John Wood Group, a British oilfield services and engineering firm, is looking to expand its footprint in the Middle East as interest grows in clean energy solutions such as carbon capture, renewable energy, and hydrogen. The company plans to establish an energy transition hub in Abu Dhabi to meet the rising demand in the region from countries like the UAE, Iraq, and Oman. In Saudi Arabia, Wood completed the initial phase of Saudi Aramco's Carbon Capture and Sequestration project, a significant endeavor expected to capture 9 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually starting in 2027. Gerry Traynor, the company's senior vice president for projects in the Middle East, highlighted the increasing focus on decarbonization among customers, emphasizing the need for a Middle East presence to align with changing energy demands. Despite challenges in the oil and gas sector, especially with Saudi Arabia aiming to boost production capacity but also committing to the energy transition, Wood is positive about the future. They are engaging in acquisition talks with Sidara, a Dubai-based firm, to enhance their operations. Wood's stock has shown growth following the takeover discussions, with an improved offer from Sidara at 230 pence per share, representing a premium of 52% over Wood’s pre-bid share price. The company remains proactive in exploring strategic options, as seen with past interest from private investment firm Apollo Global Management. Overall, Wood Group's endeavors in the Middle East reflect a positive outlook on the clean energy sector's growth and the company's commitment to being at the forefront of energy transition initiatives.