The 21st International Conference and Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG2026) opened in Doha, Qatar, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar. The event is taking place at the Qatar National Convention Centre and will run until February 5.
Regarded as a leading global event for the LNG sector, LNG2026 offers Qatar an opportunity to highlight its progress and future plans in liquefied natural gas. The conference also serves to reinforce Qatar’s position as a key player in the industry and demonstrates its commitment to energy security and equitable access within ongoing energy transition efforts.
In his opening remarks, Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs and President & CEO of QatarEnergy, stated: “It is a source of great pleasure to host this event at a time when QatarEnergy is emerging as a leading force in the energy sector in general, and in the LNG industry in particular, through its expanding role in meeting global energy markets needs and ensuring reliable supplies. With the grace of God Almighty, and with the continuous and unwavering support and wise guidance of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar, we are continuing this journey with firm confidence, strengthening the State of Qatar’s presence and standing among nations.”
Al-Kaabi discussed major expansion projects that will double LNG production capacity from 77 million tons per annum to 160 million tons per annum. He said: “The mega-projects we have launched a few years ago will more than double QatarEnergy’s LNG production from 77 million tons per annum to 160 million tons per annum, including 142 million tons per annum from Qatar’s North Field. Hereby, our projects will contribute about 40% of the new global LNG supplies over the next decade.”
He also outlined investments aimed at increasing production capacity for petrochemicals—raising polymer output by approximately 235%, condensates and LPG by about 60%, and helium by 115%. Al-Kaabi noted that efforts include launching what he described as “the largest shipbuilding program in the industry’s history,” which involves building 128 new LNG carriers; so far, 38 vessels have been delivered.
Al-Kaabi added: “QatarEnergy is working to support global food security by establishing a new world-class urea fertilizer production complex, which will increase its current production capacity by more than 110%, becoming the world’s largest urea exporter. With this, QatarEnergy will become, within the next few years, the world’s largest exporter of LNG, chemical fertilizers, and helium.”
He concluded his speech by thanking Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for supporting both this event and broader national achievements in energy. Appreciation was also extended to teams within QatarEnergy as well as international partners.
QatarEnergy is organizing LNG2026 alongside organizations such as the International Gas Union (IGU), Gas Technology Institute (GTI), and International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR). The four-day program features panel discussions with industry leaders on topics like competitive advantages for LNG amid growing global demand.
The conference expects around 4,000 participants with an estimated total attendance—including visitors—of up to 16,000 people. The exhibition covers an area of approximately 35,000 square meters with more than 300 companies represented. QatarEnergy has set up an extensive pavilion showcasing its history and status among top global producers.
