Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih says that “large quantities” of gas have been discovered in the Red Sea. Speaking on 7 March, Mr Falih provided no further details, but Aramco made three discoveries between 2012 and 2013, including the “potential game changer” Shaur discovery 25km offshore the northern town of Duba. The minister says Aramco will now intensify Red Sea gas exploration over the next two years. Key ally Egypt is also planning to launch a Red Sea bid round this month, with acreage starting at the same latitude as Duba and then stretching south (MEES, 4 January). With Riyadh providing economic support to Egypt, joint development of future discoveries could be a possibility.