Clastic sediments of Albian age are widely distributed throughout the Arabian Gulf, varying in thickness from less than 78 m to more than 390 m. The transition from sandstones in the northern part of the western Arabian Gulf (South Iraq, Kuwait and eastern Saudi Arabia) to shales in the SW and southern part (Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Oman) shows vertical and lateral variations. A complex nomenclature has been applied to different facies across the region, and the sediments may have several formation and member names (such as Nahr Umr and Burgan Formations, or Khafji and Safaniya Members). Clastic sediments of Albian age provide hydrocarbon source rocks, reservoirs and seals. Major reservoirs occur in sandstones to the north, and have a limited reservoir potential in offshore Qatar. Distal shales are a major seal in offshore Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman. Local source-rock potential exists in the northern part of the Arabian Gulf and in the extreme SE of Saudi Arabia (in the Rub Al Khali Basin).