Overview

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, widely known as ADNOC, is the state-owned integrated oil and energy company of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. Established in 1971, it was created to organize the development of Abu Dhabi’s petroleum resources and to support the construction of a modern national energy industry. The company is owned by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and occupies a central position in the emirate’s economic system and in the United Arab Emirates’ oil and gas sector. ADNOC operates across much of the petroleum value chain. Its activities include onshore and offshore exploration and production, drilling, gas processing, pipeline transportation, crude-oil marketing, refining, petrochemicals, industrial chemicals, fuel distribution and related energy services. The group works through a large portfolio of operating companies and joint ventures, including ADNOC Onshore, ADNOC Offshore, ADNOC Drilling, Al Yasat Petroleum, Al Dhafra Petroleum, ADNOC Sour Gas and downstream businesses associated with gas processing, refining and chemicals. Its major refining assets include the Ruwais Refinery and Umm Al Nar Refinery. ADNOC also produces natural gas for domestic electricity and water utilities, industrial users, petrochemical facilities and reservoir reinjection, while exporting gas in liquefied form. The company is among the world’s largest oil producers by reserves and production. Its production capacity exceeded four million barrels per day by 2021, with a stated ambition to reach five million barrels per day by 2030. Production was approximately 2.5 million barrels per day during much of the 1990s and about 2.9 million barrels per day in 2008, although the company’s financial disclosures have historically been less extensive than those of publicly listed international oil majors. ADNOC’s strategy has increasingly combined traditional hydrocarbon expansion with capital partnerships, downstream integration, technology and decarbonization. In 2019, international investors acquired interests in selected pipeline and refining infrastructure. The company has also pursued chemical-industry investments, including a partnership with Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company for the Ruwais Derivatives Park, and cross-border investments involving OMV, Fertiglobe and Covestro. Its offshore decarbonization program with TAQA uses subsea power infrastructure to reduce the emissions intensity of offshore production. ADNOC has invested in carbon capture and storage, lower-carbon operations and renewable-energy initiatives while continuing to expand oil and gas output. This dual approach has attracted criticism from climate campaigners, particularly during Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber’s leadership of ADNOC and his role as president of the COP28 climate conference. ADNOC is also the title sponsor of the annual ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon, linking the corporate brand to a major public sporting event. Its headquarters complex on Abu Dhabi’s Corniche is a prominent corporate landmark.

History

ADNOC was established in 1971 by the Government of Abu Dhabi to oversee the emirate's petroleum industry. Its creation followed the rapid development of Abu Dhabi's oil resources and the political formation of the United Arab Emirates. The company became the central vehicle through which Abu Dhabi organized exploration, production, processing, export, and the use of petroleum revenues for economic development. During its early decades, ADNOC built a vertically integrated portfolio through subsidiaries and partnerships with international oil companies. Its activities expanded from crude-oil production into natural gas, gas processing, refining, petrochemicals, shipping, oilfield services, and fuel distribution. Joint ventures enabled the development of major onshore and offshore concessions and connected Abu Dhabi's fields with export terminals, refineries, industrial facilities, and domestic energy consumers. In the 2010s, ADNOC began a significant commercial and organizational transformation. The group sought to make its portfolio more transparent, attract external capital and expertise, improve operating efficiency, and increase the value captured from each barrel and unit of gas. It introduced partnership opportunities in upstream concessions and infrastructure, including stakes in pipelines and related midstream assets. The group also emphasized downstream integration, petrochemicals, trading, logistics, and industrial manufacturing rather than relying mainly on the export of unprocessed crude. ADNOC's capital-markets program began with the 2017 listing of ADNOC Distribution. Further transactions included the listings of ADNOC Drilling, Fertiglobe, Borouge, Borouge plc, and ADNOC Gas. These offerings did not privatize the core ADNOC group: the Abu Dhabi government retained control, while selected subsidiaries or investment vehicles received public shareholders and independent market valuations. The transactions also helped establish Abu Dhabi as a more active regional equity-market center. Gas became an increasingly important part of the group's strategy. ADNOC has invested in gas processing, sour-gas development, domestic supply, LNG production, and export infrastructure. The goal has been to supply Abu Dhabi's industrial economy, support power generation and manufacturing, and create a larger internationally traded gas business. The group has also pursued petrochemical and fertilizer growth through businesses such as Borouge and Fertiglobe, using hydrocarbons as feedstock for higher-value industrial products. ADNOC has simultaneously framed its long-term development around lower-carbon energy. It has announced renewable-energy procurement, carbon-capture and storage projects, methane-reduction programs, electrification of operations, hydrogen initiatives, and targets for reducing the emissions intensity of its upstream production. In 2022 it announced an ambition to reach net-zero emissions from its operations by 2045. These commitments coexist with plans to sustain or expand oil and gas capacity, and they have made ADNOC a prominent example of a national oil company attempting to combine hydrocarbon growth with decarbonization and industrial diversification. The company remains wholly owned at group level by Abu Dhabi and operates as both a commercial enterprise and a component of the emirate's economic strategy. It continues to manage substantial oil and gas resources, while its subsidiaries and partnerships extend across refining, chemicals, logistics, retail, drilling, gas, and international investment. Its headquarters are in Abu Dhabi, and its products serve domestic customers as well as energy and industrial markets worldwide.

