Expanding UAE-US Energy Ties: Adnoc’s Strategic Partnerships
The UAE’s energy powerhouse, ADNOC, has solidified multiple agreements with leading US energy companies during the UAE-US business dialogue, with US President Donald J. Trump attending. These landmark agreements aim to unlock up to $60 billion in US investments into the UAE’s energy projects over the coming years, creating significant economic opportunities for both countries.
The agreements signify a deepening partnership between the UAE and the US, focusing on large-scale projects aimed at enhancing energy production and technology development. With a robust framework for expansion, the agreements will span several fields, including gas, LNG, specialty chemicals, and energy infrastructure. 
Strategic Partnerships Drive Sustainable Growth in the Energy Sector
Among the most notable agreements is the field development plan between ADNOC, ExxonMobil, and INPEX/JODCO to enhance Abu Dhabi’s Upper Zakum offshore field. This strategic move will expand the field’s capacity through phased developments, leveraging AI-enabled technologies and state-of-the-art infrastructure to drive sustainability. Upper Zakum, located 84 kilometers northwest of Abu Dhabi, is the world’s second-largest offshore field and plays a crucial role in meeting rising global energy demand.
Furthermore, ADNOC signed a collaboration agreement with Occidental to increase the production capacity of the Shah Gas field from 1.45 billion to 1.85 billion standard cubic feet per day (bscfd). The Shah Gas Field is one of the world’s largest of its kind and is located 180 kilometers southwest of Abu Dhabi. The expansion is set to benefit both domestic industrial growth and the UAE’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) export capacity.
These partnerships also reflect the UAE and US’s shared commitment to global energy security and market stability, with the long-term investments expected to contribute to energy abundance in both countries.
New Ventures Open Doors for US Investments in UAE Energy Sector
The UAE’s ambition to expand its energy investments further extends to the US, with the announcement of a framework agreement between Adnoc’s global energy investment arm, XRG, and Occidental’s subsidiary, 1PointFive. The collaboration will evaluate a potential investment in a direct air capture (DAC) project in Kleberg County, Texas. This project, which aims to capture up to 500,000 tons of CO₂ per year, is a part of XRG’s commitment to advancing clean energy solutions and expanding sustainable energy infrastructure.
Additionally, Abu Dhabi’s Supreme Council for Financial and Economic Affairs (SCFEA) awarded an unconventional oil exploration concession to EOG Resources Inc., marking the first award of its kind to a US company. The concession, covering 3,609 square kilometers within the Al Dhafra region, underscores the appeal of Abu Dhabi’s energy sector as a trusted investment destination.
Conclusion: Strengthening Energy Security through Strategic Investments
With the UAE aiming to increase its energy investments in the US to $440 billion by 2035, these agreements are a testament to the growing cooperation between the two nations. ADNOC’s partnerships with ExxonMobil, Occidental, and other US companies signal a new era of collaborative efforts to advance energy production, reduce emissions, and enhance sustainability. The initiatives support the UAE’s vision for diversifying energy sources and strengthening its position as a global energy leader.
As the UAE and US continue to drive innovation in the energy sector, these partnerships offer an exciting glimpse into the future of energy security and sustainability on a global scale.
