The AD-300 arrived three months early, a 50-metre-high fully automated walking island rig that can move between wells without dismantling, equipped with AI systems and hybrid power capability. For ADNOC Drilling, it’s more than an engineering achievement. It’s a statement about where the industry is heading: a shift toward automation, intelligence and scale working together.

CEO Abdulla Ateya Al Messabi sees AD-300 as the first of six rigs under a $1.54bn contract, each one deepening the company’s capabilities through 2027. We spoke with him about what the rig signals, why AI matters in industrial operations, and how this investment translates into both safety and performance.

AD-300 has attracted attention as a major milestone. Why does it matter beyond the rig itself?

It signals a broader shift in how we deliver energy because we are redesigning offshore well delivery around automation, data and intelligence so we can operate more safely, more efficiently and with greater consistency at scale. This is a 50-metre-high, fully automated walking island rig delivered nearly three months ahead of schedule. At the same time, it is a visible step-change in capability. This is a walking rig that can move between wells without being dismantled, reducing downtime and accelerating delivery.

AD-300 integrates a unique combination of automation, artificial intelligence, digital systems and hybrid power capability, with the option to connect to the grid.

Taken together, this makes it one of the most advanced island rigs in operation globally. The point I would emphasise is that AD-300 is the first of six next-generation island rigs under a $1.54bn drilling services contract across 2024–2025. The first rig proves what the design can do, and six of them will ultimately reshape capability at fleet level.

Why is ADNOC Drilling accelerating automation and AI now?

The future of energy will be won by those who can combine scale with intelligence. Performance expectations are higher, and our customers expect safer operations, faster delivery and stronger economics. Automation and AI help us respond to all of that because they reduce manual intervention in higher-risk environments, improve real-time visibility, support predictive maintenance and enable faster, better-informed decisions.

On AD-300 specifically, AI-enabled systems support real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, improving visibility and reducing operational surprises. More fundamentally, they allow us to move from a traditional operating model to one built around repeatability, productivity and disciplined execution. That is where this sector is heading, and we intend to lead that transition.

Many companies talk about AI. What does it actually change in an industrial setting?

In our world, AI has to be practical. It has to improve how assets perform, how our people work and how decisions are made. In this case, AI and digital systems support real-time monitoring, performance optimisation and predictive maintenance, providing earlier visibility on issues, better operational insight and fewer surprises. For example, automated pipe handling and AI-enabled monitoring reduce manual intervention in complex operating environments.

Combined with automation, they also remove people from some of the most manual and higher-risk activities. The impact is operational, stronger uptime, more consistent execution and better well delivery performance. When that intelligence is combined with physical capability, such as a rig that can move seamlessly between wells, you begin to see the full impact on productivity and delivery.

How does this investment translate from capex into operational performance?

Ultimately, technology spending must be measured by the quality of the operating model it creates. The logic runs in two steps. First, capex discipline, investing in assets designed to perform better for longer, with more embedded intelligence and lower friction across the operating cycle. Second, OPEX performance, reducing downtime, lowering manual intervention, improving maintenance planning and increasing execution consistency.

Delivering AD-300 ahead of schedule also enables earlier revenue generation, directly improving return on capital. When you do both well, the asset raises the productivity baseline of the fleet. Smart capital deployment should translate into a structurally stronger operating profile over time.

Is this primarily a safety story or a growth story?

It is both, and while the two are connected, safety comes first. If automation can reduce exposure to higher-risk tasks, that is a meaningful and non-negotiable advance. Automation reduces personnel exposure in higher-risk environments while improving consistency and uptime. At the same time, those same technologies improve uptime, compress non-productive time, support more predictable delivery and help generate stronger returns from the assets we deploy.

What should the market take away from this milestone?

That ADNOC Drilling is investing ahead of the curve and executing against that investment with discipline.

AD-300 is a visible moment, but the bigger message is the kind of company we are building, more advanced, more resilient, more productive and more clearly aligned with where the UAE energy sector is going.

