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Jafurah Gas Field
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The Jafurah Gas Field in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia is the largest non-associated shale gas field in the Kingdom and a cornerstone of the Vision 2030 strategy. It spans an area of approximately 17,000 square kilometers and is estimated to hold around 200 trillion cubic feet of raw gas reserves. Saudi Aramco began developing the field in 2020 with a projected total investment exceeding 110 billion US dollars over several phases. Production is slated to commence in 2025, expected to yield substantial quantities of natural gas, condensates, and natural gas liquids such as ethane, propane, and butane. These resources are critical for diversifying the Saudi economy away from crude oil dependence by providing fuel for domestic power generation. The field's development also facilitates the large-scale production of blue hydrogen, positioning the Kingdom as a leader in the global transition to sustainable energy. By utilizing this gas domestically, the country aims to replace up to 800,000 barrels of crude oil per day previously used for electricity, freeing it for export.
- Location: Saudi Arabia
- Nearby: Al Hofuf (24 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 14 | 17 | 22 | 27 | 33 | 36 | 37 | 37 | 34 | 29 | 22 | 16 |
| Rain mm | 5 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 7 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
As Saudi Arabia's largest unconventional natural gas field, this massive industrial site represents a crucial pillar in the kingdom's long-term energy transition strategy. It significantly boosts domestic gas production and serves as a cornerstone for future economic diversification.
Visiting
Due to the extremely strict safety regulations and national strategic importance, the operational gas field itself is completely closed to the general public. There are no visitor centers or official tourist facilities within the heavily secured industrial perimeter.
Where to view it
The vast scale of the energy infrastructure can occasionally be glimpsed from a great distance when driving along the major connecting desert highways in the Eastern Province. However, tall fences and immense security buffer zones usually obstruct any detailed or close-up views.
Local products
Being a highly restricted heavy industry extraction zone, this specific location does not offer any retail opportunities, local crafts, or consumer markets for travelers. It is solely dedicated to large-scale resource extraction and heavy engineering operations.
Active season
Industrial extraction and site development operate continuously, twenty-four hours a day, throughout the entire year without any seasonal breaks. The intense desert heat means that most visible heavy construction work might peak during the slightly cooler winter months.
Nearby
Travelers in the wider region often combine passing through this province with visiting the beautiful coastal areas of the Arabian Gulf or exploring the rich cultural heritage of Al-Ahsa Oasis. The major cities of Dammam and Dhahran also offer excellent modern attractions nearby.
Geography
Facts
- Surface area of approximately 17,000 square kilometers in the Eastern Province.
- Estimated reserves of 200 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of raw gas.
- Investment volume of over 110 billion US dollars for development.
- First phase production is scheduled to begin in 2025.
- Potential to displace 800,000 barrels of crude oil per day domestically.
- Expected production of 630.000 barrels of gas condensates per day by 2030.
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Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Jafurah gas field?
One of the largest unconventional gas fields worldwide for energy supply.
Is the field to be seen for tourists?
No, industrial gas fields are restricted areas.
What role does the gas play?
It serves to diversify the energy mix away from pure oil.
Is the development technologically demanding?
Yes, mining requires state-of-the-art fracking technology and infrastructure.
Where is the field located?
It is located in the east of the country, south of the Ghawar oil field.
Jafurah Gas Field: where is it located?
Jafurah Gas Field is located in Saudi Arabia.
Jafurah Gas Field: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Nov.
Jafurah Gas Field: why is it worth visiting?
The Jafurah Gas Field in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia is the largest non-associated shale gas field in the Kingdom and a cornerstone of the Vision 2030 strategy.
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Nearby cities
Dammam
The metropolis on the east coast is a major administrative center rich in petroleum industry facilities.
Al Hofuf
The urban center of the Al-Ahsa Oasis is deeply rooted in history and surrounded by millions of date palms.
Al Mubarraz
The twin city of Hofuf within the Al-Ahsa Oasis shares its fertile land irrigation system.
Hafar Al Batin
This desert city in the northeast has served for centuries as a resting place for pilgrims and trade caravans heading to Mecca.
Al Jubail
A former small fishing village that has developed into one of the largest industrial cities in the world.
Al Khobar
A wealthy commercial and coastal city on the Persian Gulf that is closely connected to Bahrain.
Dhahran
As the headquarters of the national oil company Saudi Aramco, the city is the administrative center of the oil industry.
Tarut
One of the oldest inhabited islands in the Persian Gulf, known for its archaeological discoveries and historical castle.
Al Khafji
A border city in the northeast with Kuwait that grew rapidly following the discovery of oil in the neutral zone.
Qatif
One of the oldest settlements in Eastern Arabia with a rich agricultural tradition in date palm cultivation.
History & landmarks
Nature
More places
Al Ahsa Date Farms
The largest oasis in the world, known for its extensive date palm groves and traditional irrigation systems.
Ghawar Oil Field
The Ghawar Oil Field is by far the largest conventional oil field in the world and forms the backbone of Saudi oil production.
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King Salman Energy Park (SPARK)
King Salman Energy Park (SPARK) is a megaproject designed to position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for energy, industry, and technology.
King Fahd Park (Dammam)
A vast recreational park in Dammam featuring artificial lagoons, waterfalls, and many green spaces.
Qatif Castle
The remains of a massive castle in the Qatif oasis.
King Abdulaziz Port Dammam
King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam is the largest port on the Arabian Gulf and the gateway to the Eastern Province.
Tarout Castle
An ancient fortress on Tarout Island built over Phoenician ruins.
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Ras Tanura Refinery
Located in the Eastern Province, the Ras Tanura Refinery is the oldest and largest oil refinery in Saudi Arabia.