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Launch and Grow Your Oil & Gas Venture in Abu Dhabi with Catalyst

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The Oil & Gas Sector in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi’s Oil and Gas industry is the cornerstone of its economy and a major driver of the UAE’s global energy influence. The sector is dominated by ADNOC (Abu Dhabi National Oil Company), which controls everything from exploration and production to refining, petrochemical manufacturing, and distribution. ADNOC’s extensive operations, which include a network of 18 subsidiaries, offer a wealth of opportunities for businesses in the oil and gas supply chain.

Abu Dhabi produces over 4 million barrels of oil per day with plans to increase production to 5 million barrels by 2030. In addition to crude oil, Abu Dhabi is working toward self-sufficiency in gas production and expanding refining and petrochemical operations. This expansion creates opportunities for investors and companies offering specialized equipment, chemicals, machinery, logistics, transportation, drilling, and other support services essential to the oil and gas industry. For companies aiming to establish or expand their operations in this competitive field, Abu Dhabi offers a strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and immense opportunities. However, setting up a business in this sector comes with specific legal, regulatory, and procedural requirements.

At Catalyst Corporate Services, we specialize in supporting businesses entering or expanding within Abu Dhabi’s oil and gas sector, guiding them through the complex legal, financial, and regulatory requirements for a smooth and successful setup.

Steps to Establish an Oil & Gas Business in Abu Dhabi

Setting up an oil and gas company in Abu Dhabi involves several regulatory steps to ensure compliance with local laws, particularly approvals from the Supreme Petroleum Council (SPC). At Catalyst Corporate Services, we guide you through these critical stages:

Step 1:

Determine Business Activities

Under Oil & Gas activities, clearly define the scope of services your company will offer. From over 2,000 business activities in the UAE, choose a business activity which is most apt for the nature of your business, such as:

• Manufacturing
• Contracting
• Engineering Studies
• Oil & Gas Equipment Trading
• Special Activities Related to Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Robotics
Step 2:

Select Legal Form /Legal Structure

Choose the appropriate legal structure for your business, such as:

• Limited Liability Company (LLC), or,
• Foreign Branch
• Sole Proprietorship LLC
• Sole Establishment
Step 3:

Register Trade Name and Draft Documents:

Register a trade name that distinguishes the business and reflects its nature; and prepare the relevant legal documents.

  • Submit your trade name for approval

  • Draft the necessary legal documents, including:

    • Memorandum of Association (MOA)
    • Local Service Agent (LSA) Agreement
Step 4:

Obtain Supreme Petroleum Council (SPC) Approval / Registration

SPC Approval authorizes companies to engage in “Onshore and Offshore Oil & Gas Field & Facilities Services,” a mandatory requirement for any business wishing to work directly with ADNOC or its affiliates in Abu Dhabi. This approval is very essential for businesses to operate in the oil and gas industry, as it helps to also for secure additional permissions like the Critical Infrastructure & Coastal Protection Authority (CICPA) security passes, which are required for accessing oil fields and other critical infrastructure sites.

• Note: The Supreme Petroleum Council (SPC) is the governing body responsible for overseeing the oil and gas sector in Abu Dhabi. The SPC sets the strategic direction for the petroleum industry, regulates related policies, and ensures that these are effectively implemented. The SPC also serves as the Board of Directors for ADNOC (Abu Dhabi National Oil Company), playing a key role in shaping ADNOC’s business strategy and financial performance.
Step 5:

Obtain Initial Approval

Obtain initial approval from the UAE Government, indicating no objection to business establishment. This approval does not grant the authority to practice the business activity but allows proceeding with the setup process.

• Foreign investors require approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners’ Affairs.
Step 6:

Secure Office Space /
Warehouse

Find a suitable office or warehouse to lease as per your business needs.

