Alpha Dhabi Holding Divests 49% Stake to ADQ 

Alpha Dhabi Holding (ADH) has announced its decision to divest 49% of its subsidiary, Alpha Dhabi Construction Holding (ADCH), to ADQ, an Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company. 

Under the terms of the agreement, Alpha Dhabi Holding will retain a majority 51% shareholding in ADCH, underscoring its steadfast commitment to the construction industry in a strategic alliance with ADQ. 

The partnership between Alpha Dhabi Holding and ADQ is poised to combine the expertise and capabilities of both entities, solidifying ADCH’s position as an industry leader and a catalyst for the Emirate’s growth. This transformative collaboration is set to set new benchmarks in the dynamic construction landscape, driving progress and prosperity in the region. 

Hamad Al Ameri, CEO and MD of Alpha Dhabi Holding and newly appointed Chairman of ADCH, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Our collaboration with ADQ marks a new era of strategic growth and innovation for ADCH. With a shared vision for excellence, this alliance enables us to deepen our commitment to national development, empowering us to tackle complex, large-scale projects with a focus on safety, quality, and timely delivery.” 

Hamad Al Hammadi, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of ADQ, shared his optimism, saying, “We welcome the opportunity to invest in ADCH as it spearheads the development of landmarks and coveted real estate projects in the UAE. We are confident that ADCH will benefit from being part of our diverse portfolio and leverage the opportunities this partnership will unlock.” 

The construction industry in the UAE is experiencing continuous expansion, with the market estimated to reach over $50.4 billion by 2029 from $41 billion in 2024. Abu Dhabi’s construction sector grew by 14.3% and contributed Dh25 billion to the emirate’s economy in the third quarter of 2023, according to official data from the Statistics Centre Abu Dhabi. 

Alpha Dhabi Construction Holding’s notable project portfolio includes landmark developments such as the Zayed National Museum, the Guggenheim Museum, and the national railway network. The collaboration with ADQ is set to further enhance ADCH’s capabilities in delivering large-scale projects with a focus on safety, quality, and timely completion. 

ADQ, with 25 companies under its umbrella spanning various sectors, including energy, utilities, food and agriculture, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, mobility, and logistics, is poised to expand its portfolio locally and internationally. The group’s annual profit has been growing by 20% every year between 2019 and 2022, contributing significantly to Abu Dhabi’s non-oil gross domestic product. 

The strategic partnership between Alpha Dhabi Holding and ADQ underscores their shared commitment to advancing the construction sector in the UAE, driving economic growth, and fostering national development. 

Bashar AlRosan (pictured) is Chief Legal and Compliance Officer at ADQ and Secretary to the Board of Directors and its Executive Committee. 

Clyde & Co acted as lead counsel to ADH. The team was led by partner and Head of Corporate – Middle East, Naji Hawayek (Dubai) and legal director Matthew Gearing (corporate, Abu Dhabi) who were supported by legal director Krishen Patel (corporate, Dubai), and associate Alwyn Mathew (corporate, Abu Dhabi).