Sovereign PPG Reveals Gulf Energy Investor Pathways Before ADIPEC

Sovereign PPG, the region’s leading business formation and corporate services provider, has released new data highlighting how international and regional investors are approaching the Gulf’s energy markets ahead of ADIPEC 2025.

The findings show a clear investor pathway across the Gulf: Abu Dhabi continues to act as the natural entry point for global oil & gas businesses, while Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman are increasingly emerging as priority destinations for expansion.

Sovereign PPG’s data shows that over 50% of all Abu Dhabi-related enquiries in the past year were linked to ADNOC and the wider oil and gas ecosystem, reinforcing the emirate’s position as a key hub for international market entry and regional growth. The company’s client portfolio reflects a strong international footprint, with the UK, US, and France each accounting for around 21% of its current client base.

Enquiries cover a wide range of activities, including specialist equipment, marine and offshore services, environmental and sustainability consulting, logistics, and energy technology.

CICPA security passes remain the most common enquiry in Abu Dhabi, yet the majority of companies are unsuccessful, with up to 95% proving ineligible due to structuring issues or misunderstanding ADNOC’s requirements. This underscores the importance of obtaining specialist advice early to ensure eligibility and improve conversion rates.

Regionally, Qatar has emerged as the next strongest market, with enquiry inflows that are largely project-driven. Spikes typically follow major announcements, with enquiry volumes rising by 19.2% during peak periods but averaging around 5.4% at present, reflecting the market’s direct link to project timelines. Activity in Qatar spans gas distribution, petrochemicals, industrial materials, and pipeline supply. Notably, Asian entrants are beginning to prioritise Qatar over the UAE as their initial point of entry, reversing the traditional trend of establishing in Abu Dhabi before expanding across the Gulf.

Saudi Arabia is also attracting growing interest, particularly in downstream services and energy transition projects, while Oman is positioning itself as a niche hub for upstream exploration, marine support, and renewables under its Vision 2040 strategy.

Sovereign PPG, with its deep expertise in market entry, licensing, and corporate structuring, translates these insights into actionable guidance, helping investors navigate complex regulatory requirements, access high-value opportunities, and establish sustainable operations across the Gulf.

“Our data shows a consistent pattern: Abu Dhabi is where most international investors first establish a presence, but expansion into Qatar and other Gulf markets is now high on the agenda,” said Simon Gordon, Managing Director – Middle East at Sovereign PPG. “This underlines both the strength of the UAE’s role as a gateway, and the scale of opportunity across the region for companies willing to commit to long-term growth.”

Sovereign PPG emphasised that while opportunities are strong, each market has unique requirements and high governance standards, from regulatory approvals to sector-specific licensing. This selectivity ensures the Gulf remains one of the world’s most resilient and trusted destinations for energy investment.

With ADIPEC 2025 set to convene global energy leaders in Abu Dhabi, Sovereign PPG’s insights provide a timely look at the investor trends shaping the Gulf’s oil and gas sector – and the pathways that businesses are pursuing to grow across the region.