Emarat, the Emirates Petroleum Company P.J.S.C., and Al Fanar Gas Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition & Conference (ADIPEC) 2026 to jointly advance the UAE’s natural gas supply and infrastructure. The agreement will see the two companies coordinate on natural gas and compressed natural gas (CNG) delivery, central gas systems, transmission connections, and a range of integrated solutions, delivering a streamlined end‑to‑end chain from planning to long‑term operations.
Compressed natural gas (CNG) is a form of natural gas that has been pressurized for use as a liquid or gaseous fuel, making it a versatile feedstock for industrial and transportation purposes. Central gas systems are high‑volume networks that distribute natural gas from a single source to multiple customers within a city or industrial park. By combining these technical portfolios, Emarat and Al Fanar intend to bolster the UAE’s energy security and support emerging commercial and municipal demands.
Emarat’s Chief Natural Gas Business Officer, Nabeel Buti Bin Buti AlMheiri, explained that the partnership will “allow us to explore new opportunities, respond more effectively to customer needs, and expand our capabilities across natural gas, CNG and associated gas infrastructure solutions.” Emarat will identify potential opportunities, engage with customers to understand gas requirements, and then work with Al Fanar to develop and operate the required infrastructure.
Khaled Ben Said, chief executive officer of Al Fanar Gas Group, highlighted the complementary nature of the collaboration: “Al Fanar’s experience across feasibility, engineering, construction, commissioning and operations complements Emarat’s supply capability and commercial reach.” He added that the companies aim to deliver “safe, reliable and efficient gas infrastructure while supporting a range of customer requirements.”
The MoU outlines a coordinated approach that spans the entire value chain. Under the agreement, Emarat will leverage its gas supply and commercial capabilities, while Al Fanar will contribute its expertise in feasibility studies, engineering design, construction management, and commissioning. The joint effort will target both commercial customers and city gas solutions, ensuring that the UAE’s gas network can meet the evolving needs of businesses and communities.
In addition to standard natural gas pipelines, the partnership will focus on planning and execution of CNG supply infrastructure. This includes storage facilities, fueling stations for vehicles, and distribution networks that enable a greater share of CNG in the UAE’s transportation sector. The integrated solutions approach is expected to accelerate project delivery, reduce capital costs, and improve operational efficiency across the network.
While the MoU does not specify a timetable, the two companies have expressed commitment to developing projects that cater to city gas requirements and meet national energy targets. By aligning their supply and infrastructure capabilities, Emarat and Al Fanar aim to create sustainable commercial value and strengthen the broader energy ecosystem that underpins the UAE’s economic activity.
Experts in the gas industry believe that collaborations of this type are essential for scaling up natural gas infrastructure in the region. By combining supply certainty with engineering and operational expertise, the partnership offers a roadmap for future projects that can be replicated across similar markets.
According to the press release from the WAM source, the MoU was signed in the presence of industry and governmental stakeholders at ADIPEC 2026, where the discussion emphasized the strategic role of natural gas in diversifying the UAE’s energy mix. The event is expected to enhance the country’s competitiveness by providing more integrated, reliable, and efficient gas services to end‑users.
The collaboration also aligns with Emarat’s broader strategy of advancing the UAE’s natural gas infrastructure to support both commercial and city gas markets. As the market matures, the partnership seeks to capitalize on synergies between supply and infrastructure development, upgrading the network to meet higher standards of safety and resilience.
While the MoU does not list specific projects, both companies anticipate that the alliance will result in a series of infrastructure initiatives that range from startup of new supply lines to modernization of existing networks. By combining Emarat’s supply reach with Al Fanar’s operational expertise, the partnership positions itself as a versatile partner for future gas projects within the UAE.
As the UAE progresses toward a more diversified energy landscape, the collaboration between Emarat and Al Fanar Gas represents a significant step forward in ensuring the reliability of natural gas infrastructure. The joint effort is expected to bring advanced engineering solutions, streamlined project delivery, and enhanced customer service—key components for a resilient, future‑ready gas network.
