ADNOC Gas Aims to Restore Full Capacity at Habshan Complex by 2027 After 2026 Attacks
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) Gas announced on 12 May 2026 that its Habshan gas processing complex, which supplies up to 50% of the United Arab Emirates' natural gas, is operating at 60% capacity following a series of drone and missile attacks earlier in the year. The company expects to reach 80% restoration by the end of 2026 and full operational capacity by 2027.
Habshan, a critical node in the UAE's energy infrastructure, was targeted in mid‑2024 attacks that caused significant damage to processing units and pipelines, prompting concerns over energy security in a region already facing volatile geopolitics. The attacks were attributed to regional militant groups opposed to the UAE's normalization of relations with Israel and its role in the Gulf energy market.
The Hindu's report (article 34505) quoted ADNOC officials stating, "Our priority is safety and rapid restoration, leveraging local and international expertise." The statement also noted that the UAE government has allocated additional financial resources and security assets to safeguard the site. Independent analysts, such as energy consultancy Wood Mackenzie, estimate that the full restoration could boost the UAE's gas export capacity by 12 billion cubic metres annually.
Energy market observers warn that delays could tighten regional gas supplies, potentially raising prices in the GCC and affecting downstream industries, including petrochemicals. Dr. Leila Al‑Mansoori, a professor at the American University of Sharjah, explained that "any prolonged outage at Habshan reverberates across the Gulf, influencing everything from power generation to LNG contracts," and could accelerate the UAE's push to diversify its energy mix.
Stakeholders will watch the upcoming Ministry of Energy briefing scheduled for 28 May, where ADNOC is expected to detail progress on repair works, the deployment of additional security measures, and the timeline for contractual obligations with regional gas buyers. The pace of restoration will also be a key factor in the UAE's broader strategic agenda to position itself as a stable energy hub amid regional tensions.