Entering 2026: A More Disciplined, Stable Global Oil Market

By Leon Henderson
CEO, Auctora Analytica

Published in Abu Dhabi, 11 January 2026 1:14 pm (GST)

When I look at the evolving energy landscape in the United Arab Emirates, I feel both proud and excited. Having spent  a lot of time helping global oil and gas companies establish a foothold in Abu Dhabi, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the UAE has transformed into a magnet for complex operations.

It’s not just a matter of geography or tax advantages; it’s the clarity of vision here—one that embraces innovation, stability, and long-term growth—that makes all the difference.

Last year alone, the UAE attracted billions of dollars in foreign direct investment, positioning itself among the top destinations for energy companies in the Middle East. According to recent data, more than 600 multinational firms set up regional headquarters or expanded their operations here, and a significant portion of those were in the oil and gas sector. It’s worth noting that the country’s upstream capacity is on track to exceed 5 million barrels per day by the late 2020s, reflecting a commitment to meet global energy demands while maintaining responsible production.

At Auctora Analytica, we’ve been working closely with partners from Europe, North America, and Asia to navigate the intricacies of setting up in the UAE. The complexities can be daunting: regulatory compliance, cross-border finance, talent acquisition, and alignment with national sustainability goals. Yet we see these challenges as opportunities.

In 2025, we supported several major transactions that brought advanced extraction technologies and clean-energy solutions to Abu Dhabi, helping clients improve efficiency and reduce their carbon footprints.

Our team have also orchestrated joint ventures that align with ADNOC’s downstream ambitions, demonstrating how collaborative strategies can create value for everyone involved.

What excites me about 2026 is the shift toward a more disciplined and stable oil market. Global demand may be flattening, but the emphasis on reliability and transparency is stronger than ever. Investors are prioritizing jurisdictions that offer regulatory predictability and robust infrastructure—two areas where the UAE excels.

We’re seeing more integrated projects that span upstream, midstream, and downstream activities, and we’re seeing greater interest in co-located refining and petrochemical facilities. The outcome is a diversified energy ecosystem that is resilient to external shocks and better equipped to handle market volatility.

Looking ahead, I’m confident that the UAE will remain a hub for innovation and investment in oil and gas. The government’s Vision 2030 initiatives have set a clear course toward diversification and sustainable growth, and the recent uptick in M&A activity signals broader optimism.

For Auctora Analytica, the mission is clear: continue to help our clients navigate complexity and seize opportunity. We will leverage our deep understanding of local regulations, our relationships across industries, and our analytical insights to deliver bespoke solutions that drive success.

I invite fellow leaders and innovators to join us on this journey. Whether you’re looking to relocate your global energy operations, acquire new assets, or enter strategic partnerships, there’s no better time to explore what the UAE has to offer. Together, we can turn complexities into competitive advantages and build a more prosperous future for our companies and for the broader energy sector.