ADNOC Announces AED200 Billion Project Awards for 2026-2028 to Boost UAE Manufacturing

ADNOC Accelerates Project Delivery with AED200 Billion Investment

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has announced a substantial investment of AED200 billion ($55 billion) in project awards for the years 2026 to 2028. This initiative is designed to enhance the company’s operational capacity across both upstream and downstream sectors, reinforcing its five-year capital expenditure (CAPEX) plan approved by its Board of Directors. The announcement was made during the ‘Make it With ADNOC’ Forum, which emphasized the importance of local manufacturing in meeting the rising global energy demand.

The project awards signal a new phase of world-scale project execution within ADNOC’s value chain. His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and ADNOC’s Managing Director and Group CEO, highlighted the initiative’s alignment with the UAE Leadership’s directives to bolster the energy and industrial sectors. He stated that this marks a defining moment for ADNOC, focusing on scale, pace, and delivery to ensure that local products are prioritized in project execution.

Strengthening Local Manufacturing Through Strategic Partnerships

The ‘Make it With ADNOC’ Forum connected leading engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors with 70 local manufacturers who met ADNOC’s technical standards. This initiative is part of ADNOC’s ‘Local+’ program, which aims to prioritize locally produced goods within its project delivery framework. The forum served to enhance transparency regarding ADNOC’s multi-billion project pipeline, creating significant opportunities for local manufacturers and underscoring confidence in the UAE’s industrial base.

Dr. Al Jaber emphasized the importance of collaboration between EPC contractors and local manufacturers, aiming to maximize in-country value and ensure that ‘Made in the Emirates’ products are at the forefront of ADNOC’s procurement strategy. The event also highlighted ADNOC’s commitment to fostering long-term partnerships and a more agile project delivery model, supported by robust governance and increased market participation.

Future Initiatives to Enhance Industrial Ecosystem

In addition to the current project awards, ADNOC plans to launch ‘ADNOC Value Connect — meet the buyer’ event on May 5 and 6, coinciding with the Make it in the Emirates 2026 exhibition. This event aims to connect over 1,000 companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with key suppliers and EPC contractors, fostering tangible partnerships and enhancing the industrial ecosystem in the UAE.

The Make it in the Emirates 2026 exhibition will take place from May 4 to 7 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), hosted by the UAE’s Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology. This initiative reflects ADNOC’s ongoing commitment to support the UAE’s economic growth and diversification through responsible exploration and production of hydrocarbon reserves.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of ADNOC’s AED200 billion project awards?

The project awards aim to enhance ADNOC’s operational capacity and support local manufacturing in response to global energy demand.

How does the ‘Local+’ program benefit UAE manufacturers?

The ‘Local+’ program prioritizes locally produced goods in ADNOC’s projects, fostering growth and resilience in the UAE’s industrial sector.

When will the Make it in the Emirates 2026 exhibition occur?

The exhibition is scheduled for May 4 to 7, 2026, at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi.

What is the significance of the ‘ADNOC Value Connect’ event?

The event aims to connect SMEs with key suppliers and EPC contractors, enhancing partnerships and strengthening the industrial ecosystem.

Who is leading ADNOC’s strategic initiatives?

His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, leads ADNOC’s strategic initiatives.