Gulf group to buy BP North Sea assets

The deal comes weeks after a visit by Prime Minister David Cameron to the emirate amid reports BP was set to lose its major role in the oil sector of the United Arab Emirates because of strained relations between the two countries.

The sale suggests BP could still win back its positions in the UAE, where the oil giant played a big role from the start of the oil industry in the early 1930s.

For TAQA, the deal is important as it boosts access to North Sea production, home to the global oil benchmark Brent. Companies gain valuable insight into oil pricing patterns when they operate in North Sea fields.

“This is a vote of confidence in the UK economy and once again, highlights the North Sea’s position as a global energy hub,” Mr Cameron was quoted as saying in a TAQA statement.

TAQA said the deal followed a constructive dialogue between the oil and gas industry and the UK Treasury, resulting in changes to the tax treatment of North Sea assets.