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UAE gifts Trump a drop of oil; what's special about Murban crude?
It is one of the most preferred crude oils, especially for companies that are conscious about their carbon footprint
- PUBLISHED: Fri 16 May 2025, 3:03 PM
Nicknamed the “champagne of crude oil”, Murban oil –of which a drop was encased and gifted to visiting US President Donald Trump on Friday– is a high-quality, “light, and sweet” crude oil produced in the Murban oil field in Abu Dhabi.
According to industry experts, the term "light" refers to Murban oil’s low density, and "sweet" indicates its low sulfur content, making it more desirable because it's easier and less costly to refine compared to heavier, sour crudes.
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Its low sulfur content makes it a preferred choice for refineries looking to reduce environmental impact while producing high-quality refined products. Murban oil is particularly well-suited for the production of high-value products like jet fuel, premium gasoline, and high-grade diesel.
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Trump received a symbolic gift while attending a business forum in Abu Dhabi on Friday. With his trademark sense of humor, the US President quipped: "The highest quality oil there is on the planet and they only gave me a drop of it…so I’m not thrilled!”
It drew laughter from the room, including from Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Adnoc managing director and group CEO, who presented the token gift to Trump.
The official handle of Adnoc on X was quick to comment on a video of the interaction as well. "Don't worry, there's plenty more where that came from," it quipped, tagging the US President and White House pages, and throwing in a winking emoji.
Dont worry, thereâs plenty more where that came from,@POTUS @WhiteHouseð https://t.co/0R5XBkAdqQ
— ADNOC Group (@ADNOCGroup) May 16, 2025
Al Jaber also said Murban oil is a regarded as the global benchmark (in crude oil production). The Murban oil field is one of the largest and most important oil fields in Abu Dhabi and is operated by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc).
Murban oil is exported to various countries around the world. It is one of the most preferred crude oils, especially for companies that are conscious about their carbon footprint in a world impacted by climate change.
According to Adnoc, in April last year, Murban exports averaged 1.636 million barrels per day. The UAE has a production capacity of 2 million barrels per day for Murban.
