Sheikh Khaled Reviews ADNOC Growth and AI Energy Strategy

Post by : Mumtaaz Qadiri

His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, chaired an important meeting of the Executive Committee of ADNOC’s Board of Directors at the company’s headquarters. The meeting focused on ADNOC’s current financial performance, its long-term priorities, and its expanding role in the global energy sector.

Focus on Financial Strength and AI Development

During the meeting, Sheikh Khaled reviewed ADNOC’s financial results and strategic vision. A key priority highlighted was the company’s commitment to deploying artificial intelligence (AI) across its operations. ADNOC aims to become the most AI-enabled energy company in the world. By using AI, the company seeks to improve efficiency, lower costs, and create new opportunities in both domestic and international markets.

Sustaining ADNOC’s Competitive Edge

Sheikh Khaled emphasized the importance of sustaining ADNOC’s development strategies. He stressed that the company must remain resilient, competitive, and able to adapt in a fast-changing global energy environment. By focusing on innovation and efficiency, ADNOC can continue to maximize long-term value for Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE.

ADNOC’s International Expansion Through XRG

The Crown Prince underlined ADNOC’s growing international footprint. Through its energy investment company, XRG, ADNOC has already closed several major international deals in 2025. These include Arcius Energy, a joint venture with bp for upstream gas projects in Egypt, a stake in the Absheron gas and condensate field in Azerbaijan, and participation in Offshore Block 1 in Turkmenistan. These investments strengthen ADNOC’s global presence and diversify its revenue base.

Building New Revenue Streams

Sheikh Khaled noted that ADNOC continues to diversify its income by exploring new areas such as global trading and digital asset opportunities. ADNOC recently opened a new trading office in Geneva, Switzerland, marking an important milestone in expanding its international trading footprint. These steps highlight ADNOC’s ambition to be a leading global trading hub while creating new sources of value for the UAE.

Trading Success and National Skills Development

Since the launch of ADNOC’s trading businesses five years ago, the company has generated significant economic value. It has also played a key role in equipping Emiratis with advanced skills in international commodity trading. This development has not only strengthened ADNOC’s position in global markets but also reinforced Abu Dhabi’s role as a hub for global trade.

Sheikh Khaled Directs More AI Use in Trading

To build on these achievements, Sheikh Khaled instructed ADNOC to further expand its use of AI in trading operations. AI is expected to help the company improve efficiency, enhance competitiveness, and future-proof its business model against global challenges.

Empowering UAE Nationals and Business Continuity

The meeting also reviewed ADNOC’s efforts to empower UAE Nationals to lead critical roles within the company. ADNOC continues to provide opportunities for local talent while ensuring strong business continuity across its operations. Sheikh Khaled highlighted the importance of preparing Emiratis to take leadership roles in energy, trading, and technology.

Progress in Unconventional Gas Development

Sheikh Khaled reviewed ADNOC’s work in developing unconventional gas in Abu Dhabi, particularly in the Ruwais Diyab field. ADNOC is making progress by applying advanced technologies and AI to improve drilling and completion efficiency. These efforts are helping the company reduce costs and unlock the potential of Abu Dhabi’s vast unconventional resources.

Supporting Gas Self-Sufficiency and Global Demand

The Crown Prince directed ADNOC to strengthen cooperation with international partners to unlock more value from hydrocarbon resources. By doing so, ADNOC will support the UAE’s goal of gas self-sufficiency while also helping meet the growing energy needs of global markets.

Celebrating 75 Years of Exploration

Sheikh Khaled highlighted that 2025 marks 75 years since Abu Dhabi began oil and gas exploration with its first well drilled at Ras Al Sadr. This historic milestone reflects the resilience, vision, and ambition of the UAE. He emphasized that ADNOC continues to build on this legacy by responsibly harnessing oil and gas resources to create lasting value for the nation.

Domestic Industrial Growth Through TA’ZIZ

The meeting also reviewed ADNOC’s efforts to develop new value chains through TA’ZIZ, its joint venture with ADQ. TA’ZIZ is focused on building large-scale chemical production capacity in Al Ruwais Industrial City in the Al Dhafra Region. In the first phase of development, TA’ZIZ will produce 4.7 million tonnes of chemicals every year. These include methanol, low-carbon ammonia, caustic soda, ethylene dichloride, vinyl chloride monomer, and polyvinyl chloride.

Construction Progress in Industrial Projects

Out of the six chemical projects under TA’ZIZ, five are already under construction. The sixth project is expected to begin once the contract is awarded later this year. The ammonia plant is currently being built and is on track to be commissioned in the last quarter of 2026. These projects will not only add value to ADNOC’s operations but also create industrial opportunities for the UAE economy.

Key Officials Attending the Meeting

Several senior leaders and ministers joined Sheikh Khaled at the meeting. Among them were Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and ADNOC Group CEO; Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of Health and Prevention; Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director and Group CEO of Mubadala Investment Company; Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Finance; and Omar Suwaina Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology. Their presence highlighted the importance of the meeting for the UAE’s energy and economic strategy.

ADNOC’s Future-Focused Path

The meeting chaired by Sheikh Khaled demonstrated ADNOC’s strong commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global leadership. By expanding internationally, investing in AI, developing unconventional gas, and building domestic industrial value chains, ADNOC is preparing for a future where it will remain one of the world’s leading energy companies. The Crown Prince’s vision ensures that ADNOC will continue to deliver long-term value for Abu Dhabi, the UAE, and its international partners.

ADNOC global expansion, AI energy strategy, UAE oil resources