UAE finds new natural gas field between Abu Dhabi, Dubai

United Arab Emirates on Monday anunced discovery of a natural gas field containing 80 trillion standard cubic feet of gas between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Authorities said new Jebel Ali field would help Emirates become more energy independent, as UAE w imports natural gas from Qatar for electricity. UAE is one of four Arab nations that have been boycotting Doha in a yearslong political dispute.

state-run Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. and Dubai Supply Authority will explore and develop shallow gas field. Officials say it spans some 5,000 square kilometers (1,930 square miles).

UAE is a federation of seven sheikhdoms on Arabian Peninsula and is a major oil producer. In recent years, it's been ramping up its natural gas production.