Exploring for new frontiers older and deeper
The Arabian plate has one of the largest conventional hydrocarbon endowments in the world. Most production to date comes from the Permian-aged Khuff and younger Mesozoic–Cenozoic stratigraphy, while deeper Paleozoic intervals remain comparatively underexplored.
This edition of Subsurface Insights uses data, models, and regional knowledge from the Neftex® solution to build on recent internal deep-time geological research. It evaluates the current production and exploration potential of deeper Arabia stratigraphy.
Plate-wide screening assesses the presence and effectiveness of petroleum system elements and identifies areas with additional exploration potential. The analysis includes an inventory of pre-Khuff play concepts (Middle Permian and older) and highlights locations for future exploration across the Arabian Plate.
The main geological risks associated with deeper Arabian Plate plays include reservoir effectiveness at depth and the presence of traps. Depth of burial may impact reservoir quality. The distribution of possible plays indicates significant exploration potential in the extensive pre-Khuff stratigraphy, which correlates across multiple intervals.
