Gas field discovered in Sharjah, first in 37 years

(Sharjah) – The Sharjah National Oil Corporation and its Italian partner ENI, have announced a successful new discovery of natural gas and condensate onshore at the Mahani field in Sharjah.

The discovery at Mahani-1 exploration well, with flow rates of up to 50 million standard cubic feet per day, comes within the first year of the partnership and represents the first onshore discovery of gas in the Emirate since the early 1980’s.

Mahani-1 well was drilled at a total depth of 14,597 feet, which resulted in the discovery of gas with the associated capacitors in the formation of the Thumama. The size of the discovery will be estimated in time in light of expectations for further evaluation and development.

The Mahani-1 exploration well, located in the Area B Concession, is the first exploration well drilled by SNOC following the acquisition of a new 3D seismic survey covering the territory, the national energy company said in a statement. SNOC, which is the operator of Area B, and ENI both hold a 50% stake in the discovery as part of a Concession Agreement that was signed in early 2019. The two companies are also partners in the Concession Areas A and C, also located onshore Sharjah.

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of Sharjah Oil Council, congratulated H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, on the historic discovery that is set to bolster the Emirate’s resources and contribute to its energy reserves, creating sustainable development and positive economic environment in the country.

His Highness emphasised that the Mahani discovery fulfills the Emirate’s commitment to make reliable and sustained gas supplies available throughout the United Arab Emirates. Sharjah provides strategic energy infrastructure to help the nation meet the growing demand for energy by residential, industrial and public utility consumers. This will also help attract more investments into Sharjah’s industrial sector.

Sheikh Ahmed Al Qasimi said that the discovery supports Sharjah’s development process and will work to bring about major transformation in the industrial and commercial fields in the Emirate, by providing it with energy resources and attracting top global companies and institutions to invest in various sectors of Sharjah.