ADNOC Greenlights SARB Deep Gas Project to Boost UAE Gas Output

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company has taken a final investment decision on the SARB Deep Gas Development, a technically complex offshore gas project that forms part of the broader Ghasha Concession, underscoring the UAE’s push to secure long-term gas self-sufficiency while expanding its role in global energy markets.

The SARB development is designed to deliver up to 200 million standard cubic feet per day of gas before the end of the decade, enough to supply electricity to more than 300,000 homes daily. ADNOC said the project will play a material role in meeting rising domestic demand while supporting incremental gas exports.

SARB will be developed around a new offshore platform hosting four gas production wells, located roughly 120 kilometers offshore from Abu Dhabi. Gas from the field will be transported to Das Island, where it will be tied into existing ADNOC Gas facilities for upstream processing, allowing the company to leverage established infrastructure and reduce development costs.

A notable feature of the project is its reliance on advanced digitalization. ADNOC plans to embed artificial intelligence and advanced monitoring technologies across operations, with the facility to be operated remotely from Arzanah Island. The company says this approach will improve operational efficiency, enhance safety, and reduce the overall footprint of offshore activities.

The SARB project is part of the Ghasha Concession, one of the most strategically important gas developments in the UAE portfolio. The concession includes several offshore sour gas fields and is widely viewed as a cornerstone of the country’s strategy to become gas self-sufficient while positioning itself as a reliable supplier to international markets, particularly in Asia.

ADNOC Upstream Chief Executive Musabbeh Al Kaabi said the investment decision reflects progress in unlocking Abu Dhabi’s gas resources and maximizing synergies across ADNOC’s offshore network. The company has increasingly emphasized integration across upstream, midstream, and processing assets as a way to improve returns and accelerate project timelines.

Beyond energy supply, ADNOC highlighted the project’s alignment with its In-Country Value program, which aims to drive local economic development, build domestic capabilities, and expand opportunities for Emirati talent across the energy sector. Large offshore projects such as SARB typically generate significant demand for local services, fabrication, and long-term operations roles.

The decision comes as national oil companies across the Middle East continue to double down on gas investments, even as global energy systems transition. Gas is increasingly viewed by producers as a bridge fuel that can support energy security and emissions reduction efforts when paired with efficiency gains and advanced technologies.