Adnoc subsidiary XRG has acquired a strategic 11.7% equity stake in Phase 1 of the Rio Grande LNG project in Texas, marking its first US gas infrastructure investment and reinforcing the UAE’s growing role in global energy supply.
Dubai: In a significant move that strengthens the UAE’s presence in the global energy market, Adnoc’s international gas subsidiary XRG P.J.S.C. has finalized the acquisition of an 11.7% equity stake in Phase 1 of the Rio Grande LNG project in Brownsville, Texas.
The deal, which was initially announced in May 2024, marks XRG’s first-ever gas infrastructure investment in the United States. It was completed through an investment vehicle managed by Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP)—a BlackRock-owned entity—by acquiring a portion of GIP’s existing stake.
Adnoc launched XRG in late 2024 as a lower-carbon energy and chemicals investment company with an enterprise value of over $80 billion. The unit has been tasked with expanding Adnoc’s international gas and chemicals portfolio, with a focus on high-growth markets.
By entering the US LNG sector—widely considered one of the most dynamic and competitive globally—XRG has positioned itself at the heart of a key growth area. The Rio Grande LNG project is expected to play an increasingly important role as the United States cements its position as a top global LNG exporter.
Phase 1 of Rio Grande LNG currently includes three liquefaction trains under construction. Earlier this month, developers reached a Final Investment Decision (FID) for a fourth train, expanding the project’s potential.
Once complete, the facility is projected to have a total production capacity of up to 48 million tons per annum (mtpa) of liquefied natural gas, making it one of the largest such facilities in North America.
At peak construction, more than 5,000 workers are expected to be employed, with an additional 350–400 long-term operational jobs created once the site becomes fully functional.
The acquisition aligns with Adnoc’s view that global LNG demand will continue to rise. According to Mohamed Al Aryani, President of XRG International Gas, demand for LNG is projected to grow by 60% by 2050, fueled by industrial expansion, artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, and global economic activity.
Al Aryani emphasized that the deal underscores XRG’s disciplined, long-term investment approach, adding that it not only secures valuable LNG resources but also diversifies Adnoc’s international footprint in a market that is expected to remain central to global energy security.
In parallel with the equity acquisition, Adnoc has also signed a 20-year offtake agreement for 1.9 mtpa of LNG from Rio Grande’s fourth train. This supply agreement further cements the UAE’s position as a reliable global energy partner, ensuring long-term participation in the trans-Atlantic LNG trade.
The dual investment and offtake arrangement reflects a strategy to balance financial returns with guaranteed energy flows, while hedging against volatility in global supply chains.
XRG, which is wholly owned by Adnoc, has already established gas and chemicals investments across the Caspian region, Africa, and the Americas. Its mandate is to build a competitive global gas business that aligns with Adnoc’s long-term vision of becoming a leading provider of both traditional and lower-carbon energy solutions.
The Rio Grande investment also complements Adnoc’s domestic strategy, where it has been expanding LNG capacity through projects such as Ruways LNG in the UAE. Together, these moves highlight a dual focus: meeting rising demand at home while capturing opportunities in fast-growing international markets.
Industry experts note that the investment reflects Abu Dhabi’s strategy of leveraging its financial strength and partnerships to build a diversified global portfolio in the energy sector. With LNG expected to play a critical role in the transition to lower-carbon energy systems, Adnoc’s involvement in projects like Rio Grande is seen as both a commercial and strategic move.
As the project progresses, XRG’s stake ensures Abu Dhabi remains at the forefront of the evolving global energy landscape, contributing not just capital but also reinforcing the emirate’s position as a hub for innovation, investment, and long-term energy security.
By securing a significant stake in the Rio Grande LNG project, Adnoc’s XRG has taken a bold step into the US energy market. The deal not only strengthens the UAE’s position in the global LNG supply chain but also underscores its long-term commitment to ensuring reliable, lower-carbon energy for the world.
A Dubai court sentenced a woman to jail and deportation after convicting her of stealing over Dh3 million through a crypto wallet swap fraud.
The Philippines is celebrating by offering free train rides on December 30 for all passengers nationwide.
Experience over one hour of dazzling fireworks at the Sheikh Zayed Festival as organizers prepare an unforgettable New Year’s Eve show blending tradition, innovation, and spectacular visuals.
Ideal Web Infotech has successfully delivered measurable SEO results for GP Production, helping the brand secure Top 10 Google rankings for 25 competitive keywords. The strategic SEO campaign has significantly improved GP Production’s online visibility, organic traffic, and business inquiries in a competitive digital services market.
Dubai Studio City is set to become the automotive hub of the region as it hosts Middle East Car & Bike Week 2026, a mega event celebrating supercars, custom bikes, electric vehicles, motorsport culture, and automotive innovation.
The UAE has amended its Civil Procedures Code to introduce clearer rules for handling inheritance disputes and regulating expert reports, aiming to enhance transparency, reduce delays, and strengthen judicial accuracy.
Expo City Dubai has transformed into a festive Winter City, offering lights, snowfall, markets, performances, and family-friendly holiday attractions throughout the Christmas season.
