United Arab Emirates Hydraulic Fracturing Market Overview, 2029
The hydraulic fracturing market in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become an essential part of the country's energy industry. Fracking, which is another name for hydraulic fracturing, is a method used to remove natural gas and oil from subterranean rock formations. Due in large part to the UAE's abundant hydrocarbon reserves and the necessity of increasing the efficiency of oil and gas production, this technique has become increasingly popular there. The UAE's use of hydraulic fracturing is indicative of a larger worldwide trend towards unconventional techniques for extracting gas and oil in an effort to fulfil growing demand for energy and guarantee energy security. The history of hydraulic fracturing in the United Arab Emirates dates back to the early 2000s, a time of major shifts in the global energy sector. Following the US shale boom brought about by advances in fracking technology, the UAE started looking into the possibility of using comparable methods to streamline its hydrocarbon extraction procedures. The United Arab Emirates initially prioritised traditional oil and gas reserves. Due to the success of hydraulic fracturing in other regions of the world, local authorities and energy firms began to explore the possibility of applying this technology within the Emirates. A number of significant advancements have defined the hydraulic fracturing market's progress in the United Arab Emirates. The UAE government began funding R&D in the mid-2000s to modify fracking technology to the geological conditions of the area through its national oil corporations. Pilot studies were started in the early 2010s to determine if hydraulic fracturing could be used in the distinct subsurface conditions of the United Arab Emirates. In the late 2010s saw a great expansion of the hydraulic fracturing industry in the United Arab Emirates, mostly due to the strategic objective of the nation to boost its oil and gas production capacity. The necessity for novel extraction methods, like as fracking, was highlighted in the UAE's Vision 2021 and later energy policies in order to maximise production from current fields and access non-conventional reserves. In order to reduce their negative ecological effects, modern fracking methods in the United Arab Emirates currently employ waterless fracking fluids and enhanced well monitoring systems.
According to the research report ""United Arab Emirates Hydraulic Fracturing Market Overview, 2029,"" published by Bonafide Research, the United Arab Emirates Hydraulic Fracturing market is anticipated to grow at more than 9% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. The UAE's strategic goal to diversify its energy portfolio and boost local oil and gas production to lessen dependency on imported energy is one of the main forces behind this. This plan fits well with the UAE Vision 2030's larger goals of sustainable development and economic diversification. As a result of the nation's dedication to strengthening its energy security, large sums of money have been invested in cutting-edge technology and infrastructure to facilitate hydraulic fracturing operations, which is a crucial prerequisite for accessing unconventional resources like shale gas and tight oil. The desire of the United Arab Emirates to continue being a top energy provider and the rising demand for energy around the world are two more significant factors. As conventional oil fields age and produce less, hydraulic fracturing has become a is a vital technology to maintain output levels and open up new resources. Hydrocarbons may now be extracted from intricate geological formations that were previously unprofitable to develop because to this approach.
The UAE's hydraulic fracturing market confronts a number of challenges. Environmental issues are the main focus, with disagreements centred on water use, chemical pollution, and seismic activity. In the dry United Arab Emirates, water is a rare resource that is needed in large quantities for the hydraulic fracturing process. An important concern facing the sector is environmental sustainability, as the chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing fluid have the potential to contaminate groundwater and endanger nearby water sources. The technical and operational difficulty of hydraulic fracturing in the region's particular geological circumstances is a further significant challenge. Because of the potential for extreme heterogeneity in the UAE's subsurface formations, precise and tailored fracturing methods are needed to produce the best possible outcomes. The necessity for qualified labour and the high expenses of these cutting-edge technology further complicate the dynamics of the market. The dynamic regulatory environment demands adherence to strict safety and environmental regulations, which can lead to higher operating expenses and longer project completion times.
The growing emphasis on digitization and the deployment of cutting-edge technology to improve operational efficiency and lessen environmental effect are two notable trends in the hydraulic fracturing industry in the United Arab Emirates. The use of digital tools like big data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way hydraulic fracturing operations are carried out. With the use of these technologies, real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance are made possible, giving the fracturing process more accurate control and lowering the chance of equipment failure. An additional trend influencing the industry is the increased focus on sustainability and the creation of ecologically friendly hydraulic fracturing methods. Businesses are spending more money on research to create less harmful or biodegradable chemical substitutes for traditional hydraulic fracturing fluids. Hydraulic fracturing is increasingly being carried out using brine and generated water from other industrial operations, which helps to alleviate the problem of water shortage.
There are a few major players in the hydraulic fracturing sector in the United Arab Emirates: Baker Hughes, Schlumberger, and Halliburton. Leading service provider Halliburton provides complete hydraulic fracturing solutions, ranging from well construction to increased production. Schlumberger, renowned for its cutting-edge technology and comprehensive services, offers pressure pumping and fracturing fluid systems that are specifically designed to meet the geological requirements of the United Arab Emirates. With its wealth of knowledge in oilfield services, Baker Hughes provides cutting-edge fracturing methods that improve reservoir performance. Offering specialised equipment and services, regional businesses like as Weatherford International and National Oilwell Varco (NOV) make major contributions to the market. These enterprises utilise cutting-edge technology and vast knowledge to bolster the United Arab Emirates' endeavours to optimise hydrocarbon recovery and guarantee sustainable energy output.
