The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) announced a strategic partnership with Tubacex, a global leader in advanced tubular solutions, aimed at localizing critical oilfield technology in the UAE. The announcement was made at the “Make it in the Emirates” forum, held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

This new agreement grants ADNOC perpetual and exclusive rights to use Tubacex’s Sentinel Prime technology, a premium tubular joint connection system essential for the completion of oil and gas wells. The technology is designed to reduce operational costs while enhancing supply chain resilience, a key priority for ADNOC as it seeks to strengthen its industrial base amid evolving global energy markets.

As part of the collaboration, Tubacex will establish a dedicated research and development (R&D) center in Abu Dhabi. The facility will serve as a hub for advanced engineering work and will focus on training highly skilled technicians locally, contributing to the development of Emirati talent in line with the UAE’s broader economic diversification and workforce localization goals.

Musabbeh Al Kaabi, ADNOC Upstream CEO, said the partnership marks a significant step in ADNOC’s strategy to secure access to advanced technology critical for oil and gas well completions. “This agreement reinforces ADNOC’s role as a reliable global energy provider and supports our ongoing efforts to boost domestic manufacturing capacity,” Al Kaabi said. “We welcome Tubacex’s investment in the new R&D center in Abu Dhabi, which will facilitate knowledge and technology transfer, support local talent development, and align closely with the objectives of the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ initiative.”

Tubular products, also known as Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG), are specialized steel pipes used extensively in drilling and completing oil and gas wells. These tubulars must meet stringent standards for strength, durability, and reliability to withstand the high pressures and temperatures found deep underground.

Josu Imaz, Tubacex Group CEO, emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation and excellence through this partnership. “The licensing agreement with ADNOC affirms Tubacex’s dedication to providing advanced solutions to the energy sector,” he said. “It also strengthens our position as a strategic contributor to major industry players, supporting efforts to localize technology and improve supply chain security.”

The “Make it in the Emirates” forum, held from May 19 to 22 at ADNEC, is the UAE’s flagship industrial event designed to accelerate the country’s manufacturing ambitions. It provides a platform for government entities, private companies, and international partners to collaborate on industrial development, innovation, and technology localization.

This partnership between ADNOC and Tubacex reflects the UAE’s broader vision of increasing local content in the energy sector, fostering economic diversification, and creating sustainable, high-value job opportunities for Emiratis. By investing in R&D and advanced manufacturing capabilities, the collaboration is set to enhance the UAE’s industrial resilience and long-term competitiveness in the global energy market.