i understand that a majority of the recruitment in reputed oil and gas companies happens through "word of mouth" techniques.Especially when it comes to administration, office realted positions. Also known in local dialect as "wasta".The remaining O&G companies may be using online techniques to short list candidates for available positions. This might either be to make sure they have enuf candidtates to sort from or to ensure that they maintain the nationality ratios for each department( online sourcing helps to get a variety of nationalities).

by online did u mean..
1) using the company official website to apply?
2) using other famous websites to apply for vacancies in O&G companies?

Nevertheless, online sourcing is a very fast adopted technique in the region, owing to ease of looking at CVs, filtering, finance involved and above all helps in maintaining annonymity.

I'd say..GIVE IT A SHOT!!keep applying a lot online.