The oil and natural gas industries remain the prominent areas of energy development in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), although there is an increasing focus on renewables.

The UAE is a member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and one of the most significant oil producers in the world. The focus of the oil industry in the UAE is on increasing the level of production from mature oilfields, such as the offshore Upper Zakum field in Abu Dhabi, rather than seeking further significant oil discoveries.

In respect of natural gas, the UAE's domestic demand for natural gas has increased dramatically in recent years, partly as a result of increased demand for gas by the power and petrochemicals sectors. A number of challenging and complex projects form part of the UAE's plans to increase gas production, including the exploitation and development of sour gas. In addition, the UAE is a significant importer of gas, including via Dolphin Energy's undersea pipeline from Qatar and through LNG cargoes of floating regasification facilities in Dubai.