Wasia Unconventional Oil Exploration Potential in Western Onshore Abu Dhabi

Abstract The Wasia unconventional oil potential in west onshore Abu Dhabi is comprised of Mauddud, Shilaif and Tuwayil formations. The Mauddud potentiality is a result of the downward oil migration from the mature Shilaif Kitchen. The high maturity of Lower Shilaif creates a fracture network that facilitates the primary migration downward into the Mauddud formation. This resulted in filling the Mauddud formation below the Shilaif kitchen and possibly the surrounding areas. Mauddud oil accumulation in the basin was supported by the presence of high hydrocarbon shows while drilling and high hydrocarbon saturation in the interpreted logs. In the Shilaif source rock, there are three distinct intervals that have potential for shale oil exploration activities in Abu Dhabi. The Lower Shilaif has the highest maturity values and the highest recorded porosity with a very low permeability, while the Upper Shilaif potential represent the thickest part and is expected to have higher permeability values as a result of the presence of lower argillaceous content. The Upper Tuwayil is comprised of shale sediments that are intercalated with Sandstone streaks. The Sandstone was developed as isolated but laterally extensive sand bodies that are separated by the shale layers. Tuwayil sandstone may represent an unconventional tight oil potential similar to that found in many other basins.