How to Set Up an Oil and Gas Company in Abu Dhabi (2026)
Short answer: Most new oil and gas companies in Abu Dhabi are service, supply or trading companies, not producers. To set one up, get a trade licence with the right activity from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) on the mainland, or from a free zone such as KEZAD or ADGM. Then register as a supplier with ADNOC and its group companies, and understand the In-Country Value (ICV) programme, which affects how tenders are scored. Upstream exploration and production rights are awarded by the government and are not open to ordinary new companies.
What kind of oil and gas company can I set up?
| Type | Examples | Typical route |
|---|---|---|
| Oilfield services | Inspection, maintenance, testing, engineering, manpower supply | Mainland or free zone licence plus ADNOC supplier registration |
| Equipment and spare parts supply | Valves, pipes, pumps, safety equipment, chemicals | Trading licence; product certifications; vendor registration |
| Petroleum products trading | Fuel, lubricants, bitumen | Specific trading activities, which may need extra approvals |
| Consultancy | Engineering design, HSE, project management | Professional or consultancy licence |
Mainland or free zone for an oil and gas business?
- Mainland (ADDED): suits companies that will work directly on projects and for clients across Abu Dhabi, including onshore sites. You can apply through the TAMM government services platform.
- KEZAD (Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi): industrial and logistics land and warehouses near Khalifa Port, which suits equipment supply and light manufacturing.
- ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market): a financial free zone, which suits holding companies, trading desks and consultancies.
The right choice depends on where your clients and sites are and whether you need warehouse or yard space. Confirm the activity list and any extra approvals with the authority before you apply. Our guide to starting a business in Dubai in 2026 covers this in more detail.
How do I become an ADNOC supplier?
ADNOC and its group companies buy goods and services through registered suppliers. The general process is: Learn how to buy businesses in the UAE.
- Get a valid UAE trade licence with activities that match what you supply.
- Register on ADNOC’s supplier registration portal and submit company documents, certifications and references.
- Meet the quality, HSE and financial requirements for your category.
- Get qualified for specific product or service categories, then respond to tenders.
Requirements differ by category and change over time, so follow the current instructions on ADNOC’s official supplier pages. Our warehousing in Abu Dhabi guide explains the details.
What is In-Country Value (ICV)?
The UAE’s In-Country Value programme measures how much a supplier spends and invests in the UAE economy, for example through local staff, local suppliers and investment in UAE facilities. Many ADNOC and government tenders include an ICV score, so a company with a higher ICV certificate can be more competitive. New companies should plan for ICV certification early and keep the records the certifying body needs.
What are the steps to set up an oil and gas company in Abu Dhabi?
- Define your service or product category and your target clients.
- Choose mainland or free zone and reserve a trade name.
- Apply for the licence with the correct activities, and get any extra approvals.
- Lease an office, warehouse or yard as needed.
- Open a corporate bank account and register with the Federal Tax Authority for VAT and corporate tax as required.
- Hire qualified staff and arrange visas through MOHRE and the immigration authorities.
- Get the required certifications (for example quality and HSE management systems).
- Register with ADNOC and other energy clients, and apply for an ICV certificate.
Can I buy an existing oil and gas services company?
Yes. Buying a company that is already registered with energy clients can save time, because supplier registration and qualification can take months. Before buying, check the licence activities, supplier registrations and whether they transfer after an ownership change, active contracts, bank guarantees, staff certifications, and any liabilities. Look at businesses for sale and trade licences for sale, and read our guide on buying a business in Abu Dhabi.
What does it cost to start?
There is no single figure. Costs depend on the licence type, office or yard, staff numbers, equipment, certifications and insurance. Service companies also need working capital, because energy clients often pay on credit terms after the work is done, and some tenders require bank guarantees. Build a cash-flow forecast that covers at least several months of salaries and supplier payments before the first invoices are paid.
Key takeaways
- New oil and gas companies in Abu Dhabi are usually service, supply, trading or consultancy companies.
- License through ADDED (mainland) or a free zone such as KEZAD or ADGM.
- Register as an ADNOC supplier and plan for ICV certification.
- Budget for certifications, insurance, guarantees and long payment terms.
Related guides
- How to Set Up a Real Estate Business in Abu Dhabi: ADREC and DARI
- How to Start a Medical Equipment Company in Dubai
- How to Register a Mainland Company in Dubai: Steps, Documents and Costs
- Why Dubai Is a Global Hub for Business and Trade
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner set up an oil and gas services company in Abu Dhabi?
Yes. Foreign investors can set up many service and trading companies on the mainland or in free zones. Check the ownership rules for your activity with ADDED or the free zone.
How do I register as an ADNOC supplier?
Get a UAE trade licence with matching activities, register on ADNOC’s supplier portal, submit your documents and certifications, and get qualified for your category.
What is an ICV certificate?
An In-Country Value certificate measures a supplier’s spending and investment in the UAE. Many ADNOC and government tenders take the ICV score into account.
Which free zone is best for an oil and gas company?
KEZAD suits companies that need industrial land or warehouses, and ADGM suits holding, trading and consultancy companies. The best choice depends on your operations.
Can a new company get oil exploration rights?
Upstream exploration and production rights are awarded by the government and are not open to ordinary new companies. Most new companies enter as service or supply partners.
Last updated: 19 October 2026
