Did Halliburton Move to Dubai?

By Robert Palmer

In recent years, there have been rumors and speculations surrounding the relocation of Halliburton, one of the largest energy services companies in the world, to Dubai. Let’s delve into this topic and determine whether there is any truth behind these claims.

The Background

Halliburton is an American multinational corporation that provides various services to the energy industry, including drilling, formation evaluation, completion, and production. The company was founded in 1919 and has its headquarters in Houston, Texas.

The Rumors

Over the years, several rumors have circulated suggesting that Halliburton had plans to move its headquarters from Houston to Dubai. These rumors were fueled by a series of events that took place in the early 2000s.

1. The Formation of Halliburton Products & Services Ltd.

In 2007, Halliburton announced the formation of a new subsidiary called Halliburton Products & Services Ltd. (HPSL). This subsidiary was established in Dubai and was intended to serve as a regional hub for Halliburton’s operations in the Eastern Hemisphere.

2. CEO’s Relocation

In 2007, Halliburton’s CEO at the time, Dave Lesar, announced his intention to relocate his office from Houston to Dubai. This decision further fueled speculation about a potential headquarters move.

3. Tax Benefits

Dubai is known for its favorable tax environment and business-friendly policies. Some analysts suggested that Halliburton’s potential move could be motivated by tax benefits and cost savings.

The Truth

Contrary to popular belief, Halliburton did not relocate its headquarters from Houston to Dubai. While it did establish HPSL in Dubai, the company’s global headquarters remained in Houston.

In 2010, Halliburton’s CEO, Dave Lesar, clarified that his personal relocation to Dubai was a strategic decision aimed at overseeing the company’s operations in the Eastern Hemisphere. Lesar emphasized that the move did not signify a shift in Halliburton’s headquarters.

It is important to note that Halliburton’s presence in Dubai does not mean it has abandoned its roots in the United States. The company continues to have a significant presence and operations in Houston, where it employs thousands of people.

Conclusion

The rumors suggesting that Halliburton moved its headquarters to Dubai are unfounded. While the establishment of HPSL and the CEO’s relocation may have fueled speculation, Halliburton’s global headquarters remains firmly rooted in Houston. It is vital to separate fact from rumor when discussing such matters and ensure accurate information is disseminated.