ONSHORE UMM AL QUWAIN

Birkdale has an interest in the onshore UAQ License, which was earned as our fee for undertaking the evaluation, acquisition, operation and farmout of the block, on behalf of the investors.

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In 2012, an evaluation of the onshore Umm al Quwain open acreage was undertaken and a proposal submitted to the Government to undertake an exploration program. Birkdale (then Asab Oil), successfully negotiated the terms of Concession Agreement and initiated a seismic reprocessing and acquisition campaign. 

Birkdale proceeded to find a farm-in partner for the project and in 2016 the Al Rafah 1 & 2 wells were drilled. The deep well Al Rafah 2 encountered gas at several levels, and the well was suspended pending further testing.

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Recent drilling activity in the area has resulted in the Cretaceous Mahani discovery to the south in Sharjah and an 80 TCF Tertiary gas discovery announced in the Jebel Ali area straddling the border Dubai - Abu Dhabi border.