As global oil prices continue to fluctuate and nations seek more sustainable, resilient energy strategies, thought leaders are turning to success stories for guidance. One such voice is that of Nassar ElAdly, a seasoned Executive Director and business leader with decades of experience in building and managing enterprises across some of the world’s most challenging markets. In a recent post that quickly gained attention online, ElAdly posed a provocative question:
“Why is the UAE one of the least expensive countries in the world for oil extraction?”
This question wasn’t rhetorical—it served as the introduction to a powerful three-minute clip he reshared, originally posted by Adham Kamel, CFA, host of the respected business podcast استثمر مع أدهم كامل / Invest with Adham Kamel. In the interview, Youssef Salem, Chief Financial Officer of ADNOC Drilling, offered a concise yet powerful breakdown of the key factors that enable the UAE to maintain world-leading efficiency in oil production.
For ElAdly, highlighting this conversation wasn’t just timely—it was strategic. With mounting pressure on countries to modernize their energy sectors, reduce costs, and transition toward more sustainable practices, the UAE’s experience offers a blueprint worth emulating.
Four Strategic Pillars Behind UAE’s Low Oil Extraction Costs
Drawing from his deep financial and operational expertise, Youssef Salem pinpointed four major reasons why the UAE consistently ranks as one of the least expensive oil producers in the world:
- Geological Blessing
The UAE is fortunate to possess vast, shallow oil reserves that are relatively easy to access, both onshore and offshore. This natural advantage reduces the complexity and technical burden often associated with deep or unconventional oil extraction, immediately lowering operational costs. - Long-Term Infrastructure and Investment Planning
For decades, the UAE has been strategic in investing in infrastructure, exploration, and human capital. Rather than relying solely on short-term oil gains, it has built a resilient energy framework that can withstand market volatility. These investments have created a stable, efficient, and scalable system for energy production. - Global Openness and Talent Attraction
One of the UAE’s greatest strengths lies in its openness to international collaboration. By attracting top-tier talent and fostering partnerships with global technology and service providers, the nation has ensured that its energy sector remains competitive and forward-looking. Workforce mobility and access to international innovation have contributed directly to reduced operational costs. - Technology-Driven Operations
Through companies such as Enersol Energy Solutions, the UAE has placed cutting-edge technology at the heart of its energy sector. Innovations like 360-degree ultra-HD underground imaging, real-time well analytics, and AI-enhanced forecasting tools have revolutionized how oil wells are monitored, managed, and optimized. These tools significantly cut down on drilling time and resource waste, while increasing extraction accuracy and safety.
These aren’t just operational strengths—they’re strategic decisions made with long-term national resilience in mind.
Nassar ElAdly’s Take: A Model for the World to Follow
In his commentary, Nassar ElAdly emphasized the broader value of these insights. “The UAE has not only leveraged its natural advantages but has also implemented a strategic vision that other countries can learn from,” he wrote. “Techniques such as Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR), combined with real-time data technologies, can dramatically improve oil field efficiency elsewhere.”
He believes that applying the UAE’s model of integrating advanced technologies, cultivating global partnerships, and investing in human capital could help countries reduce their own oil extraction costs and increase resilience against global market shocks.
But ElAdly didn’t stop at oil.
He also praised the UAE’s parallel investment in green energy and sustainability. From large-scale solar initiatives to clean hydrogen and carbon capture technologies, the UAE is rapidly positioning itself as a dual leader: one that remains dominant in traditional energy while paving the way for a cleaner future. “By creating jobs in emerging energy sectors and building diversified energy portfolios,” ElAdly noted, “countries can ensure both economic and environmental sustainability.”
A Call to Learn, Adapt, and Innovate
ElAdly concluded his post with a thought-provoking question for the global audience:
“In your opinion, how can other countries benefit from the UAE’s experience in reducing oil extraction costs?”
It’s more than a prompt—it’s a challenge. With energy needs rising and environmental concerns escalating, the time has come for governments, industry players, and thought leaders to look beyond their borders, learn from global best practices, and adapt them locally.
By sharing insights from Adham Kamel’s podcast and amplifying the experience of leaders like Youssef Salem, Nassar ElAdly is helping bridge that knowledge gap.
Follow Nassar ElAdly on LinkedIn and check out the full post here.
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