Sharif Hamed Al Dhaheri

Sharif Hamed Al Dhaheri serves as the Senior Vice President of Unconventional Resources at ADNOC Onshore, where he contributes more than 22 years of comprehensive expertise in both upstream onshore and offshore operations. Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Al Dhaheri has established a reputation as a visionary leader within the energy sector, recognized for his ability to guide complex projects and deliver results in dynamic environments. In his current role, Mr. Al Dhaheri is entrusted with overseeing the advancement and operational readiness of ADNOC’s emerging unconventional resources portfolio. His responsibilities encompass not only the strategic direction and execution of key initiatives but also the cultivation of a high-performance culture focused on operational excellence, cost efficiency, and alignment with ADNOC’s overarching energy strategy. Mr. Al Dhaheri’s professional background is characterized by a deep and nuanced understanding of onshore and offshore operations, the development of unconventional resources, and the pursuit of production efficiency. His leadership approach is defined by a blend of robust technical proficiency, disciplined operational management, and a clear strategic vision. These qualities have been instrumental in supporting ADNOC’s and the UAE’s broader objectives for sustainable, innovative, and efficient energy development. Through his ongoing contributions, Mr. Al Dhaheri continues to play a central role in shaping the future of the energy sector in the region.

Session Overview

Wednesday, 4 November

15:10

Upstream Plenary Hall B 15:10 - 15:30

Short-cycle supply under pressure: the evolving role of unconventional onshore

Unconventional onshore production transformed global oil supply by introducing a short-cycle system capable of responding rapidly to market signals. After more than a decade of growth, the sector is entering a more complex phase as operators face tighter capital discipline, maturing resource inventories and pressure to sustain productivity over time. The ability of shale to respond quickly to price signals is now in question, with growth dependent on drilling intensity, service capacity and the availability of remaining high-quality acreage. Unconventional development is also expanding beyond the United States: Argentina is scaling production, while other regions face policy, regulatory and technology access barriers that limit direct replication of the US model. The debate has shifted from growth potential to practical limits, as operators and policymakers assess how much flexibility short-cycle supply can realistically provide in a more constrained energy system.

Attendee Insights:
Assess how unconventional supply can respond to market disruptions and what will shape its future role in global oil markets.