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Our History

Our History

For over five decades, ADNOC Drilling has evolved in step with the UAE’s energy ambitions. Each chapter in our history marks a step forward – strengthening our capability, expanding our scale and delivering sustained value. 

The milestones below reflect the moments that have defined our journey, shaping our evolution into a leading integrated energy services company and continuing to guide our future.

1972: A Historic Beginning

Founded by Emiri decree, we became ADNOC’s first fully owned subsidiary – established to unlock the UAE’s vast energy resources.

1973: First Rig Acquisition

We acquired our first rig, AD-1 – now a proud landmark outside ADNOC Group's headquarters on Abu Dhabi's Corniche.

1970-1980s: Decades of Expansion

A transformative era of fleet growth and operational scale-up across onshore and offshore assets.

2000: National Leadership

We launched Emiratization initiatives, training and embedding UAE National talent across leadership positions and field operations.

2010: Service Evolution

We introduced electric well logging services – enhancing precision and efficiency in drilling operations.

2014: Drilling Training Center

We launched our specialized training center in Al Dhafra to upskill crews and elevate operational excellence.

2018: Strategic Partnership

Baker Hughes acquired a 5% stake in 2018, enabling ADNOC Drilling to become the region’s first national Integrated Drilling Services (IDS) provider.

2021: Landmark IPO

We listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) in a milestone IPO, including a strategic alliance with Helmerich & Payne (H&P).

2022: Fleet Modernization

We accelerated the adoption of digital drilling, integrating automation, analytics and AI-enabled optimization.

2023: Enersol

We launched Enersol, our technology joint venture with Alpha Dhabi, accelerating innovation across oilfield and energy technologies.

2024: Turnwell

We launched Turnwell, our unconventionals joint venture with SLB and Patterson-UTI, to deliver advanced drilling solutions for the UAE’s unconventional resources.

2025: SLDC

We acquired a 70% stake in SLB’s land drilling rigs business in Kuwait and Oman, adding eight fully operational rigs under contract.

2026: MBPS

We acquired an 80% stake in MB Petroleum Services (MBPS), a joint venture with operations in Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

Pioneers' Memories

For over 50 years, ADNOC Drilling has powered ADNOC’s growth and the UAE’s energy journey – built by three generations of dedicated talent.

Suleiman Al Maskari

Former ADNOC Drilling Assistant General Manager

In the beginning it was all about drilling because you have to drill the well to get the oil out. It had such a big role then and still does. At first, we thought we would have maybe eight or ten rigs. Now there are over 90, billions of dirhams of assets. We even had our own rigs built in the UAE, creating even more value for the country. It is a great company.

Fouad Silin

Drilling Team Manager

Every time I walked around the drilling rig helideck, I saw the sea, the sky, the boats, the choppers in the air and the activity we were doing on the rig. I realized how important what we were doing was for the diesel in the ships, the fuel in the helicopters and the lights in Abu Dhabi. Everything we were doing on that rig was a source for this success.

Ahmed al Mansouri

Drilling Team Manager

Drilling was like a symphony of music. We drillers know this feeling like a sixth sense. If you are feeling this music, this sense, you are a driller. There was so much excitement when you were drilling, waiting for that moment of reaching oil or gas, holding your breath. It was like looking for gold. And, when you broke through to a reservoir you felt such pride in your rig, your company and your country.