ADNOC plans AED200 billion ($55 billion) in new project awards for 2026–2028 to accelerate growth and deliver its five-year CAPEX plan across upstream and downstream operations.

The investment targets both upstream oil exploration and production and downstream refining, derivatives valorization, and petrochemicals to boost UAE industrial capacity and resilience.

The plan aims to trigger a new phase of world-scale project execution across ADNOC’s value chain to meet rising global energy demand and strengthen UAE manufacturing capacity.

The broader regional context includes tensions in the Gulf and disruptions to Strait of Hormuz energy flows, affecting energy security and oil markets.

US-Israel-Iran tensions and related disruptions to energy exports underscore a volatile regional backdrop for ADNOC’s growth strategy.

Historically, the UAE has played a significant role in global oil as an OPEC member since 1967 under Abu Dhabi before its independence.

Key risks include contractor competition affecting execution, the need to prove AI-driven efficiencies, and ensuring financing remains sustainable across oil-price scenarios.

ADNOC announced at the Make it With ADNOC Forum, connecting 70 UAE manufacturers on Local+ with 400 attendees from government, private sector, and EPC contractors to highlight the project pipeline.

The forum showcased long-term, performance-based partnerships and a faster, disciplined project delivery model to accelerate implementation.

The Local+ initiative under In-Country Value aims to ensure Made in the Emirates products are preferred in ADNOC projects and to grow local manufacturing capacity and resilience.

ADNOC will launch Value Connect – Meet the Buyer on May 5–6 to connect over 1,000 companies, especially SMEs, with key suppliers and EPC contractors to strengthen the supply chain.

Make it in the Emirates 2026 runs May 4–7 at ADNEC, Abu Dhabi, organized by the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and co-hosted with ADNOC and other partners.