France-based energy company TotalEnergies has expanded its presence in the United Arab Emirates by acquiring a 10 percent stake in the Bab Gas Cap Concession in Abu Dhabi. The agreement strengthens the company’s long-standing partnership with ADNOC and supports the emirate’s plans to increase natural gas production and strengthen its energy sector.
The new concession will be operated by ADNOC Onshore. Under the ownership structure, ADNOC will hold a 60 percent stake. TotalEnergies will own 10 percent alongside several international energy partners. These include bp with 10 percent, CNPC with 8 percent, JODCO and INPEX with 5 percent, ZhenHua with 4 percent, and GS Energy with 3 percent.
The Bab Gas Cap project focuses on developing the large natural gas resources located in the Bab onshore field. The partners aim to achieve a production capacity of 1.5 billion cubic feet of gas per day once the project reaches its planned operating level. The development is expected to increase Abu Dhabi’s gas supply while supporting future energy demand.
The agreement builds on the renewal of the Abu Dhabi Onshore oil concession signed in 2015. That agreement extended the partnership for 40 years and allowed international energy companies to continue investing in one of the UAE’s largest oil and gas producing regions. Since then, TotalEnergies and its partners have worked with ADNOC to prepare the Bab Gas Cap project for long-term development.
The project plays an important role in Abu Dhabi’s broader energy strategy. Along with increasing natural gas production, it is expected to support higher condensate output. Condensate is a valuable liquid hydrocarbon that can be processed into fuels and other petroleum products. Increasing both gas and condensate production will help meet domestic demand while supporting future exports.
The Bab Gas Cap development also supports Abu Dhabi’s growing liquefied natural gas industry. The emirate is investing heavily in LNG production to supply international markets as demand for cleaner energy sources continues to grow. TotalEnergies is already involved in the Ruwais LNG project, where it also holds a 10 percent interest. The new concession strengthens the company’s position across multiple energy projects in the UAE.
Energy companies continue to increase investments in natural gas because it is widely viewed as an important fuel during the global energy transition. Natural gas produces lower carbon emissions than coal when used for electricity generation. Many countries are expanding gas production while also investing in renewable energy to meet future climate goals and growing energy needs.
Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of TotalEnergies, welcomed the agreement and thanked Abu Dhabi’s leadership for its continued confidence in the company. He said the new concession reflects TotalEnergies’ long-term commitment to working with ADNOC, one of its oldest strategic partners in the Middle East.
Pouyanné also said the Bab Gas Cap project fits the company’s upstream strategy by adding resources that are both cost competitive and lower in emissions. He noted that the project offers strong potential for future production growth while supporting responsible energy development.
ADNOC has continued to expand partnerships with major international energy companies as it works to increase production capacity and improve operational efficiency. These partnerships bring investment, technical expertise, and advanced technology to support the development of complex oil and gas resources across Abu Dhabi.
The TotalEnergies Bab Gas agreement marks another step in the UAE’s efforts to strengthen its position as a leading global energy producer. As development moves forward, the Bab Gas Cap project is expected to play an important role in boosting natural gas supplies, supporting LNG exports, and meeting the country’s long-term energy goals while maintaining cooperation between ADNOC and its international partners.
