The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), the UAE’s largest offshore oil and gas producer, is revolutionising its offshore operations by prioritising locally-manufactured products, aligning with the “Make it in the Emirates” initiative.
ADNOC produces 4.85 barrels of oil per day, accounting for half of Abu Dhabi’s oil production capacity. This includes its nine offshore fields.
The company's push for local sourcing enhances efficiency, reduces supply chain risks, and supports the UAE’s economic diversification, as highlighted at the 2025 Make it in the Emirates forum (MIITE), which took place from 19-22 May this year.
ADNOC Logistics & Services (ADNOC L&S) is leading this transformation, deploying UAE-built offshore support vessels (OSVs) equipped with smart digital systems for real-time monitoring.
At MIITE, Capt. Mohamed Al Ali, SVP Offshore Logistics, emphasised these vessels’ role in optimising logistics for offshore fields, showcasing Emirati expertise and the role ADNOC is playing in enhancing Emiratisation.
In 2024, ADNOC L&S also acquired six flat-top cargo barges from Dubai’s Premier Marine Engineering, supporting its engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) projects.
On the other hand, ADNOC’s partnership with Tubacex, announced on 19 May, introduces locally-developed well completion technologies at a new UAE R&D centre.
These AI-driven systems enhance subsea interventions like wireline logging and stimulation in fields such as Lower Zakum, boosting recovery rates.
Additionally, ADNOC has awarded AED543 million (US$147.8mn) in contracts to nine local suppliers for products like valves and corrosion inhibitors, which are critical for offshore well integrity.
These agreements, facilitated by ADNOC’s In-Country Value (ICV) programme, aim to localise AED90 billion (US$24.5bn) in procurement by 2030, creating 3,500 skilled jobs.
Other partnerships
The RoboWell AI system, deployed across 10 wells at the NASR field in 2024, marks a global first for autonomous offshore well control.
Developed with AIQ, RoboWell uses cloud-based algorithms to optimise operations, reducing emissions and human supervision. Plans to expand to 300 wells underscore ADNOC’s digital leadership.
Critically, while local manufacturing strengthens resilience, reliance on foreign partners like Tubacex for advanced tech highlights a need for deeper UAE innovation.
ADNOC’s strategy, blending local production with global expertise, positions it as a pioneer in sustainable offshore operations, driving UAE’s industrial growth.
