The oil history of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a remarkable story of transformation from a relatively unknown desert region to a significant player in the global oil market. The discovery of oil in the UAE can be traced back to the late 1950s. The first commercial oil field, the Murban field in Abu Dhabi, was discovered in 1958, and the first oil was exported in 1962. This marked the beginning of a new era for the UAE, which would soon become one of the world's leading oil producers.
Over the past 40 years, the UAE's oil industry has evolved significantly. In the early 1980s, there were numerous active oil fields and drilling rigs across the UAE. The major oil fields included the Murban, Umm Shaif, and Zakum fields, with a substantial number of drilling rigs operating to extract crude oil. At that time, the UAE was heavily invested in expanding its oil infrastructure to maximize production and export capacity. The number of active oil fields was considerable, reflecting the growing importance of oil in the country's economy.
Today, the number of active oil fields and drilling rigs has decreased somewhat due to various factors, including a shift towards more advanced technology and a focus on efficiency rather than sheer numbers. Modern techniques such as enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and horizontal drilling have allowed the UAE to maintain high production levels while reducing the need for a large number of drilling rigs. As of recent estimates, there are still several major oil fields in operation, with the most prominent being the Zakum, Bab, and Bu Hasa fields.
The exact timeline for when the UAE's oil reserves might be depleted is uncertain and depends on several factors, including technological advancements, market conditions, and changes in global energy demand. However, with current technology and exploration techniques, it is expected that the UAE's significant reserves will continue to be productive for several decades. The country is also investing in renewable energy sources and diversification of its economy to ensure long-term sustainability.
Among the largest oil and gas fields in the UAE, the Zakum field stands out as one of the biggest. It is divided into Upper and Lower Zakum, with the total estimated reserves exceeding 50 billion barrels of oil. The field's production capacity is substantial, with output reaching over 500,000 barrels per day (bpd). Another major field, the Bab field, has significant reserves and a production capacity of around 300,000 bpd. The Bu Hasa field, also notable, contributes a significant portion to the UAE's overall production.
In summary, the UAE's oil history is marked by rapid growth and development, transitioning from a region with modest oil reserves to a global oil powerhouse. While the number of active oil fields and drilling rigs has decreased over the decades, advanced technology and efficient management continue to sustain high production levels. The future of UAE's oil industry will likely involve a combination of continued exploration, technological innovation, and diversification into renewable energy sources to ensure long-term economic stability.
Field Acronyms
EUR_MMBOE = Estimated ultimate recovery in million barrels of oil equivalent
Giant oil and gas fields = those with 500 million barrels (79,000,000 m3) of ultimately recoverable oil or gas equivalent.
Super giant oil field = holds equivalent of 5.5bn barrels of oil reserves.
Abu Al Bukhoosh Field, UAE, Discovered 1969, Giant Field
Al Dabb'iya Field, UAE, Discovered 1969, Giant Field
Asab Field, UAE, Discovered 1965, Supergiant Field
Bab Field, UAE, Discovered 1954, Supergiant Field
Bu Tini Field, UAE, Discovered 1980, Giant Field
Fateh Field, UAE, Discovered 1966, Giant Field
Fateh Southwest Field, UAE, Discovered 1970, Giant Field
Ghasha Field, UAE, Discovered 1975, Giant Field
Margham Field, UAE, Discovered 1982, Giant Field
Mender Field, UAE, Discovered 1975, Giant Field
Mubarraz Field, UAE, Discovered 1969, Giant Field
Murban Bu Hasa Field, UAE, Discovered 1962, Supergiant Field
Nasr Field, UAE, Discovered 1971, Giant Field
Qusahwira Field, UAE, Discovered 1976, Giant Field
Saath Al Raaz Boot Field, UAE, Discovered 1969, Giant Field
Sahil Field, UAE, Discovered 1967, Giant Field
Sajaa Field, UAE, Discovered 1980, Giant Field
Satah Field, UAE, Discovered 1975, Giant Field
Shah Field, UAE, Discovered 1966, Giant Field
Umm Al-Dalkh Field, UAE, Discovered 1969, Giant Field
Umm Shaif Field, UAE, Discovered 1958, Supergiant Field
Zakum Field, UAE, Discovered 1964, Supergiant Field
Zarrarah Field, UAE, Discovered 1970, Giant Field
Data Source: EIA/MARTIN