Sharjah’s Al Hadiba field reaches production milestone, doubling regional gas output
Sharjah National Oil Corporation has successfully completed the first phase of its Al Hadiba gas and condensate development, marking a transformative moment for the emirate's energy independence and long-term security.
The transformation of discovery into productive reality typically unfolds across years, yet Sharjah National Oil Corporation has accomplished this journey in remarkable time. The Al Hadiba gas and condensate field, first identified in May 2024, northeast of the established Sajaa field, has now reached its initial production phase, more than doubling current gas output and positioning the emirate to meet its future energy demands with greater resilience.
The acceleration from discovery to gas production within less than a year reflects the corporation’s disciplined execution and technical expertise. The first phase required the completion of intricate work: drilling and analysing appraisal wells to understand the reservoir’s characteristics, establishing the infrastructure to gather and process gas, constructing the pipeline networks necessary for transportation, and conducting the comprehensive commissioning work that precedes commercial operations. Each element was essential; none could be hastened without compromising safety or performance.
What makes this achievement particularly significant is the environment in which it occurred. Regional shipping disruptions and constraints on material supplies presented genuine obstacles, yet SNOC navigated these challenges without compromise to timeline or quality. This capacity to deliver complex projects on accelerated schedules, even amid logistical friction, speaks to the corporation’s operational maturity and the calibre of its planning.
Khamis Al Mazrouei, Chief Executive Officer of SNOC, describes Al Hadiba as one of Sharjah’s most significant gas development initiatives in recent years and a cornerstone of the corporation’s long-term growth strategy. The project demonstrates, he observed, the organisation’s ability to move with efficiency from discovery through execution, translating technical achievement into tangible energy security for the emirate. As the corporation now enters its second phase of development, preparations are already underway to accelerate production increases, with the field expected to achieve stable production rates by 2028.
The technical findings from the appraisal phase have confirmed the reservoir’s quality and its favourable pressure characteristics, offering confidence in the field’s commercial viability. Masoud Al Hammadi, Executive Director of Exploration and Production at SNOC, emphasises that these results strengthen the organisation’s confidence in Al Hadiba’s future role in meeting Sharjah’s energy requirements, and position it as a pillar of the emirate’s energy security architecture for years to come. As we reported in our coverage of SNOC and Equinor’s strategic partnership to advance downstream energy capabilities, the corporation continues to expand its capabilities across the energy value chain.
What it means for Abu Dhabi
The Al Hadiba field’s entry into production reinforces the broader energy security narrative across the Emirates. As Sharjah strengthens its gas production capacity, the stability and predictability of regional energy supply becomes more robust, benefiting the wider economy and supporting the long-term industrial and infrastructure ambitions that depend upon secure, reliable energy foundations.
The technical achievements and project management discipline demonstrated by SNOC offer a model for energy development across the UAE. The ability to compress timelines without sacrificing quality, and to maintain momentum despite external constraints, represents a capability that strengthens the Emirates’ position as a dependable and innovative energy producer in an increasingly complex global landscape.
Source: WAM