As operators seek new ways to improve performance and unlock increasingly complex resources, Nabors continues to push the boundaries of drilling innovation.
At ADIPEC 2026, the company will showcase its latest advancements in automation, digitalisation, and next-generation drilling technologies, while highlighting how decades of experience in unconventional basins can help accelerate the development of future unconventional resource opportunities across the Middle East.
DRILLING PERFORMANCE ACROSS KEY MARKETS
Throughout 2026, Nabors continued to deliver strong drilling performance across the Eastern Hemisphere, leveraging advanced technologies, automation, and digital workflows to drive safer and more efficient operations.
In Saudi Arabia, SANAD, the 50-50 joint venture between Nabors and Saudi Aramco, continued expanding its fleet with new-build rigs supporting the Kingdom’s long-term energy objectives.
Oman delivered one of Nabors’ strongest drilling performances of the year, completing a well 30 per cent faster than planned through operational discipline, smart execution, and close customer collaboration.
Across Kuwait, Nabors’ fleet of 3000 HP rigs continues to benefit from the SmartROS® technology and the RigCLOUD® digital platform, enabling greater automation, digitalisation, and operational consistency.
Earlier this year, one out of the three rigs achieved one-year LTI-free operations, reflecting the team’s strong commitment to safety, operational discipline, and continuous performance improvement.
Algeria further strengthened Nabors’ regional presence through a three-rig contract extension with a national operator through 2027, while leveraging advanced AC rig capabilities, automation technologies, and unconventional drilling expertise developed in the US to support future growth opportunities.
Kazakhstan continued to showcase Nabors’ operational excellence through a five-year contract extension and a series of significant performance milestones across its fleet of three 3000 HP rigs.
The fleet’s most technologically advanced rig extended its non-productive time (NPT)-free streak beyond 4,700 operating hours, demonstrating exceptional reliability and operational consistency.
Meanwhile, another high-performance rig achieved a remarkable milestone of 10 years of LTI-free operations, reinforcing Nabors’ commitment to a strong safety culture.
Additionally, the fleet’s record-setting rig, successfully drilled to a total depth of 6,799 m, establishing the deepest well ever drilled in the history of the region, demonstrating Nabors’ ability to deliver in some of the region’s most demanding drilling environments.
In Libya, Nabors continued to expand its presence through a long-term Powered by Nabors model, with three rigs currently operating, and additional assets planned for deployment as activity in the market increases.
Further east, India marked another milestone with the successful completion of a 2300 HP unconventional drilling project, delivered on schedule with minimal NPT, demonstrating consistent performance and further strengthening Nabors’ footprint in the country.
Meanwhile, Indonesia continues to showcase Nabors’ capabilities in geothermal energy through operations and maintenance services and the deployment of a state-of-the-art geothermal rig, supporting safe and efficient geothermal exploration projects.
Together, these achievements demonstrate how the combination of skilled people, advanced technologies, and proven processes continues to deliver reliable performance across diverse operating environments, while positioning Nabors for future growth in both conventional and unconventional resource development.
Integrated services under one umbrella
UNLOCKING UNCONVENTIONAL RESOURCES
As operators increasingly pursue unconventional resources, Nabors continues to leverage expertise developed across the US, Argentina, and Saudi Arabia to help customers overcome complex drilling challenges and improve well economics.
Through advanced rig technologies, engineering expertise, automation, and digital solutions, Nabors has consistently reduced drilling days and improved overall well delivery performance in unconventional plays.
The company’s leadership in high-pressure drilling, including rigs capable of supporting 10,000 psi mud systems, positions Nabors to address increasingly complex well designs while helping customers improve efficiency, reliability, and operational outcomes.
Looking ahead, growing demand for unconventional resource development is expected to create new opportunities for Nabors to deploy its technologies, expertise, and performance-driven solutions across international markets.
In the US, Nabors has drilled more than 280 million ft of unconventional wells while reducing average drilling days from 19.39 to 13.23 in 2025.
Similarly, in Argentina, more than 13.5 million ft of unconventional wells have been drilled, with average well delivery times reduced from 39.94 days to 18.11 days, demonstrating the impact of continuous improvement and technology-enabled drilling performance.
