Abu Dhabi-based National Drilling Company (NDC) has commissioned five new rigs assigned for the maintenance of oil wells in the UAE, as part of its fleet expansion plans covering onshore and offshore operations.

NDC chief executive officer Abdalla Saeed Al Suwaidi said the company has doubled the number of its owned rigs over the past four years from 28 in 2009 to 58.

The company is eager to acquire more rigs and sophisticated equipment to enhance its performance and raise the quality of its oil well drilling operations, processing and maintenance, he said.

"Through cooperating with specialised, well-reputed international companies, NDC was able to access high quality drilling equipment, carry out all types of drilling operations, and attract increasing numbers of skilled manpower. This comes as part of the company's development strategy to fulfil the current and future needs of its customers," said Al Suwaidi.