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2010 UAE – Abu Dhabi archive
2009 UAE – Abu Dhabi archive
2008 UAE – Abu Dhabi archive
2006-2007 UAE – Abu Dhabi archive
Pre-2003-2005 UAE – Abu Dhabi archive
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| 2010 Archive – UAE – Abu Dhabi |
Abu Dhabi moves ahead with plans to raise oil output to 3.5m b/d
After a long wait, there are orders for several major onshore and offshore projects
Issue 889, 12 November 2010. more
MBZ: Meeting with UK premier
Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan was in London for talks on 25 October with British Prime Minister David Cameron.
Issue 888, 29 October 2010. more
Abu Dhabi takes an ever larger stake in Dubai Inc
Dubai’s return to the international credit market has been heralded as another sign that the commercial emirate is rebuilding confidence and balance sheets following its debt crisis. Less public is evidence that Abu Dhabi has built up a commanding position in the Dubai economy, much to Sheikh Mohammed’s discomfort
Issue 886, 1 October 2010. more
Sace guarantee, Islamic facility for Abu Dhabi steel
The Italian export credit agency Sace has guaranteed a $500m loan to General Holding Corporation, owned by the Abu Dhabi government.
Issue 885, 17 September 2010. more
Abu Dhabi’s Taqa accused of malpractice
A law suit filed by one of the Gulf’s most high-profile expatriate executives could point to a dark side in the mighty Abu Dhabi business empire, if the allegations are proven. The suit has been filed in the United States by former Abu Dhabi National Energy Company chief executive Peter Barker-Homek against his former employer.
Issue 884, 3 September 2010. more
Abu Dhabi sees results of diversification but employment concerns remain
Risk management report
Issue 884, 3 September 2010. more
Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa: Abu Dhabi royal’s interest in Russian oligarchs’ duel
Despite the best efforts of transparency campaigners and investigative journalists, the networks by which billionaires and power-brokers conduct their business remain all too often shrouded in secrecy. Court papers relating to a dispute between two of Russia’s best-known ‘oligarchs’ reveal something of this world, in which Gulf royals apparently add to their fortunes by helping out billionaire acquaintances confronted with problems such as engineering cross-border financial transactions
Issue 877, 21 May 2010. more
New Adia head
Sheikh Hamad Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan has been named managing director of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority following the recent death of his brother, Sheikh Ahmed (GSN 874/12).
Issue 875, 23 April 2010. more
All eyes on Adia following Sheikh Ahmed’s death
Sheikh Ahmed Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, a son of the UAE’s founding president, has died after a microlight aircraft he was learning to fly crashed in Morocco on 26 March. Sheikh Ahmed was managing director of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (Adia) and had substantial business interests. He was born in 1969 to the late sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan and his prominent wife Sheikha Mozah Bint Suhail Bin Awaidha Al-Khaili. His older full brother is deputy prime minister and interior minister Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed; he reportedly had three other full brothers. In 2003, Sheikh Ahmed married Alyazia Bint Hamad Bin Suhail Al-Khaili.
Issue 874, 9 April 2010. more
Mubadala’s 2009 results warrant close inspection
Abu Dhabi’s ambitious Mubadala Development Company has released results for 2009, which are better than those for 2008, although it appears MDC is substantially dependent on government-related operational activities, external investments and shares in foreign entities to offset losses elsewhere in its portfolio to make an overall profit.
Issue 874, 9 April 2010. more
Iran angry over Gates talks
US defence secretary Robert Gates has been in Abu Dhabi for talks with Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al-Nahayan.
Issue 873, 19 March 2010. more
Abu Dhabi in the spotlight as its GRE receive ratings downgrades and Adia issues first review
Six Abu Dhabi government-related entities and UAE state-owned Etisalat have been downgraded, while Abu Dhabi Investment Authority’s first review lacks detail
Issue 873, 19 March 2010. more
Al-Fahim under pressure on all fronts
Former head of Abu Dhabi’s Hydra Properties Sulaiman Al-Fahim has provided the western media with a bounty of stories over the past two years, but has been in even deeper trouble back home.
Issue 872, 5 March 2010. more
Ipic, MDC among downgraded firms
Mubadala Development Corporation (MDC), International Petroleum Investment Company (Ipic) and Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa) were among the seven leading Abu Dhabi government-related entities downgraded by Moody’s Investors Service on 4 March
Issue 872, 5 March 2010. more
UAE needs to focus on transparency
It would be hard to tell there was a Dubai financial crisis, with the UAE’s bank reporting season in full swing. On the face of it, results so far suggest there is better news coming out of Dubai than Abu Dhabi, but consideration of UAE financial risk may be better based on transparency rather than good news.