As unconventional resource development gains momentum across the region, the company is well positioned to transfer proven solutions and lessons learned from some of the world’s most successful unconventional basins to Middle Eastern operations.
AUTOMATION & DIGITALISATION IN DRILLING OPERATIONS
Throughout 2026, Nabors continued to advance the use of automation and digitalisation across its Eastern Hemisphere drilling operations.
Through solutions such as the SmartROS® automation technology, SmartDRILL® process automation, the RigCLOUD® digital platform, and other digital applications, operators are able to standardise workflows, improve operational consistency, optimise drilling performance in real time, and reduce human exposure to higher-risk activities.
Nabors’ SmartDRILL® process automation platform has demonstrated connection time savings of up to 33 per cent, supporting safer, more efficient, and more predictable drilling operations in Saudi Arabia.
Building on the continued growth of the RigCLOUD® digital platform portfolio, the team is preparing to deploy RigCLOUD NexGas™, a fixed gas detection solution that combines fixed H₂S and LEL (lower explosive limit) gas detection with local alarming and real-time remote visibility through the RigCLOUD® platform, helping onsite drilling teams identify hazardous conditions earlier and respond more effectively.
Designed for drilling operations and harsh industrial environments, this solution enhances safety management while supporting more informed, data-driven decision-making.
Record-breaking drilling excellence
ABU DHABI FACILITY EXPANSION & MADE IN THE UAE
A key milestone in 2026 was the launch of Nabors’ expanded Abu Dhabi facility, strengthening regional operations through integrated service delivery and enhanced operational efficiency.
The facility serves as a strategic hub for customers across the Middle East, providing a broad range of capabilities including fishing and remedial tools, tubular running services (CDS and conventional), fabrication and repair, pressure control equipment rentals, specialised downhole tools, and drilling jar supply and rental services.
The investment reflects Nabors’ commitment to delivering faster response times, localised support, and operational excellence across the region.
Another significant milestone is the continued expansion of Canrig’s UAE operations, bringing decades of manufacturing expertise to the Middle East and North Africa.
Canrig’s UAE facility supports the manufacture of Top Drives, Guide Dollies, and the Canrig Casing Drive System™ (CDS), while also providing recertification, repair, and aftermarket support services for both Canrig and third-party equipment used throughout the region.
The facility further strengthens Nabors’ in-country capabilities, providing customers with locally supported technology, aftermarket services, and technical expertise while reducing lead times and enhancing operational efficiency.
In 2026, Canrig also became the first company in the Mena region to achieve official American Petroleum Institute (API) 8C certification, reinforcing the UAE facility’s role as a regional centre for quality, manufacturing excellence, and innovation.
REGIONAL EXPANSION
Nabors is also continuing to strengthen its regional manufacturing and service footprint through Canrig’s facility in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
Strategically located to support customers across the Kingdom and the wider region.
Together with Canrig’s UAE operations, the Dammam facility enhances local content, reduces delivery timelines, and brings technology, expertise, and service capabilities closer to the field.
This investment supports the growing demand for high-performance drilling solutions while reinforcing Nabors’ commitment to developing in-country manufacturing and operational capabilities in the Kingdom and beyond.
The introduction of the Canrig Titan™ automated wrench to the Eastern Hemisphere marks the next phase of Canrig’s global automation strategy.
Built on proven field performance and validated by customer feedback, the Canrig Titan™ wrench is positioned to help drilling contractors improve connection quality, increase productive rig time and reduce total cost of ownership.
As demand grows for safer, more efficient and more consistent drilling operations, the Canrig Titan™ automated wrench provides a practical automation solution that helps customers meet today’s operational challenges while preparing for the future.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT ADIPEC 2026
At ADIPEC 2026, Nabors will showcase how technology, safety, operational performance, and regional investment are shaping the future of drilling.
Visitors can expect to explore advanced automation and digital solutions, learn about the Canrig Titan™ automated wrench, discover the capabilities of the Abu Dhabi facility, and see how Nabors is helping customers achieve more efficient and streamlined drilling operations.
Nabors is exhibiting at Stand 6331, Hall 6, at ADIPEC.