Egypt is stepping up efforts to increase oil and natural gas production as it seeks to strengthen domestic energy supplies and attract fresh investment into its upstream sector. Egyptian Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Karim Badawi had discussions with Abdulla Ateya Al Messabi, CEO of UAE-based ADNOC Drilling, on potential strategic partnerships between the company and Egypt’s petroleum sector.
The discussions focused on ADNOC Drilling’s possible participation in an expanded program covering both onshore and offshore wells. The proposed cooperation could support exploration, field development and production activity in Egypt over the coming years.
Badawi said, “Increasing drilling activity is a key pillar of the Ministry’s five-year plan to boost domestic crude oil and natural gas production by intensifying exploration, accelerating the development of discoveries, increasing well-drilling rates, and adopting advanced technologies and technical solutions.”
He highlighted Adnoc Drilling’s technical and technological capabilities and advanced experience in well-drilling operations. He explained the importance of leveraging its expertise to support Egypt’s drilling and production plans.
Badawi added, “Egypt’s promising drilling and development opportunities create scope for new partnerships with international and regional drilling-services companies.”
The potential partnership also comes as Egypt seeks to deploy more advanced drilling technologies to maximise output from existing fields and accelerate new developments.
ADNOC Drilling has been investing in automated and AI-enabled drilling capabilities. Its first AI-enabled automated island rig was deployed ahead of schedule in 2026, highlighting the company’s focus on technology-led efficiency.
For Egypt, greater access to advanced drilling expertise could help improve well productivity, shorten development timelines and unlock additional production from mature and emerging fields.
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