Abstract The paper describes onshore drilling operations in the Sheikhdom of Abu Dhabi and the difficulties associated with operating in a difficult sand terrain. Standardization of equipment and the adoption of unusual moving techniques have solved many of the transportation problems. Rigs car best be moved by overloading trucks with bulk units. Maintenance costs on the trucks are somewhat more than if the rigs were broken down into smaller loads but the time saved by using this method more than offsets the added expense of repairs. Introduction Abu Dhabi is the largest of the independent Sheikhdoms of the Trucial Coast with a land area of some 25,000 square miles and an estimated population of 30,000 inhabitants. The Abu Dhabi Petroleum Company operates population of 30,000 inhabitants. The Abu Dhabi Petroleum Company operates within a concession originally granted by the Ruler in 1939, which has a term of 75 years and covers rights in the land areas and territorial waters of the Sheikhdom. The Agreement was updated in 1965 with provision for periodic relinquishments. periodic relinquishments.