The United Arab Emirates (UAE) operates as a federation of seven emirates. Under the United Arab Emirates Constitution, the natural resources of each emirate, including oil and gas, are the public property of each emirate, and each emirate is empowered to create its own regulatory body to oversee the exploitation of these resources within its borders. While the Ministry of Energy works to develop policies and legislation for the energy sector, ultimate control over oil and gas resources lies with the Ruler of the emirate where the resources are located. As Abu Dhabi holds roughly 94% of the UAE’s estimated 97.8 billion barrel oil reserve, the answers to the questions herein will focus solely on federal, local and international laws applicable to the oil and gas industry in Abu Dhabi.

Petroleum and gas exploration in Abu Dhabi is regulated by:

• The Supreme Council for Financial and Economic Affairs (SCFEA) .

• The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (ADED).