• Depending on the nature of business, some business activities may also require special approvals based on the location and structure of the premises.
• Businesses in Abu Dhabi can choose from a range of premises depending on the nature of their operations.
    • Industrial Land for Manufacturing
    • Warehouses with Office Space
    • Fully Fitted Offices
    • Shell-and-Core Spaces
    • Business Centers
Step 7:

Immigration and Labour Registration

To process employee visas and meet labour requirements, register with the following departments:

• General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA)
• Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE)
Step 8:

Open a Corporate Bank Account

Establish a business bank account in Abu Dhabi to facilitate financial transactions.

• Note: As an industry best practice, always ensure all documents are attested from the relevant authorities both inside and, also from the country of original document.

How to work with ADNOC on esteemed Oil, Gas and EnergyProjects?

After completing the licensing, labor, and visa formalities, companies aiming to work with ADNOC (Abu Dhabi National Oil Company) must carefully navigate a series of essential processes. ADNOC’s open bid rounds and tenders attract global attention, and companies compete to participate in these high-value opportunities, which are often awarded through highly competitive bid rounds. Here’s a guide on the relevant requirements:

Requirement 1:

Supreme Petroleum Council (SPC) Approval

  • Mandatory Requirement: To engage with ADNOC or its affiliated companies, businesses must first secure approval from the Supreme Petroleum Council (SPC). This approval grants a company permission to undertake activities in onshore and offshore oil & gas field services.
  • Eligibility: Companies applying for SPC approval must be structured as an Onshore LLC or as a Foreign Branch with an approved National Service Agent (NSA) or local partner. SPC approval is critical for gaining further certifications and access to ADNOC projects.
    •
    Requirement 2:

    ADNOC Supplier/Vendor Registration

    • Becoming a Registered Supplier: ADNOC requires all companies to be registered on their supplier portal. This step involves providing detailed company information, including technical capabilities, financial strength, and certifications.
    • Importance of Vendor Registration: Only registered vendors can access ADNOC tenders, submit bids, and become eligible for project opportunities.
    Requirement 3:

    ADNOC In-Country Value (ICV) Certification

  • ICV Certification: ADNOC's ICV program promotes local content by evaluating a company’s contribution to the UAE economy. ICV certification assesses areas such as goods and services purchased from local suppliers, employment of UAE nationals, and investments made within the UAE.
  • Meeting ICV Requirements: Higher ICV scores are advantageous during bid evaluations, as there is a higher preference to companies that demonstrate strong local value contributions. This makes ICV certification a vital aspect of your business’s competitive edge in the bidding process.
    •
    Requirement 4:

    Technical & Commercial Bid Compliance

    • Adhere to Technical Documentation Standards: ADNOC places significant emphasis on technical compliance, which includes providing proper documentation that outlines the company's expertise, quality standards, and operational capabilities.
    • Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) Requirements: Companies must demonstrate compliance with ADNOC’s stringent HSE guidelines, showcasing a commitment to safety, environmental responsibility, and quality assurance in all technical submissions.
    Requirement 5:

    Bid Preparation (Tenders, RFQ, RFP Documentation)

  • Understanding Bid Documents: Whether it’s a Request for Quotation (RFQ) or Request for Proposal (RFP), businesses must meticulously prepare bid documents, ensuring that they meet all requirements laid out by ADNOC.
  • Key Elements of Bid Preparation: A strong bid should be comprehensive and well-organized, covering all technical, financial, and legal aspects, including project timelines, deliverables, costs, and compliance certifications.
    •
    Requirement 6:

    Bid Submission & Follow-Up

  • Timely Submission: Bids must be submitted within the stipulated deadline, ensuring that all required documentation is complete and accurate.
  • Follow-Up with ADNOC Departments: Post-submission, companies should maintain consistent communication with the relevant ADNOC departments to track the progress of their bids. Constant follow-up can help resolve any queries and ensure your bid is properly considered.
    •

    CATALYST
    - Your A-Z Energy Partner in Abu Dhabi

    The oil and gas sector in Abu Dhabi is a lucrative yet complex environment, with immense opportunities for companies ready to invest. From securing SPC approval to navigating the competitive bidding process for ADNOC projects, Catalyst Corporate Services is your trusted partner in ensuring your business operates smoothly and successfully in this dynamic market.

    Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in setting up and expanding your oil and gas business in Abu Dhabi.

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