ADNOC Welcomes New Ministry Of Finance Measures To Strengthen Energy And Commodity Trading Operations

ADNOC has expressed approval for the recent Ministerial Decisions No. 229 and 230 of 2025 from the Ministry of Finance. These decisions offer clearer guidelines for businesses in Free Zones, particularly those involved in energy and commodity trading. This move is set to bolster the UAE's status as a major global centre for these markets.

The new measures are anticipated to enhance ADNOC’s trading and financial activities significantly. They aim to support growth across both physical and digital trading platforms by improving valuation transparency and cross-border operational efficiency. By defining qualifying activities like commodity trading, treasury services, and intra-group financing, these measures align with national policy priorities.

Khaled Al Zaabi, Group Chief Financial Officer of ADNOC, stated: "ADNOC welcomes the Ministry of Finance’s decisions, which provide regulatory certainty and support ADNOC’s growth across trading and financial operations. These updates will accelerate the growth of our trading operations while reinforcing the UAE’s ambition to be a globally competitive energy and commodity trading hub, underpinned by stability, transparency, and investor confidence."

The scope of qualifying commodities has been expanded to include industrial chemicals and environmental products. This aligns with ADNOC’s growing portfolio and supports its expansion across various trading platforms. The recognition of related-party treasury services also enhances certainty for internal financing and collaboration between entities.

Ahmad bin Thalith, Chief Executive Officer of ADNOC Global Trading, commented: "These measures represent a meaningful step forward in shaping a more agile and investor-friendly trading landscape. By refining the rules around commodity trading and Free Zone activities, the Ministry is unlocking new opportunities for growth and innovation."

Global Expansion Efforts

ADNOC’s trading arms, ADNOC Trading and ADNOC Global Trading, have seen rapid growth since their inception in 2020. This expansion supports ADNOC’s broader transformation efforts by optimizing value from each barrel produced. With offices in Abu Dhabi, Singapore, and Geneva, ADNOC is extending its global reach while developing UAE talent for leadership roles in international markets.

The formal acknowledgment of Price Reporting Agencies strengthens consistency in valuation processes. This aids pricing mechanisms and financial reporting, enhancing transparency across ADNOC’s global operations. Collectively, these updates lay a foundation for more efficient operations as ADNOC seeks to capitalize on emerging market opportunities.

These developments provide a robust framework for ADNOC's continued global expansion. By leveraging these regulatory updates, ADNOC aims to operate more efficiently while seizing new opportunities in evolving markets worldwide.

With inputs from WAM