The Sharjah National Oil Corporation (SNOC) and its Italian partner ENI have announced a successful discovery of natural gas and condensate onshore at the Mahani field in Sharjah with a flow rate of up to 50 million standard cubic feet per day.
This represents the first onshore discovery of gas in the emirate since the early 1980s.
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.
Mahani-1, 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, SNOC said in a statement.
Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of Sharjah Oil Council Sheikh Ahmed bin Sultan al-Qasimi said the discovery is set to bolster the emirate's economy and contribute to its energy reserves.
The discovery will bring about a "major transformation" in Sharjah's industrial and commercial sectors by providing energy resources and attracting top global companies to invest in various sectors in the emirate, he added.
Sheikh Ahmed continued that “Sharjah provides strategic energy infrastructure to help the nation meet the growing demand for energy by residential, industrial and utility consumers.”
Further, President of SNOC Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed al-Qasimi said that the discovery will reflect positively on the economic sector in Sharjah and the goals of sustainable development, energy security, decent livelihoods and the well-being of people.
He pointed out that the new gas field constitutes an important addition to support the Emirate’s economy, which is classified as strong and stable, and would enhance its economic competitiveness.
Sheikh Sultan expressed confidence that this would help attract more industrial investments to Sharjah and generate greater revenue resources, contributing to the Emirate’s stability and financial sustainability.
Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah bin Sultan al-Qasimi, chairman of the Department of Seaports and Customs in Sharjah, said the natural gas discovery will stimulate various sectors by generating more commercial and industrial projects.
Speaking on the same occasion, CEO of SNOC Hatem al-Mosa added: “This is the first onshore discovery in Sharjah in 37 years and marks the beginning of an exciting time for SNOC and Sharjah’s energy sector.”
SNOC owns and operates over 50 wells distributed in three fields, a gas processing complex, and 2 hydrocarbon liquid storage and export terminals. Its Sajaa complex is the hub of gas pipelines connecting all northern Emirates.
