Tehran to discuss demarcation of its maritime borders

RIYADH: Kuwait is in agreement with Saudi Arabia over the Al-Durra gas field as it is a negotiating party, according to the Kuwaiti oil minister.

Following Iran’s announcement that it was prepared to commence drilling in the Al-Durra gas field, Kuwait has also urged Tehran to open discussions about the demarcation of its maritime borders.  

“Iran must first enter into the demarcation of international borders, and after that, whoever has a right will get it according to the rules of international law,” Saad Al-Barrak said in an interview with Asharq during the 8th OPEC International Seminar.

Kuwait has rejected Iran’s “claims” over the Al-Durra gas field, stressing that it owns exclusive rights to its natural resources along with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait News Agency reported. 

“It is too early to talk about production levels in the region shared with Saudi Arabia,” Al-Barrak added.

Like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait also called on Iran to begin negotiations over the demarcation of its maritime borders after Tehran said it was ready to begin drilling in the field.  

“We categorically and totally reject Iran’s planned activities around the premises of the Durra offshore gas field,” said Al-Barrak, KUNA reported.  

Al-Barrak recently said that he was surprised by the Iranian plan and added that the move from Tehran contradicts the basic principles of international relations.  


New Murabba seeks contractors for Mukaab Towers fit-outs: MEED

Updated 28 January 2026
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New Murabba seeks contractors for Mukaab Towers fit-outs: MEED

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s New Murabba Development Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, has issued a request for information to gauge the market for modular and offsite fit-out solutions for its flagship Mukaab development, MEED reported on Wednesday.

The RFI was released on Jan. 26, with submissions due by Feb. 11. NMDC has also scheduled a market engagement meeting during the first week of February to discuss potential solutions with prospective contractors.

Sources close to the project told MEED that NMDC is “seeking experienced suppliers and contractors to advise on the feasibility, constraints, and execution strategy for using non-load-bearing modular systems for the four corner towers framing the Mukaab structure.” The feedback gathered from these discussions will be incorporated into later design and procurement decisions.

The four towers — two residential (North and South) and two mixed-use (East and West) — are integral to the Mukaab’s architectural layout. Each tower is expected to rise approximately 375 meters and span over 80 stories. Key modular elements under consideration include bathroom pods, kitchen pods, dressing room modules, panelized steel partition systems, and other offsite-manufactured fit-out solutions.

Early works on the Mukaab were completed last year, with NMDC preparing to award the estimated $1 billion contract for the main raft works. This was highlighted in a presentation by NMDC’s chief project delivery officer on Sept. 9, 2025, during the Future Projects Forum in Riyadh.

Earlier this month, US-based Parsons Corp. was awarded a contract by NMDC to provide design and construction technical support. Parsons will act as the lead design consultant for infrastructure, delivering services covering public buildings, infrastructure, landscaping, and the public realm at New Murabba. The firm will also support the development of the project’s downtown experience, which spans 14 million sq. meters of residential, workplace, and entertainment space.

The Parsons contract follows NMDC’s October 2025 agreements with three other US-based engineering firms for design work across the development. New York-headquartered Kohn Pedersen Fox was appointed to lead early design for the first residential community, while Aecom and Jacobs were selected as lead design consultants for the Mukaab district.

In August 2025, NMDC signed a memorandum of understanding with Falcons Creative Group, another US-based firm, to develop the creative vision and immersive experiences for the Mukaab project. Meanwhile, Beijing-based China Harbour Engineering Co. completed the excavation works for the Mukaab, and UAE-headquartered HSSG Foundation Contracting executed the foundation works.