2024
ADNOC advances international and low-carbon growth
[4]ADNOC news and mediaadnoc.ae
The group continues international partnerships and investments in gas, chemicals, carbon management, hydrogen, and other lower-carbon activities.
2023
ADNOC Gas lists on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange
[7]ADNOC Gas investor relationsadnocgas.ae
ADNOC Gas becomes a publicly traded group company, increasing public-market participation in ADNOC's gas-processing business.
2022
ADNOC announces a 2045 operational net-zero ambition
[4]ADNOC news and mediaadnoc.ae
The group announces an ambition to reach net-zero emissions from its operations by 2045 and expands its decarbonization program.
2021
ADNOC Drilling is listed
[6]ADNOC Drilling investor relationsadnocdrilling.ae
ADNOC Drilling completes an initial public offering and begins trading on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange.
2018
ADNOC opens selected infrastructure assets to outside investment
[4]ADNOC news and mediaadnoc.ae
ADNOC announces major infrastructure partnership transactions as part of a strategy to attract investment and monetize selected midstream assets.
2017
ADNOC begins subsidiary listings
[5]ADNOC Distribution investor relationsadnocdistribution.ae
ADNOC Distribution lists on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, marking the first public offering of an ADNOC group company.
1981
ADNOC Distribution is established
[8]ADNOC Distribution is establishedadnocdistribution.ae
The group establishes a dedicated fuel-distribution and retail business that later becomes ADNOC Distribution.
1973
ADNOC LNG is formed
[2]ADNOC historyadnoc.ae
ADNOC establishes an LNG business, supporting the development of gas processing and LNG export capabilities.
1971
ADNOC is established
[2]ADNOC historyadnoc.ae
The Government of Abu Dhabi establishes Abu Dhabi National Oil Company to manage and develop the emirate's hydrocarbon resources.

Products and positioning

A state-owned, integrated Abu Dhabi energy group combining large-scale hydrocarbon production with downstream industrial development, global partnerships, and an expanding lower-carbon portfolio.

Crude oil
Murban crude oil
Murban is ADNOC's flagship light, low-sulfur crude grade produced primarily from Abu Dhabi's onshore fields. It is marketed internationally and has become an important reference-quality export for the group. ADNOC launched a Murban futures contract on the ICE Futures Abu Dhabi exchange to support transparent price discovery and broader trading participation.
Natural gas
Natural gas
ADNOC produces, processes, and markets associated and non-associated natural gas for power generation, water utilities, industrial consumers, petrochemical feedstock, and export. Its gas portfolio includes conventional and sour-gas resources, domestic pipeline supply, gas-processing facilities, and LNG-related activities.
Liquefied natural gas · 1973
LNG
ADNOC's LNG business supplies liquefied natural gas to international customers. The group has operated LNG export facilities at Das Island and has pursued additional capacity to serve growing domestic and overseas demand, including a large-scale low-carbon-intensity LNG project at Al Ruwais.
Refining and petroleum products
Refined fuels
Through its refining and marketing businesses, ADNOC supplies gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, marine fuels, naphtha, LPG, and other refined products. Refining capacity supports the United Arab Emirates' domestic market and provides feedstock and products for international trading and downstream industry.
Petrochemicals · 1998
Borouge polyolefins
Borouge, established through an ADNOC and Borealis partnership, manufactures polyolefins including polyethylene and polypropylene. These materials are used in packaging, infrastructure, energy, mobility, healthcare, and consumer products. Borouge is one of ADNOC's principal routes into higher-value chemicals and manufactured materials.
Fertilizers · 2019
Fertilizer products
ADNOC participates in the fertilizer industry through Fertiglobe, a regional producer and exporter of nitrogen fertilizers and related products. The business uses natural gas as feedstock and serves agricultural and industrial customers in international markets.
Fuel retail and mobility · 1981
ADNOC fuel retail
ADNOC Distribution operates fuel stations, convenience stores, vehicle services, lubricants, and other mobility offerings. Its network serves motorists in the UAE and has expanded through selected international operations and partnerships.

