Trying to secure funding out of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar will be a LONG process. My guess is it will take at least 6-12 months. Things do not happen quickly there. Additionally, sovereign funds are traditionally hesitant to play in unproven reserves.
Hope that EEGC has funding back-up plans if the Middle East is their best chance at funding before the MRT deadline approaches next year.
I would try to complete the first well and use those results to secure the larger funding round on more favorable terms.