Author: Web Desk

Abu dhabi: ADNOC Distribution today announced its full-year 2025 financial results, delivering its strongest annual performance on record, underpinned by disciplined execution of its growth strategy, accelerated network expansion and sustained earnings momentum throughout 2025.

According to Emirates News Agency, in 2025, ADNOC Distribution delivered an EBITDA of $1,166 million, marking an 11.1 percent year-on-year increase, while net profit grew by 15.4 percent year-on-year to $761 million, exceeding analyst expectations. This strong performance was driven by sustained demand across all fuel and non-fuel retail operating segments and a growing contribution from international operations.

The company also reported record retail and commercial fuel volumes of 15.7 billion litres in 2025, supported by increased network scale, higher footfall, and disciplined execution across its markets in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. This performance reflects the resilience of ADNOC Distribution’s core fuel business, capitalizing on strong economic growth momentum.

The non-fuel retail segment showed continued growth in 2025, with gross profit up 14.4 percent year-on-year and transactions increasing 9.3 percent year-on-year. Customer engagement remained robust, with ADNOC Rewards membership exceeding 2.61 million, and more than 350,000 new members joining in the past twelve months, a 16 percent year-on-year increase.

Bader Saeed Al Lamki, CEO of ADNOC Distribution, remarked on the milestone year, highlighting the company’s record financial performance while advancing its transformation into a mobility and convenience retail leader. Strong execution across core fuel business, non-fuel retail, network expansion, and EV infrastructure demonstrates the resilience of ADNOC’s business model and its ability to adapt to evolving customer needs.

In 2025, the company accelerated its network expansion, adding 119 new service stations, surpassing the revised higher full-year guidance of 90-100 additions. The total network of retail fuel stations reached 1,010 service stations, a 13 percent year-on-year increase. ADNOC Distribution is on track to reach 1,150 service stations by 2028, in line with its long-term growth strategy.

ADNOC Distribution also significantly expanded its EV charging infrastructure in 2025, installing 182 new fast and super-fast charging points in strategic locations. This expansion positions the company to reach up to 750 charging points by 2028, supporting the UAE’s electrification agenda and reinforcing ADNOC Distribution’s role as a future-ready mobility provider.

2025 also marked a year of strategic milestones for ADNOC Distribution. The refreshed Oasis by ADNOC brand was launched, repositioning the convenience retail offer around a ‘on the gourmet’ proposition. Additionally, The Hub by ADNOC introduced a large-format, destination-led retail concept integrating fuel, EV charging, and car care with complementary lifestyle offerings to support non-fuel revenue growth.

The board has proposed a dividend of $350 million for the second half of 2025, bringing the total 2025 dividend to $700 million. The proposal will be presented for shareholders’ approval during the company’s Annual General Assembly (AGM) scheduled for March 2026.

As previously announced, ADNOC Distribution will adopt quarterly dividend payments from Q1 2026, and, subject to shareholders’ approval at the AGM, will extend its dividend policy through 2030. This move reinforces its long-term commitment to delivering attractive and predictable shareholder returns, with a minimum total of US$4.9 billion in dividends announced between 2023 and 2030.

In 2026, ADNOC Distribution expects to sustain its growth momentum, supported by continued network expansion and increasing non-fuel retail contribution. By leveraging its strong financial position, expanding its regional footprint, and advancing its transformation into a native AI-focused enterprise, the company is well-positioned to unlock new efficiencies, capture future opportunities, and strengthen long-term shareholder value creation. In 2026, ADNOC Distribution plans to add 60-70 new stations across its network and install 50-60 additional fast and super-fast charging points.

Seoul: Consumer prices in the Republic of Korea rose at the slowest pace in five months in January, partly supported by steady petroleum product prices, government data showed on Tuesday. The Consumer Price Index, a key measure of inflation, increased 2 percent year-on-year last month, according to figures from the Ministry of Data and Statistics. This marked the smallest annual rise since August, when inflation stood at 1.7 percent.

According to Emirates News Agency, inflation had remained above the Bank of Korea’s 2 percent target for four consecutive months from September to December. The ministry attributed last month’s slower growth primarily to petroleum product prices, which remained largely unchanged from a year earlier.

Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, went up 2.3 percent on-year in January, the ministry said.

