Bahrain is looking to capitalize on the newfound momentum in its upstream sector by offering up three offshore blocks to foreign investors. Currently Eni is the only IOC involved in the Bahrain offshore, having signed up to the northernmost Block 1 in May 2019 (MEES, 3 May 2019).

Minister of Oil Sheikh Muhammad Al Khalifa told MEES last year that as well as looking to finalize the Eni deal “we are de-risking these resources which would otherwise be seen as more difficult. We are talking to all the majors: BP, Chevron, Total, Exxon” (MEES, 25 January 2019). (CONTINUED - 231 WORDS)