Oil and Gas
Capacity and investment
ADNOC has raised its oil production capacity by almost 75% over the past decade to 4.85 million barrels a day and targets 5 million by 2027. In November 2025 it approved a AED 551 billion ($150 billion) spending plan for 2026 to 2030 to maintain operations and expand capacity.2
Oil in the economy
The UAE's real GDP grew 6.2% in 2025 to AED 1.9 trillion, and non-oil GDP grew 6.8% to AED 1.5 trillion, about 79% of the total.3,4
Gas still makes up most of the power mix: the 2031 target is 65% gas and 35% clean energy.5
Oil and gas licences and concessions are granted by the government and ADNOC. Most foreign businesses enter the sector as service providers and suppliers, usually through a free zone or mainland company.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much oil can the UAE produce?
ADNOC's production capacity is 4.85 million barrels a day, with a target of 5 million by 2027. It also produces 11.5 billion cubic feet of gas a day.
Sources
- ADNOC: company overview
- The National: Adnoc says decade-old contingency plan kept oil flowing (October 2026)
- The National: UAE GDP hit $517bn in 2025 as non-oil sector grew 6.8% (May 2026)
- Fast Company Middle East: UAE economy grows 6.2% in 2025 as GDP reaches AED 1.9 trillion
- UAE Government Portal: About the UAE's energy sector
Figures checked 21 October 2026. Prepared by Invest-Emirates.ae for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.