RIYADH: Arabian Drilling Co. has temporarily halted operations on some of its offshore rigs in the Gulf Cooperation Council region as a precautionary measure amid the ongoing Iran conflict.
In a Tadawul statement, the Kingdom’s largest drilling contractor by fleet size said the suspension was carried out in accordance with established safety and operational protocols, with priority given to the protection of personnel and assets.
The announcement comes after drilling firm ADES Holding Co. also temporarily suspended operations on some rigs in the region, while several GCC energy giants, including the UAE’s Abu Dhabi National Oil Co., have made output adjustments due to the ongoing war between the US-Israel alliance and Iran, which has resulted in the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
In a bourse filing, Arabian Drilling stated: “The company has received notifications for temporary suspension of some of its offshore rigs as a precautionary measure, and in coordination with its clients and relevant stakeholders.”
It added: “Based on ongoing client discussions and our assessment of recent developments, management believes the suspensions are temporary. The company is prepared to resume operations promptly once regional tensions ease.”
Arabian Drilling said its active land fleet of 39 rigs continues to operate at full capacity without interruption.
The company also expects minimal financial impact in the first quarter of 2026, with recovery anticipated as operations resume.
