Muscat: ADNOC Drilling’s strategic acquisition, part of a broader $112 million agreement with SLB (formerly Schlumberger), includes six fully operational land rigs currently under contract with major national operators, including Petroleum Development Oman (PDO). The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.

The rigs, currently deployed across Oman’s key oilfields, represent vital infrastructure in the Sultanate’s energy landscape. The move aligns with Oman’s Vision 2040 goals of increasing regional investment, enhancing in-country value (ICV), and improving efficiency in hydrocarbon production.

ADNOC Drilling plans to scale up operations by deploying digital drilling optimisation tools and AI-enabled platforms to enhance rig performance. Industry analysts note that the UAE-based firm’s entry is a strong vote of confidence in Oman’s upstream potential, particularly as the Ministry of Energy and Minerals pushes for enhanced recovery in mature oil blocks.

Beyond operational control, ADNOC Drilling intends to bring its integrated drilling services model to Oman, introducing advanced digital workflows and strengthening local supply chains. The investment is also expected to support Omani SMEs and create new employment opportunities for nationals across rig operations, logistics, and technical services.