The remaining rigs will be deployed in phases, which gives us good visibility on revenue and supports our growth into 2027. This programme is evidence that the strategy is already in motion.

The UAE’s Ministry of Interior (MOI) has withdrawn an emergency missile threat warning after sending a series of mobile alerts to residents across the country on Friday, underscoring the government’s rapid public warning capabilities amid heightened regional tensions.

The initial emergency notification instructed residents to “immediately seek a safe place in the closest secure building,” urging them to stay away from windows, doors and open areas and await further instructions due to a potential missile threat. The alert was delivered directly to mobile phones through the UAE’s emergency warning system.

Within minutes of the initial warning, residents received a second all-clear notification from the Ministry of Interior.

The Ministry subsequently sent a third message stating: “Please disregard the previous warning,” effectively cancelling the earlier alert and confirming there was no need for the emergency measures outlined in the initial notification.

The UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) later confirmed that Friday’s emergency missile threat alerts were triggered by a technical malfunction in the country’s National Early Warning System, bringing clarity after a series of conflicting notifications were sent to residents across the UAE.

In a statement published on X, NCEMA said the incorrect warning messages were caused by a “sudden technical malfunction in the early warning system” that occurred on Friday evening. The authority said specialised technical teams immediately initiated corrective procedures in line with approved contingency plans, adding that the issue had been addressed while ensuring continuity of the service and minimising any impact on users.

NCEMA and the relevant authorities apologised for what they described as an “unintentional technical malfunction” and thanked members of the public for their understanding and cooperation during the incident. The authority also commended residents for following official guidance and relying on verified government sources, saying the response reflected a high level of community awareness and responsibility.

Dubai is set to launch a new wave of urban development projects after HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, approved a package of initiatives aimed at enhancing quality of life, strengthening cultural heritage, and leveraging artificial intelligence to shape the emirate’s future public spaces.

Announced on X, the projects include the Dubai Falcon Market, the first specialised falcon market in the region, an 8-kilometre Dubai Creek Lighting project, and what is being described as the world’s first AI-designed park, developed through community participation and data-driven planning. The initiatives form part of Dubai Municipality’s broader strategy to improve urban services while reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for innovation, sustainable development, and liveability.

Among the flagship developments, the Dubai Falcon Market seeks to preserve and celebrate the UAE’s rich falconry heritage through a modern destination that combines traditional culture with contemporary infrastructure. The project reflects Dubai’s continued investment in cultural assets as part of its long-term tourism and economic diversification strategy.

The Dubai Creek Lighting project will span approximately eight kilometres, transforming one of the city’s most historic districts into a new nighttime attraction. By enhancing the visual identity of Dubai Creek, the initiative is expected to support tourism, hospitality, retail, and waterfront economic activity while further elevating the area’s appeal to residents and visitors.

Meanwhile, the AI-designed park represents a significant milestone in the application of artificial intelligence within urban planning. According to Sheikh Hamdan, the project will combine community participation, AI technologies, and data analytics to inform its design and development, positioning Dubai at the forefront of smart public space innovation.

“Dubai continues to invest in innovative ideas that bring together heritage, technology, and quality of life for residents and visitors alike,” Sheikh Hamdan said in the announcement, underscoring the emirate’s strategy of integrating innovation with cultural identity to support sustainable urban growth.

The UAE has expanded its visa-on-arrival programme to include nationals of six countries and their accompanying family members, further strengthening the country’s efforts to facilitate travel and enhance its appeal as a global destination for tourism, business and investment.

Under the new decision, nationals of the Republic of Indonesia, the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, the Kingdom of Thailand, the Republic of the Philippines, the Republic of Kenya and the Republic of South Africa holding ordinary passports will be eligible to obtain either a 14-day or 60-day visa on arrival.

The visa facility is available to eligible travellers who hold a valid residence permit issued by the US, a European Union member state, the UK, the Republic of Singapore, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada. Accompanying family members who meet the requirements will also be eligible under the scheme.

