According to Splash247, Arabian Drilling — the largest onshore and offshore drilling company in Saudi Arabia by fleet size — has received notice of resumption of operations for its remaining suspended offshore rigs. The resumption reflects the continued recovery in offshore market activity and is expected to result in Arabian Drilling's offshore fleet utilisation reaching 100% by the end of the third quarter of 2026.
Suspension and return timeline
In March, Arabian Drilling suspended operations on several offshore rigs in the Gulf due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East, Splash247 reported. At the time, the company said the move was part of its established safety and operational protocols, with a focus on safeguarding personnel and assets. The suspension applied only to some of its offshore rigs; its active land fleet of 39 rigs continued to operate at full capacity without disruption.
Operations were resumed on three offshore rigs last month, the report said. Arabian Drilling has now received notice of resumption for the remaining suspended offshore rigs, marking the next step in the offshore segment's recovery.
Fleet status at a glance
The company currently has 10 jackup rigs, all of them working in Saudi Arabia, as well as one leased rig, according to Splash247. The table below summarises the fleet information contained in the report.
| Fleet segment | Count | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Active land fleet | 39 rigs | Operating at full capacity without disruption |
| Jackup rigs | 10 | All working in Saudi Arabia |
| Leased rig | 1 | Offshore capacity |
| Offshore rigs resumed last month | 3 | Back in operation |
| Offshore fleet utilisation target | 100% | Expected by the end of Q3 2026 |
CEO comment
Fahad Albani, CEO of Arabian Drilling, commented on the development.
"The return of these rigs is a significant milestone for Arabian Drilling and reinforces our confidence in the outlook for the offshore segment."
The notice of resumption for the remaining rigs follows the return of three rigs last month and aligns with the company's expectation that offshore fleet utilisation will reach 100% by the end of the current quarter, Splash247 reported.
Context for energy markets
Arabian Drilling's fleet is concentrated in Saudi Arabia, with all 10 jackup rigs working in the country, according to the report. The company's position as the largest onshore and offshore drilling contractor in Saudi Arabia by fleet size gives the resumption particular weight in the Gulf drilling services market. The March suspension had been triggered by Middle East tensions; the return of three rigs last month and the latest notice for the remaining rigs demonstrate the reversal of that dynamic, the report indicated.
The land fleet, which never stopped working, has provided continuity throughout the period. With the offshore rigs returning, Arabian Drilling is now on track to reach full offshore fleet utilisation by the end of Q3 2026, Splash247 reported.
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