The predominance of oil as the world‎'‎s main source of energy‎,‎ coupled with the recent phenomenal growth of the natural gas industry spurred by environmental considerations‎,‎ ensure that the Gulf‎'‎s energy sector will continue to play a pivotal role in the global market‎.‎ With world demand projected to reach unprecedented levels‎,‎ led by Asian economic powers such as China and India‎,‎ oil production peaking in key areas and geopolitical crises fuelling greater uncertainty‎,‎ issues of global supply security have come to the fore‎.‎ All these factors have led to a steep rise in petroleum prices‎,‎ filling the coffers of the oil producers but threatening to paralyse the global economy and imposing a heavy burden on the ultimate consumers‎.‎ In this energy scenario‎,‎ where does the Gulf oil and gas sector stand‎?‎ How can it meet its long‎-term strategic requirements while satisfying the energy needs of the global economy‎?‎ This is the main focus of ‎"‎The Gulf Oil and Gas Sector‎"‎ in which leading energy experts examine both the possibilities and the problems of the Gulf energy sector in the wider global context‎.‎Important energy issues covered include the future prospects of OPEC‎,‎ the impact of world oil prices on global growth‎,‎ the strategic objectives of the Gulf energy sector‎,‎ the influence of markets and technology on regional reserves‎,‎ the emerging partnerships between national and international oil companies‎,‎ the imperatives for attracting Gulf energy investment and new developments in gas technology and regional gas trade‎.‎ Regional case studies outline possible scenarios for the future of Iraqi oil‎,‎ highlight policy options for Saudi Arabia as a swing producer and focus on the Norwegian experience of economic diversification‎.‎