Egypt and the UAE explore expanded oil and gas investments, including ADNOC projects, natural gas development, Mediterranean exploration and cooperation in drilling operations.
Egypt and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are exploring opportunities to expand joint investments and strengthen cooperation across the oil and natural gas sectors. Senior officials from both countries held discussions, on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC 2026), focusing on exploration, field development, energy infrastructure and greater participation by Egyptian companies in UAE projects.
The meeting brought together Egypt's Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Hussein Eissa, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi, and UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and ADNOC Group Managing Director and CEO Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber. Egyptian Ambassador to the UAE Essam Ashour also attended the discussions.
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The officials reviewed the progress of the existing strategic partnership and highlighted the contribution of Egyptian petroleum companies to projects in the UAE, alongside growing Emirati investments in Egypt's energy industry. Both sides emphasised the importance of building on established cooperation to identify additional investment opportunities and strengthen regional energy security.
A key area of discussion was expanding the participation of Egyptian engineering and petroleum companies, particularly ENPPI and Petrojet, in projects planned by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and its subsidiaries for 2026-2028. The companies' experience in engineering, procurement, construction and project execution was highlighted as an important resource for supporting ADNOC's planned activities.
The discussions also covered Emirati investments in Egypt's natural gas sector through Arcius Energy, which is involved in developing the Harmattan gas field and the West Atoll well, as well as activities connected with the Zohr and North Damietta fields. These projects are expected to support efforts to increase Egypt's domestic natural gas production during 2026 and 2027.
In exploration, the two countries examined opportunities for expanding the participation of ADNOC's investment arm XRG and Arcius Energy in developing undeveloped Mediterranean blocks. They also discussed participation in Egypt's 2026 international bidding round and exploring potential opportunities in the Red Sea.
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Another area of cooperation involved drilling operations. ADNOC Drilling expressed interest in working with Egypt's Egyptian Drilling Company on the country's five-year drilling programme. The proposed collaboration could help increase available drilling rig capacity and introduce advanced technologies to support exploration and production targets.
The discussions reflect both countries' efforts to deepen their strategic economic partnership through energy investment, technical collaboration and cross-border business opportunities. By expanding cooperation in exploration, production and engineering services, Egypt and the UAE aim to strengthen their energy sectors and support regional security of supply.