Issue 871, 12 February 2010. more
Abu Dhabi responds to Dubai default, difficult recovery to come
Risk management report
Issue 869, 15 January 2010. more
TOP
| 2009 Archive – UAE – Abu Dhabi |
US Virgin Galactic ‘investigation’
The United States has launched a national security investigation into the proposed sale of a stake in Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic space company to Arab investors, according to a 14 December report in The Times newspaper.
Issue 868, 18 December 2009. more
Dubai World: $4bn down, (at least) $56bn to go
As lenders decide whether to approve Dubai World’s $26bn debt standstill request, many questions remain – not least over other entities, the legal case and wider impact on the region
Issue 868, 18 December 2009. more
The Dubai crisis has put relations with Abu Dhabi under the spotlight – and the fallout will be huge
The genesis of the crisis, and the confused and opaque manner with which it has been handled, raises questions about the viability of traditional ruling models without the support of sovereign state institutions and accountability. Meanwhile, the delicate balance of Abu Dhabi-Dubai relations has shifted again
Issue 867, 4 December 2009. more
What has yet to emerge from the crisis?
Many critical questions remain to be answered as the Dubai crisis unfolds.
Issue 867, 4 December 2009. more
Weighing up international banks’ exposure to Dubai and wider UAE
Figures are starting to emerge for the extent of creditors’ exposure to Dubai and its government-related entities. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that European banks have some $83.7bn-worth of UAE exposure, including UK-based banks with $49.5bn, French banks with $11.3bn, German with $10.2bn, Dutch with $4.7bn, Swiss banks with $4.3bn, Italian and Belgian banks together with $3.2bn.
Issue 867, 4 December 2009. more
For more on the Dubai crisis see the 2009 Dubai archive
Abu Dhabi political outlook on negative trend, Dubai finances downgraded
Risk Management report
Issue 867, 4 December 2009. more
Taqa slows spending, appoints new staff
In another sign that even the richest emirates are having to think hard about financial fundamentals, big-spending, majority state-owned Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa) has parted company with high-profile chief executive Peter Barker-Homek and announced that it will concentrate on existing operations and reducing debt. Taqa has spent $24bn in the past few years, picking up assets and interests in the GCC, Europe, North America and Africa.
Issue 865, 20 November 2009. more
Downturn’s all over now, federation united, MBR says
The worst of the economic downturn is over, Dubai’s ruler said as he joined a chorus of Emirati voices emphasising federal unity – which may be significant after months of speculation over relations between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Issue 865, 20 November 2009. more
Emirates’ balance of power affected by crisis
Dubai and other emirates may be talking up the apparently limited impact of the global economic crisis and triumph of federal unity, but many analysts believe the fallout from the credit crunch will further alter inter-emirate relations.
Issue 865, 20 November 2009. more
Abu Dhabi pushes UAE nuclear plan
The UAE’s civil nuclear programme is notionally a federal affair, but it is being driven forward with some gusto by Abu Dhabi, confirming its position as the dominant driver of federal energy policy.
Issue 864, November 2009. more
Taqa buys Dutch E&P firm
To kick off its $1.5bn spending spree over the next six to nine months, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa)’s subsidiary Taqa Energy has announced it will buy Dutch oil and gas exploration and production company DSM Energie Holding (DSM Energy) for $404m (GSN 858/12).
Issue 859, 7 August 2009. more
Taqa to spend $1.5bn in six to nine months to strengthen global footprint
Backed by one of the world’s wealthiest governments, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company is already a major player in ten countries in the GCC, Europe, North America and Africa. Iraq will soon become its next play, chief executive Peter Barker-Homek told GSN.
Issue 858, 24 July 2009. more
Analysis of Mubadala accounts shows cost of the crunch
Mubadala Development Corporation (MDC) lost Dh11.8bn ($3.23bn) in 2008, which its first ever annual report puts down to some very substantial impairment charges related to investments made during the boom years prior to the collapse in oil prices and the realisation that Abu Dhabi was not immune to the global economic downturn.
Issue 855, 12 June 2009. more
Abu Dhabi sour gas project makes progress
The UAE’s $10bn Shah gas field development project will be completed by early 2015, the project’s chief executive Saif Ahmed Al-Ghafli has said, putting it three years behind the initial schedule.
Issue 854, 29 May 2009. more
ADIC eyes MENA private equity deals
The state-owned Abu Dhabi Investment Company (ADIC) is bargain hunting for companies in the Middle East and North Africa with solid cash flows in sectors deemed least likely to be affected by the economic crisis such as healthcare, education and telecommunications.
Issue 850, 27 March 2009. more
How deep is Dubai’s economic ‘crisis’? And what will Abu Dhabi do?
