With the rising global energy demand, consistent high-performance drilling is more critical than ever. Nabors is meeting this challenge head-on, delivering transformative results with advanced automation, real-time digital intelligence, and a fleet of SmartRigs across the Middle East and North Africa. From the legacy-rich fields of Oman to Kuwait’s ultra-deep targets and Algeria’s digitally driven performance, Nabors is redefining what success looks like, drilling faster, safer, and smarter.
Oman: A Legacy of Excellence, Reaffirmed by Performance and Safety
With more than 25 years of continuous operations, Nabors has drilled over 1,670 wells and more than 8.5 million feet in Oman, making it one of the most enduring and impactful collaborations in the region. In 2024, the legacy strengthened with major milestones in performance and safety. Among the most notable achievements was a single-bit run reaching 19,555 feet, setting a new record in drilling endurance and efficiency.
Among the four deployed rigs:
- Rig 217 completed a directional well to 12,361 feet in 15.5 days, saving over four days.
- Rig 863 drilled a 16,541-foot well in 20.42 days, six days ahead of plan, and set a field record of 1,016 feet/day(FPD).
These results are a direct reflection of the local team’s deep experience, rigorous planning, and commitment to quality and safety. They also reinforce the strength of Nabors’ in-country value approach, with over 85% Omanization, a clear investment in local capability, and long-term success.
Safety remains a central pillar of Nabors’ operations. Earlier this year, this commitment was recognized by a leading supermajor, which awarded the team four prestigious HSE awards: the HSE Professional Award, Innovations for Safety, the Zero Harm Award, and the Road Traffic Safety Award. These honors reflect the team’s achievement of zero recordables and zero motor vehicle incidents throughout 2024, setting a benchmark for industry-wide safety leadership. It is a proud moment for the entire Oman team under the leadership of Marin Koceic, Nabors Oman Area Manager.
Kuwait: The Ultra-Deep Comeback
In a major operational milestone, Nabors has commenced drilling operations in Kuwait with three 3,000 HP deep drilling rigs. Designed to deliver maximum performance, these rigs are equipped with 3,000 HP AC drawworks and advanced auto-drillers that enable precise control, optimized speed, and consistent performance in high-pressure, high-temperature environments. Purpose-built for deep targets, they are capable of reaching depths of up to 30,000 feet, making them ideally suited for Kuwait’s most demanding drilling programs.
To further enhance operational efficiency, each rig is integrated with SmartROS® technology, Nabors’ centralized rig automation system that standardizes processes and ensures consistent performance across operations. In addition, complementing these capabilities is the RigCLOUD® digital platform, which enables real-time data analytics and smarter, more timely decision-making. Moreover, the deployment of the Canrig ILLUMIC™ energy-efficient lighting system enhances nighttime visibility while reducing emissions and fuel consumption. Together, these technologies represent a bold step forward in Kuwait’s drilling transformation, aligning advanced technology with Nabors’ operational precision. Rig 200’s iconic move stands as a reflection of this new era. Watch it here.
Advancing Performance in Algeria
In Algeria, our PACE®-F rigs continue to showcase the impact of rig automation and digital integration. Outfitted with REVit® stick-slip mitigation, Canrig® automated power catwalks, and the RigCLOUD® digital platform, these rigs are delivering rapid, consistent, and reliable well execution. This technology-driven foundation is translating directly into measurable field performance.
- Rig F21 delivered two wells measuring over 3,250 meters, saving three and five days, respectively.
- Similarly, Rig F22 drilled two wells exceeding 4,000 meters, each completed three days ahead of schedule.
- Rig F27 reached 3,837 meters and saved more than ten days, showcasing exceptional drilling efficiency.
These results highlight the power of digital drilling, where data, automation, and execution align to boost performance. The PACE®-F rig itself represents a leap in drilling design, with a hydraulically raised mast and substructure and an AC power system designed to reduce human error and maximize uptime. These SmartRigs showcase Nabors’ engineering innovation and strong focus on reliability.
Performance That Powers Progress
Across Oman, Kuwait, and Algeria, Nabors showcases true leadership in well construction, driven by automation, digital intelligence, and a strong safety culture. Building on its momentum, the company continues to deploy its next-generation SmartRigs, expand automation and digitalization efforts, and strengthen collaborations with operators across the region. Through these strategic advancements, it remains firmly committed to delivering consistent results, drilling with precision in every foot, for every customer, every time.