This is the first start-up from a new discovery onshore Sharjah since the early 1980s, achieved in less than two years from contract assignment and one year since discovery announcement.

Eni and Sharjah National Oil Corporation (SNOC) are pleased to announce production start-up from the Mahani field, located in onshore Concession Area B of the Sharjah Emirate.

This is the first step in the further evaluation of the Mahani gas and condensate discovery, announced last January, that is estimated to hold significant resources of natural gas and associated condensate. The production start-up has been achieved in less than two years from contact signature and less than one year since discovery announcement.

Eni holds a 50% stake in the Concession Area B with SNOC holding the remaining 50% and SNOC acting as Operator. Eni acquired Area B in a competitive bid round in January 2019.

Production from the Mahani field is sent through a new multiphase trunk line to SNOC’s Sajaa Gas Plant where it is processed utilizing the existing facilities and infrastructure. Field production is expected to increase progressively with the connection of further wells planned to be drilled during 2021-22.

Eni Chief Executive Officer Claudio Descalzi commented: “Production start-up has been achieved in less than two years since Contract Signature and one year since the discovery announcement thanks to the fruitful and continuous cooperation with SNOC. This is a big achievement of which we need both to be proud of, considering also the exceptional challenges incurred during the year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Exploration in Sharjah was considered to be over since the 1980s. However, together with SNOC we demonstrated that using state of the art technology and high level competences also areas considered as “mature” can reveal new potential”.

Eni will continue its commitment on Sharjah exploration also in the Operated Areas A&C, of which Area C is largely underexplored, with the aim to secure further resources for the benefit and development of Sharjah Emirate.

Eni’s presence in the Middle East has continued to grow during the last couple of years. The current exploration acreage in the UAE alone amounts to more than 23,000 square kilometers gross, comprising the onshore of Sharjah and offshore areas of Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah. Eni has been present in Abu Dhabi since 2018 and today holds three offshore development and production concessions and three offshore exploration concessions. Eni is also a shareholder with a 20% equity interest in ADNOC Refining.