Abu dhabi: AD Ports Group today announced the signing of Heads of Terms (HoT) with the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Opening Up; and the National Transport Office (ONATRA SA), for the development and operation of a multipurpose terminal in Matadi Port, Democratic Republic of Congo.

According to Emirates News Agency, the Heads of Terms were signed at the Presidential Court in Abu Dhabi by Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications – Democratic Republic of Congo; and Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group.

The preliminary agreement establishes a collaborative framework between AD Ports Group and ONATRA SA to explore the development and operation the multipurpose terminal at Matadi Port, to enhance the port’s operational efficiency and capacity, support the Democratic Republic of Congo’s growing trade volumes and facilitate streamlined and efficient import and export flows.

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, said, ‘We are pleased to sign this preliminary agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Opening Up, and ONATRA SA to explore the development and operation of a multipurpose terminal in Matadi Port, one of the country’s most vital maritime gateways.’

He added, ‘The Democratic Republic of Congo is a strategic nation in Africa, bordered by nine countries and serving as a natural hub for regional trade and connectivity. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to enhancing the country’s access to global markets and supporting long term economic development initiatives in Africa, in line with the vision of our wise leadership.’

AD Ports Group continues to expand its presence across Africa, with existing ports, logistics, and maritime investments in countries including Egypt, Tanzania, Angola, and the Republic of the Congo, supporting regional trade integration and long-term economic development.

Abu dhabi: Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, affirmed that the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the United Arab Emirates and the Democratic Republic of the Congo marks a new strategic milestone in expanding the UAE’s network of trade partnerships and strengthening its economic presence across the African continent.

According to Emirates News Agency, Al Zeyoudi stated that the Democratic Republic of the Congo is an important partner for the UAE, as one of Africa’s ten largest economies. He noted that the agreement opens broad horizons for enhancing economic engagement with a resource-rich region that is accelerating its growth through the attraction of high-quality foreign direct investment.

He added that the agreement will support bilateral trade, particularly in sectors such as precious stones, minerals, mining, and agriculture. On trade and investment, Al Zeyoudi stated that UAE-DRC non-oil trade reached US$2.9 billion in the first nine months of 2025, marking a 16.1 percent increase year-on-year. As bilateral trade continues to grow, the CEPA is poised to strengthen economic cooperation, facilitate cross-border investments, and empower small and medium-sized enterprises in both countries.

The UAE is committed to leveraging its global trade hub status to foster deeper ties with the DRC, promoting shared prosperity and sustainable development. In terms of investment, he highlighted several major strategic projects over the past five years, including the signing of a US$1.9 billion mining partnership agreement in 2023, as well as UAE investments in copper and cobalt smelters, and projects related to gold shipments and artisanal minerals.

Al Zeyoudi also underscored the pivotal role of the logistics sector, referring to DP World’s agreement to develop the deep-sea port at Banana. He stressed that the CEPA with the Democratic Republic of the Congo supports the UAE’s economic agenda, which aims to increase the value of foreign trade to AED4 trillion by 2031 and double the value of exports over the same period. This will be achieved through eliminating or reducing customs duties, removing unnecessary trade barriers, opening markets for trade in services, enhancing digital trade, and establishing effective dispute settlement mechanisms.

The CEPA was signed during a ceremony at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi by Thani Al Zeyoudi and Julien Paluku Kahongya, Minister for International Trade of the DRC. The agreement will reduce tariffs and eliminate trade barriers, significantly enhancing investment flows and creating opportunities for private sector collaboration across key sectors including mining, agriculture, and clean energy.

The DRC’s GDP stands at approximately US$70.75 billion, making it one of Africa’s top ten economies. With its position as a world-leading producer of cobalt and a major source of essential minerals for the electric vehicle and energy transition sectors, the DRC offers a strategic entry point for expanding trade across Central and Eastern Africa.

Doha: The United Arab Emirates participated in the 21st International Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Conference and Exhibition, held in the Qatari capital, Doha, and running until 5th February. The UAE delegation was led by Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure.

According to Emirates News Agency, the event brings together senior government officials, global energy company leaders, experts, and decision-makers to discuss the future of LNG and its pivotal role in global energy security and the transition toward more sustainable energy systems. The conference addresses several key issues, including opportunities for deploying artificial intelligence in the energy sector, the importance of continued investment and innovation, and the vital role of natural gas in supporting human development, particularly in developing countries.

