Sharjah free zones expand investor access to energy sector opportunities

The Sharjah Airport International Free Zone Authority (SAIF Zone) and Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA) have jointly organized a specialised workshop in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc).

The workshop aimed to introduce investors and businesses operating within the two free zones to the procedures for registering in Adnoc’s approved supplier database. The event was held as part of the free zones’ ongoing efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships and support the business community.

The workshop was attended by Saud Salim Al Mazrouei, Director of HFZA and SAIF Zone, Mubarak Al Mehairbi, Senior Vice President, Group Administration & Community Management Function at Adnoc, as well as a number of department managers, officials and employees from both sides, and a number of investors, entrepreneurs and representatives of local and international companies specialising in the energy sector.

The gathering addressed key topics to raise awareness among companies regarding Adnoc’s supplier registration requirements. As one of the world’s leading energy companies, Adnoc outlined the commercial licensing procedures and regulatory requirements applicable in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, including the steps necessary to establish operations in the energy sector.

The session covered the end-to-end supplier registration process, highlighting Adnoc’s standards and evaluation criteria for selecting and qualifying suppliers.

A comprehensive review was also presented on the company’s policies and procedures to ensure compliance with its stringent quality and efficiency benchmarks.

Additionally, the workshop discussed the “Make it in the Emirates” initiative and its role in empowering national companies to actively participate in ADNOC’s projects, thereby supporting domestic production capabilities.

Saud Salim Al Mazrouei, Director of HFZA and SAIF Zone, said, “The partnership between Sharjah’s free zones and Adnoc sets a benchmark for institutional integration, one that adds value to the national economy, drives sustainable development, and enhances the efficiency and competitiveness of national companies in strategic sectors.

This initiative will reinforce our shared strategic vision with Adnoc, which aims to establish and strengthen impactful and sustainable partnerships that create high-value platforms for the growth and expansion of businesses operating in both free zones.”

He continued, “As part of our commitment to empowering investors with direct access to promising opportunities in the energy sector, one of the UAE’s most vital industries, this workshop aimed to open the door for them to become active contributors to the national economic ecosystem and major strategic projects.”

Al Mazrouei added: “This collaboration will further build on the strong global reputation of Sharjah’s free zones as a leading regional and international hub for energy and oil investments. It reflects the success of our integrated strategy to attract leading international investors by offering an ideal business environment as well as exceptional services, advanced infrastructure that meets global standards, and a strategic location that facilitates access to regional and international markets.”

He also extended his thanks to Adnoc for its continued efforts and cooperation in making the workshop a success, noting that the event provided participants with a vital platform for fostering direct engagement and facilitating supplier integration into the value chain of one of the world’s foremost energy companies.

Enhancing strategic partnerships

For his part, Mubarak Al Mehairbi, Senior Vice President, Group Administration & Community Management Function at Adnoc, stressed that Adnoc is committed to expanding its network of strategic partners and enhancing collaboration across various vital sectors in the UAE.

He stated that the workshop, organized in collaboration with Hamriyah Free Zone and Sharjah Airport Free Zone, demonstrates Adnoc’s keenness to enable the business community and investors to access growth and expansion opportunities within the Adnoc supply ecosystem.

“Transparency, excellence, and quality are the principles that guide our efforts to build long-term, sustainable relationships with suppliers,” Al Muhairbi said, while commending the two free zones for their role in delivering a valuable and informative session for companies and investors.

He stressed the importance of such initiatives in developing an enabling business environment that promotes direct engagement and knowledge exchange, thereby accelerating the integration of both local and international companies into Adnoc’s major energy projects, while supporting the UAE’s economic development journey.

The workshop witnessed strong engagement from participants, who raised different queries and received detailed responses on Adnoc’s registration and qualification processes.