Controversies

2023
Climate campaigners criticize ADNOC leadership during COP28
Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber’s dual role as ADNOC chief executive and COP28 president prompted accusations of greenwashing and concern about conflicts between hydrocarbon expansion and climate diplomacy.
Source
2023
Greenwashing criticism surrounding COP28 leadership
Environmental campaigners criticized Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber’s simultaneous leadership of ADNOC and presidency of COP28, arguing that the company’s continued oil expansion conflicted with climate objectives and created a perceived conflict of interest.
Source

Marketing campaigns

2023ADNOC at COP28
United Arab Emirates · International
ADNOC used its participation in the UAE-hosted COP28 climate conference to present its decarbonization plans, including carbon capture, methane reduction, electrification, and lower-carbon energy investments.
Outcome. The campaign increased the visibility of ADNOC's net-zero and carbon-management agenda during a major international climate-policy event.
Source
2018Energy for Life
United Arab Emirates · International
ADNOC introduced the Energy for Life brand platform to communicate its role in supplying energy, supporting industry, and contributing to the UAE's economic and social development.
Outcome. The platform became a recurring corporate identity and communications theme for the group.
Source

Brand decisions

2023
Integrated gas and LNG expansionProduct launch
Background
ADNOC identified natural gas and LNG as growth businesses serving domestic industry, power generation, and international customers.
Action taken
The group advanced new gas-processing and LNG projects, including the planned Al Ruwais LNG facility, while expanding its integrated gas organization.
Aftermath
The strategy strengthened ADNOC's position in international gas markets and increased the role of gas in its portfolio.
Source
2022
Operational net-zero ambition for 2045Strategy
Background
Growing climate-policy and investor pressure encouraged national oil companies to set operational-emissions targets while continuing to supply oil and gas.
Action taken
ADNOC announced an ambition to reach net-zero emissions from its operations by 2045 and outlined investments in carbon capture, methane management, electrification, and clean energy.
Aftermath
The announcement made decarbonization a formal component of ADNOC's corporate strategy, although the group continued to expand hydrocarbon production and gas capacity.
Source
2018
Expansion into integrated downstream and petrochemicalsStrategy
Background
ADNOC aimed to capture more value from its hydrocarbon resources and reduce dependence on direct crude exports.
Action taken
The group announced downstream growth plans covering refining, chemicals, trading, logistics, and industrial partnerships, including the expansion of Ruwais as an industrial hub.
Aftermath
The strategy increased ADNOC's presence in petrochemicals, refined products, and industrial manufacturing and supported later transactions involving Borouge and Fertiglobe.
Source
2017
Launch of the ADNOC subsidiary-listing programStrategy
Background
ADNOC sought to improve commercial discipline, attract investment, and create public-market valuations for selected businesses without relinquishing state control of the group.
Action taken
ADNOC listed ADNOC Distribution and subsequently pursued public offerings for other subsidiaries and affiliated businesses.
Aftermath
The program broadened investor access to Abu Dhabi's energy sector and became a central part of the group's portfolio-management strategy.
Source

Recent events

2024
ADNOC announces Covestro acquisition[9]Climate campaigners criticize ADNOC leadership during COP28en.wikipedia.org
M&A
ADNOC announced an agreement to acquire German chemical company Covestro for $16.3 billion.
2023
ADNOC announces major integrated gas strategy and LNG expansion[4]ADNOC news and mediaadnoc.ae
Product launch
ADNOC announced plans connected with the expansion of its gas business, including new LNG capacity and projects intended to increase gas supply for domestic and international customers.
2023
ADNOC Gas begins trading on Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange[4]ADNOC news and mediaadnoc.ae
M&A · Other
ADNOC Gas was listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, continuing the group's program of bringing selected businesses to public markets while retaining government control.
2023
ADNOC Distribution expands international retail and mobility activities[10]ADNOC Distribution拓展国际零售与出行业务adnocdistribution.ae
Other
The listed fuel-retail subsidiary continued expansion of its service-station, convenience, mobility, and fuel-distribution network in the United Arab Emirates and selected international markets.
2023
ADNOC awards Hail and Ghasha offshore contracts[9]Climate campaigners criticize ADNOC leadership during COP28en.wikipedia.org
Other
The company awarded engineering, procurement and construction contracts valued at $17 billion for the Hail and Ghasha Offshore Development project.
2023
ADNOC agrees to acquire Fertiglobe stake[9]Climate campaigners criticize ADNOC leadership during COP28en.wikipedia.org
M&A
ADNOC agreed to acquire OCI’s entire interest in ammonia and urea producer Fertiglobe for $3.62 billion.
2022
ADNOC and BP complete formation of Azule Energy[4]ADNOC news and mediaadnoc.ae
M&A
ADNOC and BP completed the creation of Azule Energy, an independent international energy company combining their upstream interests in Angola.
2022
ADNOC announces net-zero ambition for 2045[4]ADNOC news and mediaadnoc.ae
Regulation
The group announced an ambition to achieve net-zero emissions from its operations by 2045 and described investments in methane reduction, carbon capture, electrification, and clean energy.
2022
ADNOC acquires stake in OMV[9]Climate campaigners criticize ADNOC leadership during COP28en.wikipedia.org
M&A
ADNOC acquired a 24.9% interest in Austrian integrated oil, gas and petrochemical company OMV.
2021
ADNOC and TAQA announce offshore decarbonization project[9]Climate campaigners criticize ADNOC leadership during COP28en.wikipedia.org
Other
The companies announced a $3.6 billion project intended to reduce the carbon footprint of ADNOC’s offshore production operations by more than 30%.

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