Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
AD Ports Group has sold its 9.77% stake in NMDC Group to Alpha Dhabi Holding for Dh1.6 billion, the companies said in separate statements. Both the companies are listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX).
Alpha Dhabi Holding said the purchase of 82.5 million shares increases its ownership in NMDC Group to 76.68%, reinforcing its position as a key driver of the UAE’s industrial development.
In a disclosure, AD Ports Group said the divestment forms part of its strategy to monetise non-core assets and optimise its portfolio. The stake, originally transferred from ADQ ahead of AD Ports Group’s listing in 2022, delivered a total shareholder return of 17% over the holding period, based on dividends received and capital gains at book value as of Q3 2025.
The proceeds from the transaction will be used to deleverage the balance sheet and recycle capital into higher-return projects. AD Ports Group reported net debt of Dh17.0 billion as of 30 September 2025. The sale is the company’s third non-core asset divestment this year, following the sale of KEZAD land to Mira Developments and two logistics warehouses to Aldar Properties.
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamsi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, said: “This agreement with Alpha Dhabi is a result of the Group’s durable commitment to intelligently managing its assets and value creation strategies, with the proceeds strengthening the Group’s financial position and capital structure. Under the wise guidance of our leadership in the UAE, AD Ports Group is focused on efficiently managing its asset portfolio, and deploying its financial strengths, to increase shareholder value, enhance the services delivered to our customers, and fulfil our primary mission of enabling trade. In the future, we will continue to actively manage our asset base to unlock and maximise value.”
Hamad Salem Al Ameri, Managing Director and Group CEO of Alpha Dhabi Holding, said: “This milestone acquisition underscores our commitment to investing in high-impact industrial verticals that support Abu Dhabi’s diversity and inclusion agenda. Our strategy is rooted in identifying scalable opportunities that align with national priorities and global trends, ensuring that industrial growth is matched by environmental responsibility and the empowerment of all segments of our society.”
In its statement, Alpha Dhabi highlighted NMDC Group’s strong financial performance. The company posted revenues of Dh20.5 billion in the first nine months of 2025, up 11% year-on-year, and net profit of Dh2.8 billion, an increase of 26% over the same period. NMDC’s project backlog reached Dh62.3 billion by September, supported by new awards worth Dh17.7 billion in the first three quarters of the year, including major contracts in the Philippines, Oman, and Taiwan.
Both companies said the transaction supports long-term strategic priorities, with AD Ports Group continuing to focus on core business clusters and Alpha Dhabi strengthening its presence in high-impact industrial sectors.
Alpha Dhabi’s share price on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) rose by more than 2%. Its market capitalisation stands at around Dh99 billion. AD Ports Group is also listed on ADX, with a market capitalisation of about Dh22 billion. The transaction represents a deal between two major Abu Dhabi business groups — Alpha Dhabi Holding, which is part of the International Holding Company (IHC) ecosystem, and AD Ports Group, whose largest shareholder is Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ), the Abu Dhabi sovereign investment fund.
