Saudi Arabia continues to drive one of the world's most ambitious energy transformation programmes, focused on operational excellence, local talent development, and digital innovation.
And Nabors is playing a pivotal role in this journey through strategic investments in local manufacturing, well-integrated construction services, and drilling automation technologies that are delivering measurable results across the Kingdom.
At the heart of Nabors' commitment to Saudi Arabia is Canrig's state-of-the-art 15,000 sq m manufacturing facility in Dammam.
Designed to support new builds, repairs, recertification, and equipment upgrades, the facility serves as a regional center of excellence for drilling equipment manufacturing and lifecycle support.
One of the facility's flagship achievements is the manufacturing of the Canrig® Automated Power Catwalks.
Built entirely within the Kingdom using primarily locally sourced parts, these systems are helping operators improve safety, streamline pipe-handling operations, and reduce well-site risks while simultaneously supporting local workforce development and strengthening supply chains.
As demand for advanced drilling equipment continues to grow, the Dammam facility remains focused on expanding local manufacturing capabilities while reducing lead times and supporting Saudi Arabia's broader energy objectives.
Canrig® Automated Power Catwalk ... made in KSA, built for performance
SUPPORTING WELL-CONSTRUCTION THROUGH INTEGRATED SERVICES
Nabors has significantly expanded its well construction portfolio in Saudi Arabia through its machine shop, tubular running services (TRS), rental tools, and drilling support operations.
This integrated approach enables customers to access a broader range of critical services through a single-trusted partner.
The Saudi Arabia Machine Shop continues to establish itself as a benchmark for service quality and reliability.
Over the past five years, the facility has manufactured more than 800 subs with zero rejections while servicing over 2,000 premium and API connections per month, maintaining 100 per cent compliance, zero NCRs, and zero late deliveries.
Equipped with advanced CNC machining capabilities, digital inspection systems, and a highly skilled workforce, the facility supports operators with rapid turnaround times, exceptional quality standards, and dependable service execution that minimises downtime and enhances drilling performance.
Nabors further continues to strengthen its position within Saudi Arabia's well construction sector through its Integra™ Tubular Running Services (TRS) and Canrig’s Hydraulic Casing Drive System™ (CDS) business, providing operational support, technical expertise, equipment maintenance, training, and lifecycle support to some of the Kingdom's most important energy projects.
The national operator remains the primary customer within this portfolio, including support provided to other major oilfield service providers in the kingdom.
These operations play a critical role in enabling safe, efficient, and reliable tubular running and casing drive activities across the Kingdom.
In parallel with its operational activities, Nabors is committed to developing local technical capabilities and supporting workforce development through specialised training and competency-building programmes.
During 2025 and 2026, the company delivered a comprehensive series of CDS and Wireless Torque Turn System (WTTS) training programmes for customers.
Our commitment to Saudi Arabia goes beyond delivering services—we are investing in local capabilities, technology, and talent to support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, strengthen in-Kingdom value, and help our customers achieve safer and more efficient operations," says Kevin Almeida, Vice-President of Nabors Drilling Solutions and Canrig.
"What sets our business apart is our proprietary technology and commitment to an extensive training and safety programme which enables a competent and safe workforce. By working closely with operators and service partners across the Kingdom, we continue to build trusted relationships, develop local talent, and deliver solutions that support the evolving needs of Saudi Arabia's energy sector," says Oussama Al-Yafi, Nabors Saudi Arabia Area Manager.
As Nabors continues to expand its presence in Saudi Arabia, Al-Yafi, highlights the importance of building local capability and maintaining close partnerships with customers and industry stakeholders.
Together with Nabors' growing Tubular Running Services portfolio, these capabilities further strengthen the company's ability to deliver integrated solutions that support the Kingdom's most critical energy projects.
ACCELERATING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION ACROSS DRILLING OPERATIONS
In addition to its manufacturing and services, Nabors continues to lead the industry's digital transformation through its SmartROS® Rig Operating System and the RigCLOUD® digital platform.
Together, these technologies create a connected drilling ecosystem that improves consistency, enhances decision-making, reduces operational variability, and supports safer operations.
The SmartROS® automation technology enables advanced process automation, sequence optimisation, and execution consistency, while the RigCLOUD® digital platform delivers centralised monitoring, analytics, and real-time performance visibility across drilling fleets.
The technologies can be deployed on both Nabors-owned and third-party AC rigs, enabling scalable automation throughout the industry.
A recent large-scale automation deployment in Saudi Arabia demonstrated the impact of this digital ecosystem at scale:
• Thirty-five wells and 127 drilled sections covered.
• 94 per cent success rate, with 33 of 35 wells delivering positive savings.
• 619.8 hours of net drilling time savings, equivalent to approximately 25.8 days.
• Average savings of 18.8 hours per well.
The performance improvements delivered through the programme included:
• 13 per cent increase in average Rate of Penetration (ROP).
• 24 per cent improvement in Weight-to-Slips performance.
• 28 per cent improvement in Slips-to-Weight performance.
These results demonstrate how automation and digitalisation are helping operators achieve faster, more predictable well delivery while maintaining a strong focus on safety, operational consistency, and performance optimisation.
BUILDING THE FUTURE OF ENERGY IN THE KINGDOM
Nabors is actively pursuing opportunities to expand its footprint.
From locally manufactured drilling equipment and machine shop services to advanced automation and intelligent drilling platforms, Nabors continues to invest in the capabilities that matter most to customers in Saudi Arabia.
Building on its significant investments in the Kingdom, Nabors continues to expand its presence and capabilities in Saudi Arabia, delivering the technologies, services, and expertise that support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and drive the future of energy.