UAE offshore oil field construction has entered another major development phase after ADNOC Offshore and ExxonMobil awarded a €5 billion (about $5.86 billion) Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract for one of Abu Dhabi’s largest offshore oil expansion projects.
The award supports the partners’ strategy to increase production capacity, strengthen long-term energy security, and expand offshore infrastructure through new processing facilities, platforms, pipelines, and associated utilities.
The project also reinforces the UAE’s investment pipeline as ADNOC accelerates capital spending across its upstream portfolio.
The contract went to a consortium led by Técnicas Reunidas alongside NMDC Energy. The partners will execute engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and offshore installation works across the field development program.
According to project announcements, the development forms part of ADNOC Offshore’s broader production expansion strategy.
Construction activities will include offshore production facilities, subsea infrastructure, utility systems, export pipelines, and brownfield modifications.
Engineers will also integrate new facilities with existing offshore assets to improve operational efficiency while maintaining production during construction.
UAE offshore oil field construction expands offshore production infrastructure
The project will modernize one of Abu Dhabi’s key offshore producing assets through large-scale infrastructure upgrades. New facilities will support higher production volumes while improving reliability across the offshore network.
Construction teams will fabricate offshore structures before transporting and installing them offshore. Meanwhile, marine works will include subsea pipelines, cable systems, platform connections, and associated support infrastructure.
The EPC scope also includes detailed engineering, procurement of long-lead equipment, fabrication, transportation, installation, commissioning, and start-up support. Consequently, the integrated delivery model aims to reduce project risks and shorten execution schedules.
The award follows ADNOC’s continued investment in upstream developments. Earlier this year, the company approved billions of dollars in new project awards to accelerate production growth and strengthen domestic industrial capacity.
For Técnicas Reunidas, the project further expands its presence in the UAE energy sector. The Spanish engineering contractor already manages major upstream developments in Abu Dhabi, including the Lower Zakum Long-Term Development Plan awarded previously by ADNOC Offshore.
This award also reflects the strong momentum behind offshore energy construction across the Gulf. Similar investment activity is unfolding in Qatar, where the $5 billion North Field Compression Project has advanced to the final contractor selection stage as QatarEnergy LNG pushes ahead with one of the world’s largest offshore gas infrastructure programmes.
UAE offshore oil field construction supports long-term energy strategy
The offshore development aligns with ADNOC’s strategy to increase production capacity while investing in resilient energy infrastructure. At the same time, the company continues expanding both oil and gas developments across Abu Dhabi.
Recent investment decisions demonstrate this broader strategy. ADNOC recently approved a $6.2 billion final investment decision for the Umm Shaif Gas Cap project, which includes multiple EPC packages and extensive offshore infrastructure.
Together, these developments strengthen Abu Dhabi’s upstream production network.
The latest contract also highlights continued collaboration between ADNOC Offshore and international energy partners.
ExxonMobil remains a strategic concession partner across several Abu Dhabi offshore assets, supporting field development through advanced technologies and long-term investment.
Industry analysts expect the project to generate significant demand for fabrication yards, marine contractors, equipment suppliers, logistics providers, and specialist engineering firms throughout execution.
Furthermore, local manufacturing will benefit through ADNOC’s In-Country Value program, which encourages domestic procurement and industrial growth.
Once complete, the new offshore facilities will enhance production efficiency, improve operational reliability, and strengthen the UAE’s ability to meet future global energy demand.
The project also demonstrates continued confidence in large-scale offshore construction despite changing energy market conditions.
Project fact sheet
Project: Major UAE Offshore Oil Field Development
Location: Offshore Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Project value: €5 billion (approximately $5.86 billion)
Project type: Offshore oil field expansion
Client: ADNOC Offshore
Strategic partner: ExxonMobil
Contract type: Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC)
Current status: EPC contract awarded
Main scope: Offshore platforms, processing facilities, subsea infrastructure, pipelines, utilities, commissioning and integration
Primary objective: Increase offshore oil production capacity and modernize infrastructure
Economic impact: Supports UAE energy investment, local manufacturing, and offshore supply chain development
Delivery model: Consortium EPC execution with integrated engineering, procurement, fabrication, installation, and commissioning
Project team
Project owner: ADNOC Offshore
Strategic upstream partner: ExxonMobil
Lead EPC contractor: Técnicas Reunidas
Consortium partner: NMDC Energy
Engineering: Técnicas Reunidas engineering teams with regional support
Marine construction: NMDC Energy offshore construction fleet
Procurement: Consortium-managed global supply chain
Fabrication: Offshore fabrication facilities in the UAE and regional yards
Installation: Offshore heavy-lift and marine installation contractors
Commissioning: EPC consortium commissioning specialists
Operations after completion: ADNOC Offshore
Local industry participation: UAE suppliers through ADNOC’s In-Country Value (ICV) program.
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