David Heard, a pioneer of Abu Dhabi’s oil industry, passes away at 85

A towering figure in Abu Dhabi’s oil industry and a dedicated historian, David Heard, CBE, has passed away at the age of 85 after undergoing an operation in Munich, Germany.  

Heard’s journey in the Gulf began in 1963 when, as a young geologist and engineer, he joined the Abu Dhabi Petroleum Company (ADPC) and became part of the team responsible for bringing the UAE’s first oil wells on-stream.  

Born in London, he was educated at Monkton Combe School in Bath, England, before obtaining his degree in Geology and Physics from Keele University.  

Seeking adventure, he responded to an advertisement in The Times and embarked on a career that would not only shape his own life but also contribute significantly to the future of a young nation.  

After being initially offered a role in Kirkuk, Iraq; Heard opted instead for a more rugged life in Abu Dhabi, which was described to him as “a rough place for tough people”. 

Heard’s work took him deep into the desert, where he oversaw oil production from the Asab and Sahil fields, living in remote camps and embracing the challenges of life in the barren landscape. 

By 1966, he had moved into Abu Dhabi, where he and his wife, Dr. Frauke Heard-Bey, witnessed first-hand the formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971. Heard’s career saw him rise to become ADPC’s representative to the UAE government and later an advisor to the Supreme Petroleum Council (SPC).  

Heard was honoured twice by Queen Elizabeth II, receiving the titles of Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1990 and Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2000 for his services to the oil industry and the British community in Abu Dhabi.  

A keen historian and writer, he dedicated his retirement to researching and documenting the history of oil in the region. Heard authored the book From Pearls to Oil: How the Oil Industry Came to the UAE  (published by Motivate Books), a testament to his deep connection with the region and its people.  

Ian Fairservice, the Managing Partner of Motivate Media Group, expressed his condolences at Heard’s passing.

“David was a true friend of the United Arab Emirates. Through his career in the petroleum industry and subsequently as a historian and author, he gave so much in the crucial developing years of the country,” said Fairservice.

“A personal advisor to the UAE government, David worked behind the scenes and was characterised by his modesty and self-deprecating character. Apart from being one of our most valued authors, he was also a dear friend and our hearts go out to Frauke and all of his family,” Fairservice added.