Dubai - ADNOC Drilling is setting its sights on Oman and Kuwait as the next pillars of its regional growth strategy, with senior executives outlining plans to increase market share through technology acquisitions, joint ventures and expanded oilfield services capabilities.
Speaking during a media roundtable, Chief Financial Officer Youssef Salem said the company’s priorities are focused on scaling its technology platforms under Enersol while strengthening its operational footprint across key Gulf markets.
“The top priority is to continue expanding under Enersol, building on the four deals we have already completed,” Salem said. “This allows us to acquire additional technologies and broaden our project portfolio. The second priority is to use that platform to capture greater market share in Oman and Kuwait. Everything we do internationally is structured through joint ventures.”
Strong Growth Prospects in Kuwait and Oman
Company management views both Kuwait and Oman as offering stable, long-term expansion opportunities driven by increasing production targets and active drilling programmes.
Kuwait is entering a significant production growth phase, with capacity expected to rise from three million to four million barrels per day. The country also maintains one of the region’s largest onshore rig fleets, exceeding 200 units, alongside advancing offshore and unconventional exploration projects.
“Kuwait is ramping up capacity and has one of the largest onshore rig fleets in the region,” Salem said. “It presents strong opportunities across multiple segments.”
Oman, meanwhile, continues to demonstrate resilience within its upstream sector, supported by a diversified mix of national and international operators. With close to 100 onshore rigs and a mature regulatory framework, the market offers consistent drilling demand.
“Oman has a very well-developed industry with multiple operating companies,” Salem noted. “For us, it represents a substantial expansion opportunity.”
Technology and AI Driving Operational Efficiency
Technology adoption remains central to ADNOC Drilling’s competitive positioning. Automation and artificial intelligence are increasingly integrated into operations, contributing to improved well delivery timelines and cost optimisation.
Salem said the company achieved performance gains in 2025, completing drilling programmes ahead of schedule.
“We were nearly 10 percent ahead of schedule in terms of wells drilled and overall drilling time,” he said. “Autonomous drilling supported by AI allows us to operate more efficiently and enhance returns.”
The company reported a return on equity of 35 percent last year, supported by automation initiatives and streamlined operational systems.
According to management, integrating rigs, services and digital platforms under a unified operating model has reduced complexity while accelerating decision-making processes.
Oilfield Services Segment Accelerates Growth
The expansion of ADNOC Drilling’s oilfield services (OFS) division has emerged as a key contributor to overall financial performance. Since its establishment in 2019, the segment has grown into a $1.5 billion business delivering advanced technologies and integrated service solutions.
Emri Zeineldin, Senior Vice President of Oilfield Services, said the division was created with a clear objective of building a locally developed, globally competitive capability.
“When we began, our ambition was to establish a world-class services platform,” Zeineldin said. “Today, OFS plays a significant role in operational efficiency and national capability development.”
Management attributes the segment’s rapid growth to technology integration and operational alignment across rigs, digital systems and service offerings.
Operational Resilience Amid Market Volatility
Despite geopolitical uncertainties and fluctuating energy markets, ADNOC Drilling reported uninterrupted operations across its fleet.
“We have recorded zero disruptions,” Salem said. “This marks our tenth consecutive quarter of exceeding market expectations without a single operational interruption across any rig.”
The company indicated that future geographic expansion will remain selective, prioritising markets with long-term contract stability, secure payment frameworks and predictable operating environments.
Broader Energy Infrastructure Ambitions
Looking ahead, ADNOC Drilling aims to broaden its scope beyond conventional oil and gas drilling into integrated infrastructure solutions supporting multiple energy resources.
“We are evolving into a fully integrated solutions provider,” Salem said. “Whether the resource is oil, gas or geothermal, our platform is structured to support it.”
The company’s strategy reflects a long-term shift toward technology-driven services and regional market leadership, with Oman and Kuwait positioned as central to its next growth phase.
