French energy giant TotalEnergies has relocated about 1,300 people from several Middle Eastern countries as tensions continue to affect operations in the region.

The company’s chief executive, Patrick Pouyanne, confirmed that the evacuation covered personnel in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Iraq. According to him, only a limited number of local employees and contractors are still working in those locations.

The move is seen as a precautionary step to protect staff amid rising instability linked to the ongoing regional conflict, which has already begun to disrupt energy activities and supply routes.

Despite the withdrawal, TotalEnergies has not announced a full suspension of its operations in the affected countries. Essential activities are expected to continue through remaining local teams and external partners.