Board Meeting of ADQ Chaired by H.H. Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan
H.H. Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and Member of the Supreme Council for Financial and Economic Affairs (SCFEA), has chaired the board meeting of ADQ.
Sheikh Tahnoon commended ADQ’s continued efforts to strengthen the foundations of economic resilience and sustainable development, in line with the wise vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He also recognized ADQ’s role in supporting the country’s digital transformation and economic diversification through investments and strategic partnerships across global markets.
Financial Performance Review
During the meeting, the board reviewed ADQ’s financial performance for Q1 2025, which remains on a strong growth trajectory. The board was presented with a comprehensive summary of key transactions from the last quarter, including ADQ’s acquisition of Aramex through a successful voluntary tender offer, subject to successful completion of the transaction.
Aramex will form an integral part of ADQ’s Transport and Logistics cluster, offering end-to-end supply chain integration and management while complementing existing investments within the cluster.
Strategic Investments
The board was briefed on the strategic significance of the US$25 billion investment partnership with Energy Capital Partners, the largest private owner of power generation and renewables in the US. This partnership aims to develop new power generation infrastructure across the US to meet the growing power demands of data centres driven by the proliferation of AI, while supporting the expansion of the country’s broader energy infrastructure.
Infrastructure Development Initiatives
Other notable milestones included the launch of Gridora, a joint venture established in April by ADQ, IHC, and Modon Holding to drive infrastructure development through private and public-private partnerships. Operating under Modon Holding, Gridora will collaborate with specialist partners and capital providers to deliver large-scale, high-impact infrastructure projects.
During the same month, ADQ, IHC, and First Abu Dhabi Bank announced plans to launch a dirham-backed stablecoin, fully regulated by the UAE Central Bank. The stablecoin aims to simplify payments and business transactions locally and globally, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a fintech leader and enhancing its digital infrastructure.
Debt Capital Markets Issuance
In May, ADQ successfully completed its third debt capital markets issuance, launching a US$2 billion dual-tranche bond to diversify its funding sources and enhance its financial resilience. The proceeds provide growth capital for projects aligned with ADQ’s long-term strategy. The issuance accomplished broad institutional distribution from major investors across Asia, the US, the Middle East, UK, and Europe and was oversubscribed by more than 3.5 times, reflecting strong investor confidence in ADQ’s credit fundamentals and long-term value proposition.
Artificial Intelligence Initiatives
The board was also updated on the progress of ADQ’s contribution to the UAE’s National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031 as well as Abu Dhabi’s agenda in these areas. ADQ has launched the Sprint AI programme, aimed at driving innovation, digital transformation, and AI adoption.
The programme encompasses three key pillars:
- Pillar 1: Support the development of advanced data infrastructure, governance, and analytics capabilities.
- Pillar 2: Facilitate artificial intelligence research, adoption, and commercialisation across key sectors.
- Pillar 3: Mobilise the development of innovative proof-of-concept solutions and pilot projects.
By strategically deploying this funding, Sprint AI will enable ADQ’s portfolio companies to bring groundbreaking technologies and practices to their operations, strengthening the future-readiness and resilience of ADQ’s portfolio. First adopters include Silal, AD Ports Group, and Agthia Group.
Key Achievements Across ADQ’s Portfolio
The board was also updated on key achievements across ADQ’s portfolio:
- Energy and Utilities: TAQA and EWEC agreed to develop new energy infrastructure aligned with the UAE’s National Strategy for AI 2031 and Net Zero 2050 goals. TAQA signed a 24-year power purchase agreement with EWEC to develop the one-gigawatt Al Dhafra open-cycle gas turbine project.
- Food and Agriculture: Silal signed a strategic partnership with Shouguang Vegetable Industry Group to build a 100,000 sqm agritech hub in Al Ain Region, leveraging AI and robotics to boost efficiency and drive sustainable innovation in agriculture.
- Sustainable Manufacturing: EMSTEEL partnered with MediSun Energy to launch a first-of-its-kind initiative in the UAE that will transform desalination brine into renewable blue energy and magnesium carbonate, aligning with the UAE’s goals for innovation, decarbonisation, and resource efficiency.
AI Board Advisor
During the meeting, the board members leveraged the latest version of ADQ’s AI Board advisor that integrates multiple AI tools to support decision-making. Built on ADQ’s extensive knowledge base, the AI Board advisor provides expert insights and strategic recommendations to guide board discussions.
Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of ADQ, stated, “Under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, ADQ continues to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s economic resilience through targeted investments in high-impact infrastructure and strategic supply chains. The milestones achieved over the past quarter reflect our commitment to reinforcing the very foundations on which our emirate is built, while driving the continued growth of key economic sectors and creating commercial value for our shareholder.”
The board reaffirmed its commitment to advancing ADQ’s role as a strategic enabler of Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification and global competitiveness.
The meeting was attended by H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Alzaabi, Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Mohamed Mubarak Fadel Al Mazrouei, Dr Ahmed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohamed Al Hamed, and Kaj-Erik Relander.
