A drone attack targeted the Shah natural gas field in the United Arab Emirates on Monday, March 16, 2026, causing a fire and leading to the suspension of operations. Authorities in Abu Dhabi confirmed the incident and stated that emergency teams successfully extinguished the blaze. An investigation into the damage is ongoing.
The Shah field, a major onshore gas project operated by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) in partnership with Occidental Petroleum, is located in the Al Dhafra region. The facility is crucial for the UAE's gas supply and industrial output.
No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. The incident follows a period of heightened regional tensions and underscores the vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure to drone warfare.
ADNOC has stated that it is implementing business continuity plans to minimize disruption. The company emphasized the safety of its personnel and that there were no injuries reported from the site.