The extent of Dubai’s economic downturn is preoccupying many GSN readers. Here are some short attempts at answers to some deep, difficult questions.
Issue 847, 13 February 2009. more
Aussie fund invests in Abu Dhabi
ADCB Macquarie Infrastructure Fund (AMIF) has announced a $188m investment that will give it exposure to government-commissioned projects in Abu Dhabi. The investment – AMIF’s first since its launch and $630m capital raising last December – will support industrial infrastructure developments commissioned by the Higher Corporation for Specialised Economic Zones (ZonesCorp), an Abu Dhabi government authority chaired by Sheikh Hamad Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan.
Issue 847, 13 February 2009. more
TOP
| 2008 Archive – UAE – Abu Dhabi |
Abu Dhabi rides high over global financial crisis, remakes itself as a post-modern urban centre
An increasingly assertive Abu Dhabi is looking to draw in international partners and assets, to consolidate its traditional position as the UAE’s federal capital and engineering hub, and to emerge as the Gulf city that uses its wealth to plan development with respect for social traditions and environmental constraints while emerging as a significant new international player. GSN examines the oil-rich emirate’s growth strategy and attitudes towards spending money – at home and on less wealthy emirates.
Issue 840, 7 November 2008.
more
Urban rebirth underpins Abu Dhabi’s development model
While the Abu Dhabi economy diversifies, with an expanded private sector role, the traditionally critical role of government remains centre stage when it comes to development strategy and the senior emirate’s undisguised ambition to present itself as a model for environmentally aware development in the Middle East. The Urban Structure Framework Plan – called Plan Abu Dhabi 2030 – is spectacularly ambitious, and also a significant turning point in its attempt to shift the balance of development away from the present coastal waterfront.
Issue 840, 7 November 2008. more
E&P agreement with Shell
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) and Royal Dutch Shell have signed a preliminary agreement to jointly explore, develop and produce offshore gas fields.
Issue 840, 7 November 2008. more
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company plans to become a global leader in renewable energy
The government’s alternative energy arm is teaming up with foreign players to lead the way in sustainable development.
Issue 839, 24 October 2008. more
Taqa acquires North Sea acreage, green plans
The fast-growing Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa) has taken stakes in three Dutch North Sea blocks from the Calgary-based Cirrus Energy Corporation.
Issue 838, 10 October 2008. more
Ipic: Another strong arm of the Abu Dhabi government’s eclectic investment portfolio
Abu Dhabi’s oil and gas investment arm is talking tough as it seeks to exponentially increase its already substantial portfolio with acquisitions at home and abroad.
Issue 837, 26 September 2008. more
Abu Dhabi goes head-to-head with Dubai with media, sporting and Hollywood deals
Abu Dhabi’s recent attention-grabbing deals highlight the wealthiest emirate’s emergence as an increasingly high-profile force to be reckoned with – astride the world stage and within the United Arab Emirates, where a further round of shifts in the internal power balance are coming to light.
Issue 836, 15 September 2008. more
Abu Dhabi buyout of Manchester City FC raises questions of ownership
The takeover of one of the UK’s oldest football clubs by a previously unheard of Abu Dhabi vehicle has caused huge stirs in the UAE and in Britain – and still it remains unclear who owns the privately-held company. GSN highlights two members of the Abu Dhabi ruling family with close links to the sale.
Issue 836, 15 September 2008. more
President’s brother dies in Gulf helicopter crash
Sheikh Nasser Bin Zayed Al-Nahayan died on the night of Monday 2 June when the helicopter carrying the senior younger generation Abu Dhabi royal and an unidentified colleague crashed into the Gulf.
Issue 831, 13 June 2008. more
Access to gas is crucial to continuing the UAE’s boom
Each UAE city state now has big plans to bring in industrial and real estate investors to help meet their growing populations’ demands, but GSN’s soundings suggest these ambitions are being put at risk by differences over how to allocate the federation’s energy resources.
Issue 824, 29 February 2008. more
Also see Issue 824, 29 February 2008: UAE gas use: a question of supply and demand
Mubadala gets ever bigger
Ambitious investor Mubadala Development Company (MDC) – whose driving force is Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al-Nahayan – now has over $10bn of assets under management and is planning further equity acquisitions in the aerospace, energy and real estate sectors, according to chief operating officer Waleed Al-Muhairi.
Also see Issue 824, 29 February 2008: more
2010 UAE – Abu Dhabi archive
2009 UAE – Abu Dhabi archive
2008 UAE – Abu Dhabi archive
2006-2007 UAE – Abu Dhabi archive
Pre-2003-2005 UAE – Abu Dhabi archive
Return to main GSN's Abu Dhabi page
Return to main GSN's World UAE page
Select another country
