ADNOC – responsible for turning UAE into OPEC’s (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) third-largest producer is charting its path, silently and without much fuss. The energy firm is now working relentlessly to meet the objectives of its 2030 strategy, which calls for more partnerships and an active approach to managing its businesses and portfolio of assets.

Like most significant companies, ADNOC’s founding came through the grit and determination of a few. ADNOC’s journey began in 1935 when the first geological survey took place. In 1937, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan led an expedition of 16 tribespeople to the southwest of Abu Dhabi, where his vision for developing the UAE’s oil and gas resources was born. Above, a first geological survey in 1935.

The early years of drilling for oil led to the discovery in Abu Dhabi in 1953.

Oil was discovered in the United Arab Emirates in 1958 at the Murban Bab oil field. Above oil discovery in the offshore area.

First shipment departs from Das Island in 1962.

In 1973 during the rule of Sheikh Zayed, ADNOC Distribution was established by royal decree as the first UAE government-owned company specialized in the national and international marketing and distribution of petroleum products.

The early days of drilling for oil in Abu Dhabi.

ADNOC Gas Processing Established in 1978.

ADNOC Fertilizer established in 1980 now known as Fertiglobe.

Habshan complex established in 1995.

In 1979, ADNOC Distribution opened a lubricants blending and packaging plant at Sas Al Nakhl in Abu Dhabi.

A female employee works at a computer in the Panorama Command Center.

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) headquarters in Abu Dhabi.

Employees monitor operations data in the command center at the Borouge 3 petrochemical plant, in the Ruwais refinery and petrochemical complex, operated by Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. (ADNOC), in Al Ruwais.