Middle East land drilling rig demand forecast to rise 60% by 2035: Westwood
Zawya · Anoop Menon ·
Saudi Arabia and the UAE are expected to lead a recovery in drilling activity from 2027
Demand for land drilling rigs in the Middle East is forecast to increase by 60 percent from 2025 levels to approximately 820 units by 2035, driven by investment in unconventional gas developments and crude oil production expansion, according to Westwood Global Energy Group.
The UK-based energy consultancy's Global Land Drilling Rig Outlook 3Q 2026 expects regional drilling activity to recover from 2027, following disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict in 2026.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE are expected to lead the recovery, with drilling activity in the UAE projected to increase as OPEC-related production constraints ease.