In 1983, Occidental discovered the 300-million barrel Safah Field in the Suneinah Block, also known as Block 9, located in the northwestern part of Oman along the border with the United Arab Emirates. In 1998, Oxy acquired additional acreage in the adjoining Block 27. Oxy is the operator of both fields and holds a 65 percent interest through a production-sharing contract.

In 2005, Oxy acquired a 45 percent interest and assumed operation of the 105 km² Mukhaizna Field in Oman's interior. Although the field was discovered in 1975, only 18 million barrels have been produced from the estimated 210 million barrel field. The low-gravity oil is difficult to produce, but Oxy plans to introduce advanced tertiary production methods to significantly increase production.

Oxy's expertise in exploiting opportunities overlooked by other production companies comes from years of creative management applying innovative technologies to all phases of operations.