Description

Zakum Development Company (ZADCO) was founded in November 1977 with the mission to develop and manage the Upper Zakum Field, one of the largest oil fields globally. Currently, ZADCO is jointly owned by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) with a 60% stake, ExxonMobil with 28%, and Japan Oil Development Company Limited (JODCO) with 12%.

ZADCO's primary responsibility is to develop and oversee operations at the Upper Zakum field on behalf of ADNOC and its shareholders. In addition to Upper Zakum, the company also manages the Umm Al Dalkh and Satah fields. ZADCO employs cutting-edge technologies to enhance the development and operational efficiency of these oil fields.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan (1948–2022), the UAE's second president and ruler of Abu Dhabi from November 2004 to May 2022, was the eldest son of the UAE's first president, Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He took on a significant role in the late 1990s due to his father's health issues and officially became Abu Dhabi's leader in 2004. His tenure saw cultural and academic growth, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways. Under his leadership, the UAE became a major economic power. Known for his pro-Western stance, he strengthened ties with the US and Israel.