Many important sites that are essential to the hydraulic fracturing sector are located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The area around Abu Dhabi is one of the most well-known, especially because of its significant oil reserves and cutting-edge infrastructure that facilitate drilling activities. Because of its large exploration and production operations, Abu Dhabi's key placement within the UAE's oil sector ensures a solid market for hydraulic fracturing technology and services. Despite not being the main drilling site, Dubai is an important hub for oil and gas corporations, providing the administrative and logistical assistance necessary for hydraulic fracturing operations to run smoothly throughout the United Arab Emirates.
The hydraulic fracturing market in the United Arab Emirates necessitates segmentation based on fluid type because of the various geological and operational factors. In locations such as the United Arab Emirates that are ecologically sensitive, water-based fluids are usually used in order to minimise ecological damage while preserving operating efficiency. These fluids, which are mostly made up of proppants, additives, and water, allow for efficient hydraulic fracturing without having a large negative impact on the environment. Oil-based fluids may find niche uses where certain reservoir conditions demand their usage, while being less prevalent due to increased costs and environmental concerns. Another type, particularly in difficult formations, is a foam-based fluid, which has a higher proppant carrying capacity and less fluid leakage. Water-based fluids are the most often utilized fluid type in the hydraulic fracturing sector in the United Arab Emirates. Because these fluids are less hazardous than oil-based alternatives, they are favoured because they are compatible with reservoir conditions and environmental concerns. Water-based solutions are easier to handle and discard after the fracturing process and help fractures propagate more efficiently. The region's emphasis on environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance is emphasised by their frequent use.
The UAE's changing drilling techniques are reflected in the well types, both horizontal and vertical. Because they can maximise contact with the reservoir rock, horizontal wells are becoming more and more popular in unconventional reservoirs. This is because they can increase production rates and ultimately recovery. Although they are less common in contemporary hydraulic fracturing, vertical wells are nevertheless important in some conventional reservoirs where lower costs and easier operations are desirable. In the United Arab Emirates, vertical wells are still a common option for hydraulic fracturing operations. Vertical wells are frequently preferred for their convenience of use and affordability, particularly in formations where vertical drilling is sufficient to efficiently reach the hydrocarbon reserves, even if horizontal wells can provide greater reservoir contact and production potential in some situations.
The many fracturing techniques used in the United Arab Emirates are highlighted by the technology via plug & perf and sliding sleeve methods. Using packers to isolate particular wellbore portions and perforating guns to progressively fracture each segment, is known as plug and perforation. This technique is ideal for heterogeneous reservoirs and offers fine control over the fracturing phases. On the other hand, several fractures along the horizontal wellbore may be made using sliding sleeve technology because of pre-installed sleeves that are opened progressively. It provides flexibility in modifying fracturing tactics depending on real-time reservoir data, together with operational efficiency. In regard to technology, plug & perf, or plug and perforation, completions lead the hydraulic fracturing market in the United Arab Emirates. Using plugs, portions of the wellbore are separated in this manner, and each isolated area is then drilled to produce cracks. Plug and perforation (P&P) is preferred because of its adaptability in focusing on particular wellbore zones, maximising output by precisely fracturing the reservoir where needed.
Because of the geology and economic interests of the UAE, the hydraulic fracturing business is mostly focused on shale gas and tight oil applications. Exploration for shale gas has the potential to reduce reliance on conventional fuels and increase energy security by gaining access to unconventional gas resources. Low-permeability reservoirs are the focus of tight oil extraction, which uses sophisticated hydraulic fracturing methods to release previously unreachable oil reserves. Other uses, such enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), tight gas, and coalbed methane (CBM), are specialised markets that fit certain geological circumstances and UAE energy diversification plans. Regarding usage, the hydraulic fracturing market in the United Arab Emirates is dominated by shale gas extraction. To release the hydrocarbon potential of shale gas reservoirs, including those in the subsurface formations of the area, hydraulic fracturing is necessary. The United Arab Emirates' strategic emphasis on diversifying its energy mix and improving domestic energy security is demonstrated by its investment in cutting-edge hydraulic fracturing technology and shale gas extraction skills.
Considered in this report
• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029
Aspects covered in this report
• Hydraulic Fracturing market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation
By Fluid Type
• Water-Based
• Oil-Based
• Foam-Based
• Others (Acid-Based Fluids and Hybrid Fluids)
By Well Type
• Horizontal
• Vertical
• By Technology
• Plug & Perf
• Sliding Sleeve
By Application
• Shale Gas
• Tight Oil
• Tight Gas
• Others (Coalbed Methane (CBM),Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS))
The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.
Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Hydraulic Fracturing industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.