AD Ports Group and Nimex Terminals have signed two long-term agreements to establish the UAE's first private-sector Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) terminal hubs at Khalifa Port. The deal, valued at over AED 30 billion (over USD 8 billion) based on projected 50-year multiple revenue streams from the two terminal hubs, represents a major step toward strengthening the United Arab Emirates' position as a global energy hub.

The agreements will position Khalifa Port as a leading trading hub for low-carbon energy and petrochemical logistics, with facilities capable of accommodating large, long-haul gas carriers. These developments will expand Khalifa Port's capabilities to meet the evolving demand of international energy trade while supporting the UAE's Net Zero 2050 strategy.

Infrastructure Investment and Development

Under the agreements, AD Ports Group has committed to invest up to AED 1.3 billion (USD 354 million) to develop the required infrastructure, primarily through dredging and the development of jetties. Nimex Terminals will invest up to AED 2.6 billion (USD 700 million) in advanced LNG and LPG storage tanks and other superstructure, including regasification facilities, pipelines with instrumentation and controls, loading arms, flare structures, and firefighting systems.

The two facilities will be developed in phases over a 5-year period, with the associated investments spread over the same timeframe. The LNG terminal will span 130,000 square meters and feature cryogenic storage facilities with a total capacity of 400,000 cubic meters. The LPG facility will occupy 90,000 square meters and ultimately offer a total capacity of 280,000 cubic meters.

Operational Timeline and Market Focus

Initial operations are expected to commence by mid-2028, with steady-state operations for the LNG terminal projected to be achieved by 2031 and for the LPG terminal by 2033. This phased approach ensures early market readiness while supporting medium and long-term growth in LNG and LPG trade volumes.

Both terminals will serve as hubs for import, export, and transshipment operations, primarily catering to the growing demand from Asian markets. The facilities will benefit from Khalifa Port's state-of-the-art maritime infrastructure and multimodal connectivity via sea, land, air, and rail, as well as its proximity to Khalifa Economic Zones – Abu Dhabi (KEZAD).

Strategic Positioning and Leadership Comments

Khalifa Port is ranked 39th in the prestigious Lloyd's List Top 100 Ports for 2025 and is strategically located between Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, providing access to major trade corridors to support efficient supply chains and optimized logistics. The agreements will provide the port with the infrastructure needed to fuel vessels with lower-emission LNG and LPG, two of the fastest-growing alternative fuels in the global maritime industry.

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, stated: “These agreements represent a transformative milestone for Khalifa Port and the UAE's energy sector. Through our partnership with Nimex Terminals, we will equip Khalifa Port, one of the world's fastest-growing ports, with lower-impact fuel infrastructure that advances our commitment to a more sustainable future for the global ports and shipping industries.

Guided by the wise leadership of the UAE, AD Ports Group remains dedicated to investing in a sustainable future that creates long-term value not only for our Group and our industry, but also for the people of Abu Dhabi and the UAE.”

Mr. Azmat Mahmood, Executive Chairman of Nimex Terminals Ltd., commented: “Nimex Terminals is proud to partner with AD Ports Group, one of the world's leading enablers of trade, logistics, and industry, to advance the clean energy transition through our joint investment at Khalifa Port. The LNG and LPG infrastructure investments we have agreed upon, will further enhance the attractiveness of one of the world's fastest growing container ports, and reaffirm our commitment towards driving sustainable economic growth through the adoption of advanced, low-emission fuel technologies.”

Economic Impact

Beyond infrastructure development, the agreements are expected to deliver significant economic impact by attracting foreign direct investment, creating high-value employment opportunities, and stimulating ancillary sectors such as shipping, logistics, and energy services. The announcement was made on November 4, 2025, from Abu Dhabi, UAE.

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