Arabian Drilling set to kick off rig ops offshore Oman before quarter-end

August 25, 2026, by Melisa Cavcic

Arabian Drilling, described as Saudi Arabia’s largest onshore and offshore drilling contractor by fleet size, has expanded its footprint in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) with a multi-well assignment off the coast of Oman.

Arabian Drilling signed a contract with Masirah Oil and Northern Offshore on August 17, 2026, with a value of less than 5% of total revenue based on the audited financial statements for 2025, to drill two firm wells, in addition to two optional wells, in Oman. The assignment will conclude upon completion of these drilling operations.

This deal follows the completion of the company’s first international offshore drilling contract and the redeployment of its rig to another GCC market, reflecting the flexibility of the firm’s operating model and its ability to capitalize on opportunities across the region.

The contract marks Arabian Drilling’s entry into a new GCC market, with operations expected to begin before the end of the third quarter of 2026. This job is anticipated to support backlog growth, enhance future revenue visibility, and further strengthen the Saudi firm’s long-term earnings profile.

Fahad Albani, Chief Executive Officer of Arabian Drilling, commented: “Securing a new
contract in another GCC country after the successful completion of our first international offshore contract ahead of schedule represents an important milestone in Arabian Drilling’s growth journey.

“As we continue to expand our regional presence, we remain focused on delivering sustainable growth, creating long-term value for our shareholders, and supporting the evolving needs of the energy sector across the region.”

Recently, Arabian Drilling obtained the green light for all remaining suspended offshore rigs to resume operations, reflecting the continued recovery in offshore market activity, as illustrated by ADES, which also secured the go-ahead to restore all temporarily suspended offshore rig operations in Saudi Arabia.