ADNOC Sells 3% of its Distribution Unit


Logos of ADNOC (Reuters)
Logos of ADNOC (Reuters)
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ADNOC Sells 3% of its Distribution Unit


Logos of ADNOC (Reuters)
Logos of ADNOC (Reuters)

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company announced the successful closing of its offering of approximately 375 million shares in ADNOC Distribution, approximately 3 percent of the registered share capital of ADNOC Distribution.

The securities referred to herein may not be offered or sold in the United States unless registered under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or offered in a transaction exempt from, or not subject to, the registration requirements of the US Securities Act and in compliance with applicable United States state law.

It also issued approximately $1,195 billion of senior unsecured bonds due 2024 that are exchangeable into existing shares of ADNOC Distribution constituting approximately 7 percent of the registered share capital of ADNOC Distribution, under certain conditions.

“This announcement does not contain or constitute an offer of, or the solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for, securities to any person in the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan or Saudi Arabia, or in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful,” read the company’s statement.

The combined offering was placed at a blended price of AED 4.82 ($1.1) per share, which is 5.7 percent above the current 3-month volume-weighted average share price.

The Exchangeable Bonds, with a maturity date of 2024, are denominated in US dollars and bear a coupon of 0.70 percent, said the company.

The Exchangeable Bonds are issued at an issue price of 100 percent and will be exchangeable into existing shares of ADNOC Distribution at an exchange price of AED 5.01 ($1.37) under certain conditions.

Settlement of the Share Offering is expected to occur on or about May 31, and settlement of the Exchangeable Bond Offering is expected to occur on or about June 4.

UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNOC Sultan Ahmed al-Jaber said the success of this innovative and pioneering Combined Offering, the first of its kind in the GCC, highlights the attractive investment opportunities and environment provided by ADNOC, Abu Dhabi, and the UAE.

The "innovative deal structure" has the potential to increase the free float of ADNOC Distribution to 30 percent assuming the Exchangeable Bonds are exchanged and settled in shares, and ADNOC will retain at least a 70 percent strategic stake in the company as it continues to see significant growth potential in ADNOC Distribution, according to Jaber.



FAO Aims for Key Outcomes at COP16 in Saudi Arabia

Preparations in the Saudi capital ahead of hosting the COP16 conference on combating desertification (from the “COP16” page on the X platform)
Preparations in the Saudi capital ahead of hosting the COP16 conference on combating desertification (from the “COP16” page on the X platform)
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FAO Aims for Key Outcomes at COP16 in Saudi Arabia

Preparations in the Saudi capital ahead of hosting the COP16 conference on combating desertification (from the “COP16” page on the X platform)
Preparations in the Saudi capital ahead of hosting the COP16 conference on combating desertification (from the “COP16” page on the X platform)

Dr. Abdul Hakim Elwaer, Assistant Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), stated that the organization will take an active role at COP16, the UN conference on combating desertification, scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia in early December.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, he expressed confidence that the conference—the first of its kind in the Middle East—would produce significant outcomes.

Elwaer’s comments came during a roundtable organized by FAO’s regional office in Cairo, attended by a select group of media representatives. The session focused on FAO’s participation in the upcoming conference and the importance of the Rio Trio —the integrated framework of the three major UN conventions addressing climate change, biodiversity conservation, and desertification.

Fida Haddad, FAO’s Program Officer for Land Rehabilitation and Climate Change, highlighted the interconnectedness of the three conventions and noted that COP16 would place a strong emphasis on land and water rehabilitation and their sustainable management.

Haddad pointed out that approximately 90% of the Middle East is affected by arid conditions. Despite this, local communities and Arab governments have made notable progress in addressing desertification and drought. She also announced that, for the first time, FAO has successfully placed food systems on the COP16 agenda, enabling discussions on how land rehabilitation can enhance food supply chains and systems.

Elwaer underscored FAO’s central role in achieving the second Sustainable Development Goal (SDG): eradicating hunger. He emphasized that FAO actively engages in the UN conventions on climate change, biodiversity, and desertification, which collectively contribute to this mission.

FAO’s focus, according to Elwaer, is on transforming food and agricultural systems to become more inclusive, efficient, and sustainable, aiming for better production, nutrition, and livelihoods. He highlighted the organization’s success in integrating these priorities into the agendas of the three conventions and collaborating with host countries on joint initiatives.

He further noted that Saudi Arabia’s hosting of COP16 is particularly significant for the region, which faces pressing challenges such as water scarcity, desertification, and food insecurity. The conference presents an opportunity for Middle Eastern nations to highlight these issues, explore solutions, and ensure their inclusion in global environmental discussions, not only at this event but in future COP sessions, he underlined.

Elwaer emphasized the growing global attention on desertification, as it is now impacting regions previously unaffected, such as southern Europe and parts of Latin America. These areas are witnessing alarming declines in arable land and forests, prompting them to seek lessons from the Arab world, which has developed resilience strategies to combat desertification over centuries.

FAO will have a strong presence at COP16, with two dedicated pavilions—one in the Blue Zone for official delegations and another in the Green Zone to engage civil society and conference participants, he said.

He added that in collaboration with Saudi Arabia and the UN, FAO will lead coordination on Food Day and Governance Day, scheduled for December 5 and 6, respectively. The organization will also participate in other specialized sessions throughout the conference.