Driving offshore growth and gas leadership: a vision for Egypt’s dynamic energy future
Dalia Elgabry, VP & Country Chair at Shell Egypt discusses how Shell is shaping Egypt’s evolving energy landscape, as well as the company’s operational momentum and plans for EGYPES 2026.
What does Shell’s 2026 business plan in Egypt focus on, and what are the main highlights of your current drilling campaign?
Shell’s 2026 business plan in Egypt focuses on sustaining natural gas production, advancing offshore exploration, and progressing selected developments in alignment with the country’s energy security priorities. It maintains a strong focus on offshore exploration and development activities.
A key operational highlight this year is the drilling campaign that began in early February 2026, covering Mina West development activities and the Sirius and Velox exploration activities. Mina West is moving forward following confirmed gas-bearing results, with development work progressing in coordination with partners, while Velox is part of Shell’s ongoing offshore exploration programme in a completely new frontier to explore the potential of these promising areas.
How would you describe Shell’s current upstream and gas portfolio in Egypt?
The company has been active in Egypt for more than a century and currently focuses on deepwater and integrated gas positions, where its technical and operational capabilities are strongest. Shell’s portfolio in Egypt is focused on offshore gas, integrated gas value chains, and LNG.
A major component of the portfolio is the West Delta Deep Marine (WDDM) concession, which includes multiple offshore gas fields tied into existing infrastructure. Shell and its partners continue to invest in additional development phases there to support production and recovery. Shell also shares in Egyptian LNG (ELNG), a strategic liquefaction facility and joint venture with Egyptian and international partners, which is considered a key national asset supporting Egypt’s role in regional gas and LNG flows.
How does Shell view the role of natural gas in Egypt’s energy mix?
Shell recognises gas as a lower-carbon energy source compared with other fossil fuels and as an important contributor to reliable power systems and industrial demand. In Egypt, Shell’s activities are aligned with maintaining safe and efficient gas production, optimising existing assets, and progressing new exploration opportunities where appropriate. We conduct a variety of operational measures across Shell’s joint ventures, related to emissions management and zero routine flaring implementation, in line with our safety and environmental standards.
What will Shell’s participation look like at EGYPES 2026?
At EGYPES 2026, Shell will participate through senior leadership engagements, technical representation, and a new dedicated exhibition presence. Cederic Cremers, President of Integrated Gas, and other leadership team members will take part in strategic panel discussions covering industry-priority topics in the region.
Shell will also have a stand that showcases the company’s business in Egypt across upstream, midstream, and downstream activities. It will present offshore gas operations, LNG participation, and downstream lubricants business, along with selected technology, safety, and performance initiatives relevant to the Egyptian market.
Shell will also hold a dedicated recognition event focused on youth empowerment and talent development to recognise participants and achievers from several Shell flagship Social Investment Programmes.
