Abdulaziz bin Salman: 5.8 million barrels are flowing through the East-West Pipeline.. the lesson is to localize what we need and integrate energy, industry and mining

Manama | BETH

Saudi Minister of Energy and Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman placed capability ownership and technology localization at the forefront of the lessons emerging from energy crises and supply-chain disruptions, announcing that the East-West Pipeline is currently carrying 5.8 million barrels per day to the Kingdom’s western coast.

Speaking during his participation in the “Made in the Gulf 2026” Forum and Exhibition in Bahrain, he said the direction is clear toward localizing everything related to energy, adding that the lesson Saudi Arabia has learned is: “to localize everything we need.”

He explained that work is underway to bring together the energy, industry and mining ecosystems, along with their affiliated entities, within an integrated framework, with this alignment expected to be completed by the end of November. The goal is to increase added value and make joint use of the capabilities of the different sectors.

The minister’s remarks carry added significance as the East-West Pipeline assumes a growing strategic role, linking Saudi oil fields to the port of Yanbu on the Red Sea and enhancing the Kingdom’s export flexibility away from disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

The first edition of “Made in the Gulf 2026” is being held in Bahrain from October 6 to 8 under the theme “Towards a More Integrated, Competitive and Future-Ready Gulf Industrial Economy.” It brings together ministers, decision-makers and investors, with a focus on industrial integration, supply-chain resilience, smart and green manufacturing, and access to global markets.

Gulf Cooperation Council countries are home to more than 22,000 factories, employing over 1.7 million people, while manufacturing contributes around 13% of the GCC’s gross domestic product.