Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Hussein Issa and Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi met with UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber on November 3, 2026, to discuss bolstering economic ties between the two nations. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC 2026). Egyptian Ambassador to the UAE Essam Ashour was also present.
Issa and Badawi praised the growing relations between Egypt and the UAE, which have led to strategic partnerships in key economic sectors, including oil and gas. They highlighted the participation of Egyptian petroleum companies in executing projects in the UAE and the expansion of Emirati investments in Egypt's oil and gas activities. Egypt's participation in ADIPEC reflects the deep ties between the two nations.
Badawi stated that Egyptian-UAE cooperation in oil and gas serves as a model for strategic partnerships based on mutual benefit. He emphasized the keenness of both sides to build on past successes and open new horizons for cooperation in investment, exploration, and field development. This includes expanding the participation of Egyptian companies in UAE projects.
The two sides reviewed opportunities to expand the involvement of Egyptian petroleum sector companies, notably Enppi and Petrojet, in executing projects planned by the ADNOC Group for the 2026-2028 period. This is building on their successful track record. The meeting also touched on Emirati investments in Egypt, including projects by Arcius Energy.
Emirati investments in Egypt include projects in the Harmattan field and West Atoll well, as well as investments in the Zohr and North Damietta fields. These investments aim to support boosting domestic natural gas production during 2026 and 2027. The meeting discussed expanding research and exploration activities, increasing the participation of XRG and Arcius in developing undeveloped blocks in the Mediterranean.
The meeting also highlighted ADNOC Drilling's interest in cooperating on Egypt's five-year drilling program. This cooperation would involve coordination with the Egyptian Drilling Company to augment available rig capacity and leverage advanced technologies to achieve targeted goals. The two sides are exploring opportunities in the Red Sea and participating in the 2026 global bid round.
The discussions between Egypt and the UAE aim to strengthen their economic partnership in the oil and gas sector. The two countries are working to build on their past successes and expand their cooperation in various areas, including investment, exploration, and field development. Key aspects of their cooperation include expanding Egyptian companies' participation in UAE projects and increasing Emirati investments in Egypt's oil and gas activities.
Key points
- Egypt and the UAE are exploring ways to expand joint investments in the oil and gas sector.
- The two countries are building on past successes and opening new horizons for cooperation in investment, exploration, and field development.
- Egyptian petroleum companies, such as Enppi and Petrojet, are expected to play a larger role in executing projects planned by the ADNOC Group.
