Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) has signed an agreement with OpenAI and Emirati technology firm G42 to deploy advanced artificial intelligence across its energy operations, becoming the first major global energy company to put frontier-generation AI models directly to work in daily operations.

Under the deal, AI tools will be used to analyse oilfield data, plan equipment maintenance and boost efficiency across refineries and production lines. Adnoc executives described the partnership as part of the UAE's broader push to become a leading global hub for artificial intelligence.

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, met OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman to discuss expanding cooperation between the two sides, a meeting that underscored the emirate's long-term commitment to the sector alongside the signing.

G42, the Abu Dhabi-based technology group that has previously partnered with OpenAI and Microsoft on joint ventures, will handle local infrastructure deployment for the agreement.

Analysts say the move by a major oil company into frontier AI reflects a broader regional trend, with Abu Dhabi racing to keep pace with the rapid global expansion of artificial intelligence. Further details on the deal's financial value and implementation timeline are expected in the coming weeks, as Adnoc positions itself among the first energy majors worldwide to embed generative AI tools into core industrial processes rather than back-office functions alone.