MANSOOR AL ABDALI, CEO, OQGN
In Oman, natural gas isn’t just a commodity; it’s the lifeblood of industrial growth, economic health, and energy security. At the heart of this system is OQ Gas Network (OQGN), the exclusive transporter and operator of the Sultanate of Oman’s natural gas transmission network. Through a network of pipelines spanning over 4,235 kilometres, linking the northern fields to the southern industrial hubs and ports, OQGN ensures that the nation’s most critical natural resource, achieving 99.9% gas availability with unmatched reliability and precision across the Sultanate.
Over the past 25 years, OQGN’s journey has been shaped by foresight, technical excellence, and national commitment. Led by CEO Mansoor Al Abdali, the company has evolved from a fledgling operator to a strategic enabler of Oman’s economic strength and export capabilities. Today, OQGN not only transports gas but also lays the groundwork for the nation’s energy future—powering growth, supporting industry, and helping Oman’s sustainable transition.
The Ascent: From Humble Beginnings to the Nation’s Backbone
OQGN’s journey dates back to 2000, when it was founded under the name Oman Gas Company with the initial mission of operating as the nation’s natural gas transmission system. Yet, as Mansoor explains, this mission extended far beyond mere infrastructure management. “We were limited in scale at first,” says Mansoor Al Abdali, CEO of OQGN. “Today, our network stretches over 4,200 kilometres, connecting the far north to the far south of Oman, serving every major industrial area along the way.”
Over the past two decades, the company has expanded in reach and responsibility. Today, its vision has matured into a world-class system, delivering more than 43 billion standard cubic meters of gas annually to major industries and power generators across the Sultanate. In 2022, it was rebranded as OQ Gas Network (OQGN), signaling its competence to operate as a modern, investor-focused entity. A year later, OQGN achieved a milestone through one of the most successful IPOs on the Muscat Stock Exchange, attracting investors from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Belgium, and beyond. While OQ, wholly owned by the Government of Oman, retains a majority stake, the presence of strategic shareholders such as the Saudi Investment Authority, Qatar Investment Authority, and Belgium’s Fluxys International strengthens the company’s global credibility and financial resilience.
In 2018, the RAAB framework granted OQGN exclusive rights to gas transmission, reinforced two years later by a royal decree extending its concession until 2070, a powerful testament to the trust it commands for its operations and governance.
Reliability Engineered into Every Pipeline
Natural gas is integral to Oman’s industrial ecosystem. The economy—from power plants and petrochemicals to LNG exports—depends on its uninterrupted supply. OQGN has built a reputation few can match by owning, planning, and operating high-pressure pipelines that connect producers, industrial hubs, and export points, ensuring supply is predictable, transparent, and safe.
In 2024, the company achieved an extraordinary 99.99% gas availability with zero supply interruptions—a record built on decades of investment in technical rigors, cutting-edge technology, and a highly skilled workforce. The entire network is monitored and controlled from a central dispatch centre powered by advanced SCADA technology. Backed by predictive maintenance and rigorous inspection protocols, the system is built to ensure resilience and readiness during emergencies.
“Reliability doesn’t happen by chance. It comes from discipline, planning, and the dedication of our workforce,” says Al Abdali. His words are evident in the culture, where teams are encouraged to operate around the clock to ensure that Oman’s industries and households never see disruption.
Balancing Growth, Security, and Sustainability
The energy sector stands at a global inflection point, where industrial growth and sustainability often collide. For OQGN, however, these priorities converge. With its robust network of firm transport capacity, scheduling, and connection services, the company enables producers and industries to scale projects, reduce risks, and optimize resources.
“We don’t just operate pipelines; we enable projects,” says Mansoor Al Abdali. “Our network allows industrial players to plan with certainty, reduce risk, and focus on growth and innovation.”
OQGN maintains a decades-long planning horizon, updating its seven-year capacity plan annually with stakeholders that allows it to navigate shifts in demand and supply from new industrial zones, power projects, and export corridors.
OQGN’s workforce reflects a harmonious balance of capability and commitment. With 95% of its workforce being Omani, OQGN blends local talent with international expertise through training and mentoring. Safety, community engagement, and localization are cornerstones of the company’s operations.
“Sustainability is no longer optional—it’s a requirement for companies like ours,” Mansoor Al Abdali notes. OQGN’s environmental initiatives are as ambitious as its technical operations. In 2023 alone, the company reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 46% and is developing a CO₂ transportation and decarbonization master plan, beginning with the Suhar industrial area.
Furthermore, the company is a long-term partner in Oman’s industrialization. Its network connects major hubs like Suhar, Salalah, and the fast-developing port city of Duqm, with interconnected pipelines that can redirect supply to maximize value, thereby aligning gas supply with national development priorities. Social initiatives complement these efforts, ranging from workforce development programs to community investments.
Innovation in Motion
OQGN’s vision extends beyond pipelines. The company is actively exploring hydrogen transport and venturing into digital transformation to position itself as a pioneer in Oman’s energy evolution. Projects like “Eagle Eye” integrate satellite monitoring, fibre optics, and AI to streamline operations and preempt risks—a move that signals the company’s readiness for the next frontier of energy management.
International collaboration plays a vital role in these ambitions. Partnerships with global players like Fluxys International enable the development of hydrogen infrastructure, reflecting the trust international markets place in OQGN’s expertise.
Celebrating 25 years of Excellence and Impact
As OQGN prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary on October 7th, the milestone is more than a marker of time. It is a recognition of the company’s steadfast role in Oman’s energy infrastructure, guided by royal endorsement and long-term strategic foresight. “This milestone reflects our long-term success and stability, secured by the royal decree that extends our concession until 2070,” Mansoor Al Abdali says.
Vision Ahead
Stepping into the future, OQGN faces a horizon defined by clarity and bold ambition. Expanding network capacity, enabling industrial growth, and leading Oman’s decarbonization efforts define its future roadmap.
In a nation where energy is the bedrock of development, OQGN’s story is one of vision translated into action. Over the years, the company has proven that infrastructure is not merely about pipes and pumps—it’s about connecting communities, enabling industries, and powering the future. With a commitment to reliability, sustainability, and innovation, OQGN is more than a gas network; it is the lifeline of Oman’s energy vision.