ADNOC to award AED 200 billion in projects from 2026–2028, accelerating Local+ manufacturing push
ADNOC will fast-track projects worth AED 200bn between 2026–2028, prioritising UAE-made products through Local+ to boost manufacturing and energy capacity.
The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) announced at the “Make with ADNOC” forum that it will accelerate delivery of its five-year capital investment plan by targeting the award of AED 200 billion (about USD 55 billion) in projects between 2026 and 2028. The move, approved under the group’s capital plan adopted by the board last year, is aimed at stepping up project execution across ADNOC’s full value chain. Senior officials framed the acceleration as both a response to growing global energy demand and an opportunity to strengthen the UAE’s industrial base.
ADNOC to Award AED 200 Billion in Projects (2026–2028)
ADNOC said the targeted AED 200 billion in contract awards covers the near-term 2026–2028 window and forms part of the group’s broader five-year capital programme. The company described the step as a shift into a higher tempo of delivery focused on scale and execution to meet demand. Officials emphasised that the increased award pace is designed to bring forward world-class projects across exploration, production, refining, manufacturing and trading.
The accelerated awards will be phased to align with project readiness and contractor capability, ADNOC added. The AED 200 billion target translates to strategic projects that will mobilise engineering, procurement and construction capacity regionally and internationally. This front-loaded delivery is intended to translate capital commitment into tangible industrial activity within the UAE supply chain.
Local+ Initiative Prioritises Emirati Manufacturers
ADNOC reiterated that Local+, its supplier prioritisation initiative, will give preference to products manufactured in the UAE for projects under the accelerated programme. Local+ was launched within ADNOC’s programme to enhance national industrial content and aims to grow the domestic manufacturing base. Seventy UAE manufacturers have been approved onto the Local+ list after meeting ADNOC’s technical and qualification standards.
Prioritising Local+ suppliers is intended to increase local value capture while supporting job creation and technology transfer. ADNOC said the initiative also raises the bar for manufacturing quality, ensuring that UAE-made components meet global project specifications. The company framed Local+ as a practical measure to link large-scale energy projects with the country’s industrialisation objectives.
Make with ADNOC Forum Links Contractors and Local Suppliers
The “Make with ADNOC” forum provided a platform for major engineering, procurement and construction contractors to meet the Local+ manufacturers approved by ADNOC. The event brought together private-sector contractors and 70 certified Emirati manufacturers to discuss capability alignment and project requirements. ADNOC described the forum as a deliberate step to increase coordination and readiness ahead of contract awards.
Officials noted that the forum focused on practical discussions around timelines, quality control and supply-chain integration. This direct engagement is intended to shorten lead times and reduce delivery risk by ensuring suppliers understand technical and contractual expectations. ADNOC emphasised that such collaboration is critical when executing projects at the announced scale.
Projects Span ADNOC’s Full Value Chain
Planned awards will cut across ADNOC’s operations, including upstream exploration and production as well as downstream refining, petrochemical manufacturing, marketing and trading activities. The company said this comprehensive scope aims to elevate the UAE’s manufacturing competence and industrial resilience. ADNOC expects the programme to strengthen local capabilities in areas such as fabrication, modules, specialty components and process equipment.
By distributing contract opportunity across multiple segments, ADNOC intends to broaden the base of local suppliers that can service strategic projects. The diversified project pipeline is also intended to attract further investment into manufacturing and support the objectives of the national “Make in UAE” platform. ADNOC framed the approach as a way to lock in industrial benefit from the full lifecycle of energy projects.
Strategic Rationale and Response to Global Energy Demand
ADNOC’s leadership framed the acceleration as aligned with national directives to foster growth across energy, industry and the broader economy. The group’s CEO and Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology stressed that the next phase emphasises both growth and resilience. Executives highlighted the need to ensure global energy demand can be met while concurrently expanding the UAE’s industrial footprint.
Company statements underlined that the initiative represents a new chapter in ADNOC’s strategic growth, combining scale with disciplined delivery. ADNOC positioned the plan as responsive to market needs and as a vehicle for long-term industrial development within the UAE. Officials also noted that maintaining clarity and accountability would be central to successful delivery.
Governance, Standards and Supplier Readiness
ADNOC said executing projects of this magnitude will require intensified coordination with partners and enhanced governance mechanisms. The company told forum attendees that implementation will involve stricter adherence to technical standards and improved transparency in procurement processes. ADNOC also indicated it will work with contractors and Local+ suppliers to raise readiness and ensure compliance with contractual and safety requirements.
The firm emphasised that suppliers on the Local+ list had met ADNOC’s qualification criteria, and that ongoing monitoring would be used to maintain performance standards. ADNOC signalled that higher scrutiny and clearer accountability measures are intended to reduce project risk and protect delivery schedules. Industry participants were urged to scale capacity and invest in quality systems to meet strategic project demands.
The planned acceleration of awards marks a significant mobilisation of capital and industrial opportunity for the UAE over the next three years. ADNOC’s emphasis on Local+ and direct contractor engagement signals a concerted push to turn financial commitments into local manufacturing growth and stronger energy-sector capacity.
