Before the discovery of oil in the UAE, the country’s major source of sustenance was fishing and trading. Also, they fished and traded pearls when it was in vogue. This all happened way back before the 1930s when it was a regular struggle to make a living. The discovery of oil in Abu Dhabi marked the start of the bright future for the UAE and since then, the country has been rapidly developing and flourishing.
Subsequent to the discovery, the first nominated oil company teams carried out a geological survey of the country while the process of managing the new discovery was organized. Then in 1962, the UAE made the first cargo export of crude oil specifically from Abu Dhabi.
Following the discovery of oil and natural gas, the UAE’s economy has thrived and the country is now marked as an exceptional regional hub for business setup, commerce, tourism, and other sustainable aspects of living.
Currently, the UAE produces approximately 3 million barrels of petroleum and liquid petroleum gas (LPG) daily and also has up to 100 billion barrels of crude oil in reserve.
Evidently, a reasonable percentage of the country’s wealth is derived from oil and gas, which is over 30% of its GDP. In addition, the massive revenue generated from oil and gas serves as a great support to other sectors like agriculture, commerce, tourism and many others that in return add up to the entire budget. This is like a reinvestment with big returns.
So, that was a historical overview on how the UAE started their massive development following the rise and domination of natural resources. This article will acquaint you with the UAE’s major oil and gas companies that have made a great contribution to the country’s prosperity.
UAE oil companies
For your information, we have compiled a list of 6 reputable oil companies in the UAE:
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) — Established in 1971, ADNOC is recognised not only in the UAE but also abroad. The Abu Dhabi owned oil company is one of the world’s leading energy producers with the average capacity of producing over 3.5 million barrels of oil on a daily basis.
Adding to that, ADNOC also produces approximately 10.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas. The company seeks to keep augmenting the value of these natural resources to the continuous growth of the economy and progress of the nation.
They have an ambitious outlook to strengthen their mutually-profitable relationships with their partners from across the globe. In addition to this, there are over 100 nationalities represented in different fields of specialization in the ADNOC companies across the UAE.
Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) — Established in 1993, ENOC is an oil and gas company owned by the emirate of Dubai. The Economy of Dubai has witnessed a massive growth and progressive diversification into various other significant sectors following the establishment and great contribution of ENOC. It’s objective is not without working tirelessly to foster great sustainability both locally and internationally.
Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) — TAQA as formerly called was formed in Abu Dhabi in 1998 following the privatization of the power and water sector. This movement was basically to ensure efficient water supply and power security for the sustenance of the nation. So, TAQA was officially established as a public company in 2005 with the general aim of providing a significant contribution to the economy of the emirates specifically in the water and power, oil and gas sections. With this, they have been operating successfully in 11 countries across the globe.
Sharjah National Oil Corporation (SNOC) — This is one of the most reliable largest energy producers in the UAE. SNOC is a commercially independent company in the emirate of Sharjah and one of the pioneers in the oil and natural gas industries in the UAE.
Dubai Petroleum Establishment — Formed in the early 1960’s, Dubai Petroleum Establishment is an oil and gas extraction company. Their objective also includes contributing immensely to the thriving economy while employing the use of new innovation and technological techniques in the process.
Emarat — This is another prestigious multi-channel oil and gas company in the UAE with various operation sites and fuel stations across the UAE. Aside from adding to the progressive economy of the country, Emarat also offer various services like:
- Offering franchise for business
- Wholesale fuel logistics
- Sales of lubricant
- Excellent car washing services
- High quality terminalling
UAE Gas companies
Dana Gas — This is the leading natural gas producing company in the Middle East. In the Middle East and Northern Africa (MENA), Dana Gas is considered an autonomously recognised natural gas centered E&P (exploration & production) company. They are marked with various objectives that include being the leading gas production company in the Middle East and providing sustainable growth to the thriving economy.
Lootah Gas — Established in 1997, Lootah Gas is one of the top transmission and distribution gas companies in Dubai, other emirates like Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and even abroad (Tanzania). With over 1500 contracts in the emirate of Dubai, Lootah Gas works with reputable companies like Al Futaim, Nakheel, Emaar and so many other contracting companies.
Al Masaood oil and gas — Established in 1971, Al Masaood is one of the first oil and gas contracting and distribution companies in the UAE after the discovery of oil.
Click here to view the full list of all the oil and gas companies in the UAE.
You can also visit aiwa.ae for a full list of oil companies in the UAE.
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