UAE's Horizon: Top 7 Oil Exploration Projects to Watch in the Next Decade

As a major player in the world energy market, the United Arab Emirates keeps making significant investments in its oil and gas industry to secure both economic growth and long-term energy security.

The UAE is steadfast in its resolve to maximise its hydrocarbon resources through strategic exploration initiatives as the globe navigates the energy transition. These projects strengthen the country’s position as a key energy exporter and align with its vision of economic diversification and sustainable energy development. The energy landscape of the country is set to change during the next decade due to several important projects.

In this exclusive feature, we take a deep dive into the top seven oil exploration projects to watch in the UAE from 2025 to 2035.

> Abu Dhabi's Hail and Ghasha Ultra-Sour Gas Project

The Hail and Ghasha project, one of the Middle East's major offshore gas production ventures, is being spearheaded by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). ADNOC is aggressively pursuing the development of its unconventional oil and gas resources, particularly in offshore areas. Utilizing advanced seismic imaging and drilling technologies, ADNOC aims to unlock significant potential from previously untapped reservoirs. The project is part of the UAE's larger plan to increase natural gas self-sufficiency while meeting domestic and global energy demand.

With a $15 billion investment, the Hail and Ghasha project is estimated to generate more than 1.5 billion cubic feet of gas each day. The field includes high levels of sulphur, necessitating innovative gas treatment facilities and environmentally sustainable extraction methods. The project uses carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology to reduce emissions and help the UAE achieve its net-zero targets.

> Offshore Block 4 and 5 Exploration Projects

TotalEnergies and ADNOC are partnering to conduct substantial exploration efforts in Offshore Blocks 4 and 5. These offshore blocks contain significant untapped oil and gas potential, making them valuable assets in the UAE's upstream economy.

The exploration program incorporates advanced 3D seismic surveys, artificial intelligence-driven reservoir modelling, and deepwater drilling techniques. If successful, these blocks might provide large additional hydrocarbon reserves, strengthening the UAE's status as a leading energy exporter. ADNOC's focus on data analytics and automation guarantees that operations are both cost-effective and ecologically friendly. The finds in Blocks 4 and 5 have the potential to support new production hubs and downstream industries in coming years.

> Ruwais Refinery Expansion and Offshore Exploration

The Ruwais Refinery, one of the world's largest, is undergoing substantial development as ADNOC strives to improve its oil refining capabilities. The extension project is crucial to the UAE's aim of refining heavier crude grades, improving downstream integration, and increasing overall processing capacity.

Along with this expansion, ADNOC is actively exploring offshore deposits in Abu Dhabi's northwest region. This exploration project aims to tap into new offshore oil fields that might add significant crude output to the UAE's production portfolio. ADNOC plans to extract more hydrocarbon reserves by leveraging cutting-edge seismic imaging and deepwater drilling technology. By incorporating sustainability-driven solutions such as low-carbon hydrogen production and CCS, the Ruwais expansion is poised to play a critical part in the UAE's long-term energy plan.

> Bu Hasa Oil Field Redevelopment

Bu Hasa, one of ADNOC's oldest and largest producing oil fields, is undergoing extensive rehabilitation to improve recovery rates and modernise infrastructure. The field now produces approximately 650,000 barrels per day, and ADNOC's redevelopment initiatives are expected to increase output even further.

This redevelopment project incorporates the use of digital oilfield technology like real-time reservoir monitoring, automated drilling, and predictive analytics. The use of smart sensors and machine learning algorithms will allow ADNOC to increase efficiency, lower production costs, and maximise crude recovery. The Bu Hasa rehabilitation is critical to ADNOC's long-term aim of achieving 5 million bpd of production capacity by 2030.

> Shuweihat Onshore Oil Exploration Program

Shuweihat is emerging as an important onshore exploration location, with ADNOC increasing drilling activity to evaluate fresh hydrocarbon possibilities. The region has demonstrated attractive oil-bearing formations, and major expenditures are being undertaken to exploit these resources through cutting-edge extraction techniques.

Shuweihat's exploration program consists of hydraulic fracturing, horizontal drilling, and high-resolution seismic imaging. These improved approaches are predicted to greatly increase the field's production capacity. The Shuweihat project's success could significantly boost UAE crude output while also boosting ADNOC's overall goal of sustainable and efficient oil production.

> Upper Zakum Oil Field Development

Upper Zakum is one of the world's largest offshore oil fields, with estimated recoverable reserves of over 50 billion barrels. The field, operated by ADNOC in collaboration with ExxonMobil and Japan's INPEX, is undertaking a transformational development to increase output from 750,000 barrels per day (bpd) to more than 1 million bpd by 2027.

The development project uses enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technologies, such as gas injection and artificial lift systems, to improve extraction rates and extend the field's lifespan. Furthermore, ADNOC is implementing automated drilling and real-time monitoring technologies to achieve optimum efficiency and sustainability in operations. The Upper Zakum extension is a key component of the UAE's goal to enhance oil production capacity while reducing environmental impact through cleaner extraction methods.

> Al Yasat Development: Strengthening UAE-China Energy Ties

Al Yasat Petroleum, an ADNOC-CNPC joint company, is spearheading exploration activities in Abu Dhabi's offshore and onshore blocks. This project is a critical component of the UAE's plan to diversify its energy alliances and use global experience. The Al Yasat development includes sophisticated drilling techniques, enhanced reservoir characterisation, and the use of AI to optimise well performance.

The project's goal is to increase hydrocarbon recovery rates while lowering operational costs by incorporating China's unique drilling methods. The UAE's rising energy collaboration with China demonstrates the strategic relevance of developing global alliances in the oil and gas sector to ensure ongoing investment and technological improvements.

Looking Forward

The UAE's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and strategic collaborations has positioned it as a worldwide energy industry leader. The above-mentioned exploration initiatives show the nation's proactive commitment to long-term energy security and economic development. As the UAE continues to invest in its oil and gas sector, these projects will play an important part in establishing the country's energy environment, balancing traditional energy requirements with the growing worldwide emphasis on sustainability. The next decade will be critical in unlocking the UAE's remaining hydrocarbon potential and cementing its position as a major participant in the global energy arena.