Economy
Ministry Discusses Global Energy Landscape Shifts

Muscat,
12 Oct 2026 (ONA) — The Ministry of Economy organized today a panel discussion
titled “Navigating Shifts in the Global Energy Landscape,” as part of
the first sessions of the “Future Dialogues” program, held at the
Royal Opera House Muscat.

The
event was participated by several officials and representatives of entities
related to the energy and economic sectors.

The
session aimed to examine the factors and forces reshaping global energy
markets, explore their implications for economic and developmental pathways and
national plans, and discuss strategic options that enhance institutional
readiness and decision-making flexibility in coping with changes.

The
first session hosted economic expert Laszlo Varro, Vice President of Global
Business Environment at Shell and lead of the company’s Scenarios Team, who
previously served as Chief Economist at the International Energy Agency (IEA).
He delivered a keynote address on the transformations of the global energy
system and the trends influencing its future.

The
discussions covered the future of demand for oil and gas, shifts in their
supply, and associated trade relations, alongside the opportunities and
challenges these developments present for energy-exporting countries. The
session also addressed the interactions among economy, politics, technology,
and society, as well as their impact on the future of energy and development.

Furthermore,
the session explored the application of foresight and scenario planning in
studying potential pathways for energy markets, understanding elements of
uncertainty, and testing strategic options, thereby supporting the formulation
of national plans and policies and preparing for future shifts.

The
“Future Dialogues” program falls within the Ministry of Economy’s
efforts to activate the foresight ecosystem and enhance strategic dialogue
among officials, experts, and specialists regarding global transformations and
their implications for the Sultanate of Oman’s priorities and the targets of
“Oman Vision 2040”.

Through
the program, the National Foresight Office works to hold regular dialogue
meetings hosting an elite group of local and international experts and speakers
to exchange knowledge and expertise, explore emerging opportunities and
challenges, discuss practices suitable for the Omani context, and strengthen
knowledge communication among leaders and specialized institutions.

The
program benefits from a strategic partnership with several international
institutions possessing expertise in forecasting and exploring future pathways,
contributing to enriching dialogue on national choices and reinforcing the
integration of foresight into planning and policy-making.

—Ends/AG