ADNOC to award AED 200 billion in projects from 2026–2028, boosting UAE manufacturing
ADNOC accelerates plans to award AED 200 billion ($55 billion) in projects between 2026 and 2028, prioritising UAE-made products and expanded procurement ties at Make in UAE 2026.
ADNOC announced an acceleration of its capital programme on Sunday, saying it will target the award of AED 200 billion ($55 billion) of projects during 2026–2028 as part of its five‑year investment plan approved last year. The move, unveiled at the “Make with ADNOC” forum, signals a stepped-up drive to translate board‑level commitments into large-scale project awards that support both energy output and local industry growth.
ADNOC Accelerates AED 200 Billion Project Awards
The accelerated award schedule covers projects across ADNOC’s five‑year capital envelope and aims to front‑load activity to meet rising global energy demand. Company leaders framed the decision as a calibration of pace and scale, designed to preserve execution discipline while increasing the speed of delivery. ADNOC said the programme will be central to a new phase of growth that pairs project velocity with tighter governance and accountability.
Projects Cover Exploration, Production, Refining and Trading
ADNOC clarified that the projects to be tendered span the entire value chain, from upstream exploration and development to downstream refining, petrochemicals, marketing and trading. The integrated approach is intended to capture more local economic value by linking upstream investments with downstream manufacturing and export capability. Officials highlighted that this scope will create opportunities across engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts as well as long‑term supply and offtake arrangements.
Local+ List Brings 70 UAE Manufacturers Into Supply Chain
At the forum ADNOC introduced a Local+ list of 70 UAE manufacturers who have met the company’s technical and qualification standards and will be prioritised for procurement. The Local+ initiative is part of ADNOC’s broader National Industrial Content Enhancement programme, which gives preference to UAE‑made goods in project sourcing. ADNOC said the move aims to strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity, support job creation and improve supply‑chain resilience for major projects.
ADNOC Value Connect Procurement Forum to Link 1,000 Firms
ADNOC also announced it will launch “ADNOC Value Connect – Procurement Forum” on May 5–6 during the Make in UAE event, a two‑day platform expected to involve more than 1,000 companies. The interactive forum is designed to connect local manufacturers — especially small and medium enterprises — with prime contractors and EPC firms to negotiate partnerships and supplier arrangements. Organisers said the objective is to convert procurement opportunities into concrete commercial relationships that enhance industrial integration.
The procurement forum follows the Make with ADNOC gathering and will run during the wider Make in UAE 2026 exhibition, scheduled from May 4–7 at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi. The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology is hosting the event with participation from the Ministry of Culture, Abu Dhabi Investment Office and ADNOC, providing a national platform for industry matchmaking and investment signalling.
Minister Al Jaber Frames Move as Strategic Industrial Growth
Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and ADNOC’s Managing Director and Group CEO, described the accelerated awards as a pivotal stage in the company’s strategic rollout. He said ADNOC will combine “size, accelerated pace and a sharp focus on delivery” while ensuring partners meet high standards of reliability and execution. Dr. Al Jaber emphasised the twin aims of meeting global energy demand and reinforcing the UAE’s industrial base by prioritising locally manufactured products and transparent procurement practices.
Industry Turnout and Market Signalling
More than 400 representatives from government bodies, private sector companies and EPC contractors attended the Make with ADNOC forum, where ADNOC presented a pipeline of priority projects and procurement pathways. Participants were briefed on eligibility criteria, technical qualifications and timeframes for prequalification and tendering. ADNOC reiterated its commitment to long‑term partnerships and said it will press for higher levels of market participation to ensure competitive supply and to expand local content.
Governance, Delivery and Industrial Policy Alignment
ADNOC underlined that accelerated awards will be supported by a delivery model emphasising faster, more flexible execution while maintaining strict governance. The company indicated it will enforce enhanced transparency and accountability measures to ensure projects meet schedule and budget targets. ADNOC framed the effort as aligned with national policy goals to diversify the economy, increase manufacturing capacity and deepen the localisation of high‑value industrial activity.
The announcement is being positioned as both an energy sector response to increasing global demand and a deliberate industrial policy tool to foster domestic manufacturing. By linking a large pipeline of awards with structured supplier development and a dedicated procurement forum, ADNOC aims to translate capital allocation into sustained industrial growth and improved supply‑chain resilience.