The UAE’s participation reaffirms its commitment to supporting international dialogue on the future of energy, strengthening cooperation and strategic partnerships, and exchanging expertise and best practices in the LNG sector. These efforts contribute to achieving a balance between energy security requirements and the goals of sustainability and development.

On the sidelines of the conference, Al Mazrouei met with Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs of Qatar. They discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in the energy sector and exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual interest. Following the meeting, Al Mazrouei and the delegation visited the exhibition held alongside the conference, where they reviewed the latest technologies and innovative solutions presented by leading Qatari and international companies. They were briefed on the newest projects and initiatives supporting energy security and sustainability.

Doha: The United Arab Emirates participated in the 21st International Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Conference and Exhibition, held in the Qatari capital, Doha, and running until 5th February. The UAE delegation was led by Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure.

According to Emirates News Agency, the event brings together senior government officials, global energy company leaders, experts, and decision-makers to discuss the future of LNG and its pivotal role in global energy security and the transition toward more sustainable energy systems. The conference addresses several key issues, including opportunities for deploying artificial intelligence in the energy sector, the importance of continued investment and innovation, and the vital role of natural gas in supporting human development, particularly in developing countries.

The UAE’s participation reaffirms its commitment to supporting international dialogue on the future of energy, strengthening cooperation and strategic partnerships, and exchanging expertise and best practices in the LNG sector. These efforts contribute to achieving a balance between energy security requirements and the goals of sustainability and development.

On the sidelines of the conference, Al Mazrouei met with Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs of Qatar. They discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in the energy sector and exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual interest. Following the meeting, Al Mazrouei and the delegation visited the exhibition held alongside the conference, where they reviewed the latest technologies and innovative solutions presented by leading Qatari and international companies. They were briefed on the newest projects and initiatives supporting energy security and sustainability.

Abu dhabi: Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, affirmed that the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the United Arab Emirates and the Democratic Republic of the Congo marks a new strategic milestone in expanding the UAE’s network of trade partnerships and strengthening its economic presence across the African continent.

According to Emirates News Agency, Al Zeyoudi stated that the Democratic Republic of the Congo is an important partner for the UAE, as one of Africa’s ten largest economies. He noted that the agreement opens broad horizons for enhancing economic engagement with a resource-rich region that is accelerating its growth through the attraction of high-quality foreign direct investment.

He added that the agreement will support bilateral trade, particularly in sectors such as precious stones, minerals, mining, and agriculture. On trade and investment, Al Zeyoudi stated that UAE-DRC non-oil trade reached US$2.9 billion in the first nine months of 2025, marking a 16.1 percent increase year-on-year. As bilateral trade continues to grow, the CEPA is poised to strengthen economic cooperation, facilitate cross-border investments, and empower small and medium-sized enterprises in both countries.

The UAE is committed to leveraging its global trade hub status to foster deeper ties with the DRC, promoting shared prosperity and sustainable development. In terms of investment, he highlighted several major strategic projects over the past five years, including the signing of a US$1.9 billion mining partnership agreement in 2023, as well as UAE investments in copper and cobalt smelters, and projects related to gold shipments and artisanal minerals.

Al Zeyoudi also underscored the pivotal role of the logistics sector, referring to DP World’s agreement to develop the deep-sea port at Banana. He stressed that the CEPA with the Democratic Republic of the Congo supports the UAE’s economic agenda, which aims to increase the value of foreign trade to AED4 trillion by 2031 and double the value of exports over the same period. This will be achieved through eliminating or reducing customs duties, removing unnecessary trade barriers, opening markets for trade in services, enhancing digital trade, and establishing effective dispute settlement mechanisms.

The CEPA was signed during a ceremony at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi by Thani Al Zeyoudi and Julien Paluku Kahongya, Minister for International Trade of the DRC. The agreement will reduce tariffs and eliminate trade barriers, significantly enhancing investment flows and creating opportunities for private sector collaboration across key sectors including mining, agriculture, and clean energy.

The DRC’s GDP stands at approximately US$70.75 billion, making it one of Africa’s top ten economies. With its position as a world-leading producer of cobalt and a major source of essential minerals for the electric vehicle and energy transition sectors, the DRC offers a strategic entry point for expanding trade across Central and Eastern Africa.