Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have announced the discovery of a significant new oil field in the Divided Zone, a neutral area jointly administered by the two nations. This marks the first major oil find in the region since 2020 and is expected to reinforce both countries’ positions as key players in the global energy market.
The newly identified field is located at the North Wafra Wara-Burgan site and is part of a joint venture operated by Wafra Joint Operations, which includes American energy giant Chevron Corporation among its partners. Initial estimates suggest the field can produce more than 500 barrels of oil per day. The crude is considered of high quality, with an API gravity of 26–27.
This development represents the most substantial discovery since production activities resumed in the Divided Zone in 2020, following years of operational disruptions. The area, created under an agreement in 1922, has a history of territorial and operational disputes. Notably, oil production was completely suspended between 2014 and 2015 due to diplomatic and technical disagreements.
Industry experts view the discovery as a strategic boost for Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, enhancing their reliability as oil exporters and contributing to long-term energy security in a volatile global market.
In addition to the new site, the Divided Zone is home to other major oil fields such as Khafji, which collectively offer a production capacity of up to 300,000 barrels per day. The total output from this region represents approximately 0.5% of global oil production.