The move reflects the UAE’s flexible entry and residency framework and its commitment to making travel more convenient while ensuring visitors enjoy a seamless travel experience, according to a report by the Emirates News Agency (WAM).

Strengthening international ties

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the expansion of eligibility for the visa-on-arrival programme underscores the UAE’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with friendly nations and fostering closer economic, cultural and people-to-people ties.

The ministry noted that the initiative will create greater opportunities for eligible travellers to experience the UAE’s diverse cultural landscape, world-class tourism attractions and dynamic economy. It also highlighted the country’s attractive business environment and internationally recognised infrastructure as key factors supporting its position as a preferred destination.

In its statement, the ministry said it will continue working closely with relevant national authorities to facilitate the movement of travellers, streamline consular procedures and further reinforce the UAE’s standing as a leading global hub for business, investment, entrepreneurship and talent.

Enhancing the visa framework

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) said the amendments form part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the UAE’s visa framework and broaden the range of beneficiaries.

According to the authority, the latest changes are aligned with international best practices in travel, tourism and mobility, while also supporting cooperation with partner countries.

The ICP added that the decision contributes to the UAE’s strong performance in global competitiveness indicators related to residency, tourism and travel, further enhancing the country’s reputation as a welcoming destination for visitors from around the world.

Eligibility, duration and fees

The authority explained that applicants and their accompanying family members must be nationals of one of the six eligible countries and possess a valid residence permit issued by one of the approved countries in order to qualify for the visa-on-arrival scheme.

Eligible visitors may receive either a 14-day visa or a 60-day visa, depending on the category issued.

The ICP clarified that the 14-day visa can be extended once while the holder remains in the UAE. However, the 60-day visa is valid for a single stay and cannot be extended.

Authorities also reminded travellers that they must leave the country upon the expiry of their visa. An overstay fine of Dhs50 per day will apply to individuals who remain in the UAE beyond the authorised period.

The total issuance fee for the 14-day visa is Dhs100, while the total fee for the 60-day visa is Dhs250.

Iraq will consider all available options if its OPEC quota is not significantly increased and has weighed leaving the producer group, sources with knowledge of Iraqi oil policy told Reuters.

The prospect of OPEC’s second-largest producer considering an exit would be a further blow to the group after the departure this year of the United Arab Emirates. Iraq is one of the five founding members of OPEC, which was formed in the Iraqi capital.

Iraq is suffering a financial crisis as a result of the Iran war and a significant rise in its OPEC quota should be treated seriously, a senior Iraqi oil ministry official told Reuters.

Iraq had considered leaving OPEC, but the current plan was to remain a member and seek a higher quota, he added.

“Saudi Arabia and other OPEC allies should treat this matter with the utmost seriousness. Failing that, Iraq will be compelled to consider all available options,” he said.

Asked if they had discussed an OPEC exit, he said: “It’s still premature for this step”.

OPEC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A government spokesperson said Iraq was working to restore full oil export capacity, but declined to comment further on its OPEC quota or the possibility of exiting the group.

“Iraq is working to restore its full oil export capacity and aims to raise oil production to 7 million barrels per day over the coming years,” Iraqi spokesperson Haider al Aboudi said.

Iraq’s economy, heavily dependent on oil revenue, has been squeezed since the Iran war disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz locked the bulk of its exports in.

Oil prices briefly extended their decline after the Reuters report, trading below $73 a barrel.

Since taking office in May, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has signalled that ​rebuilding Iraq’s economy, attracting foreign investment and combating corruption will be central to his administration’s agenda.

On Wednesday, he said Iraq wanted OPEC to raise Iraqi oil output in line with its production capacity and population, state news agency INA reported.

Seven core members of OPEC+ have increased their output quotas from April to June by almost 600,000 barrels per day. OPEC+ comprises the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allied producers, including Russia.