The Indian rupee, Pakistani rupee, and Philippine peso continue to hover near multi-year lows against the UAE dirham, offering expats a strong window to remit money home—if they plan wisely.
The UAE has launched a Dh170 billion transport plan to expand highways, upgrade federal roads, and introduce new mobility projects by 2030, tackling rising congestion as vehicle numbers grow by over 8% annually.
Lost your Emirates ID? Learn how to quickly replace it online using the UAEICP app — including steps, documents, fees, and delivery process.
Severe congestion slows traffic across Dubai and Abu Dhabi during Monday’s morning rush, with key routes like Sheikh Zayed and E311 seeing long delays.
Dubai is gearing up to launch Elon Musk’s Dubai Loop in 2026 — a revolutionary high-speed underground transit system by The Boring Company. Promising rapid, zero-emission travel, the project marks a new era in urban mobility for the Middle East.
Aqwire becomes the first Philippine platform to enable Google Pay and Apple Pay for cross-border payments, revolutionizing how OFWs in the UAE send money and settle bills back home.
Dubai Safari Park has reopened for its 2025 season, offering new ticket packages, VIP tours, immersive wildlife encounters, and educational experiences across six themed zones.
This month’s Big Ticket Abu Dhabi promotion offers a Dh25 million grand prize, weekly gold giveaways, cash contests, and dream cars like the Nissan Patrol and Maserati Grecale.
UAE researchers, in partnership with global institutions, are developing an AI-powered system to assess cloud seedability in real time, advancing water security through innovation.
Gold rates in UAE slip by Dh3 after record highs. 22K at Dh416, 24K at Dh449.5. Buyers await further correction, while long-term trend stays bullish.
Filipino-American singer Jessica Sanchez, nine months pregnant, wins America’s Got Talent Season 20 with a stunning finale performance, marking a triumphant comeback nearly two decades after her first audition.
Rashed Khamis Al Mehairi clinched the title at the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Riders & Juniors 2025 in Romania, securing UAE’s fifth consecutive triumph in the prestigious event.
The UAE’s new ‘Aani’ instant payments platform allows transfers within 10 seconds using only mobile numbers — no IBAN required.
Inside Dubai Metro’s Operations Control Centre where AI, 9,000 cameras, and just 20 staff manage 101 trains, 53 stations, and 850,000 daily passengers.
The iPhone 17 and Air launch in Dubai Mall saw tight security, short queues, and a rush for the cosmic orange iPhone 17 Pro Max, with some customers buying multiple devices to share with family and employees.
Nissan has launched a recall campaign in the UAE affecting 1,661 Patrol “Y63” 2025 models due to a defect in the torque transfer control unit that may cause sudden propulsion loss.
From Global Village’s reopening to Europe’s new entry rules, here are six key updates and events happening in the UAE this October.
Lionel Messi scored and assisted as Inter Miami beat Seattle Sounders 3-1 in a fiery MLS rematch. Miami climbed to 5th in the Eastern Conference while Seattle dropped to 4th in the West.
The Sharjah Executive Council has approved a new Government Data Sharing Guide to enhance transparency, streamline services, and strengthen decision-making across government entities.
The UAE is experiencing a slight dip in temperatures, with cooler mornings, rising humidity at night, and chances of fog in coastal and inland areas. Dusty and windy weather is also expected in parts of the country this week.
Public schools in the UAE have introduced a strict Acceptable Use Policy for digital devices and the internet to ensure safe learning, protect privacy, and promote responsible technology use among students.
Pakistani child star Umer Shah, younger brother of Ahmed Shah, passed away at just 15 after a cardiac arrest. His untimely death has left celebrities and fans across the nation in shock and grief.
Dubai Police have issued a safety advisory ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 India-Pakistan match, warning against fireworks, banned items, and disruptive behaviour at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
The Crown Prince of Dubai visits ADIHEX 2025, the largest-ever edition of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition, showcasing heritage, sustainability, and global participation.
Readers showcase breathtaking photos of UAE’s landscapes and cityscapes, from Dubai’s vibrant beaches to Hatta’s rugged mountains, highlighting the country’s diverse charm.
The UAE’s Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) launches an AI-powered HR assistant offering 108 services, automating 80% of HR procedures, and saving 170,000 work hours annually.
At IGCF 2025, Sharjah showcased how sustainability, innovation, and smart urban strategies are redefining modern living and attracting global investors.
Dubai Investments PJSC is considering an IPO for its Dubai Investments Park unit, with up to a 25% stake sale by February 2026. The move comes as Dubai’s booming real estate market drives demand for industrial, residential, and commercial properties.
Charlie Kirk, CEO of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed during an event at Utah Valley University. US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance paid tribute as the FBI investigates.
Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen returned to action after six months out with back surgery but suffered a straight-games loss to Japan’s Kodai Naraoka at the Hong Kong Open 2025.
Expats in Dubai can exchange their home country driving licence for a UAE licence if their country is on the RTA’s approved list. Here’s everything about documents, fees, process, and terms.
Sanju Samson’s explosive T20I form has sparked debate ahead of India’s Asia Cup 2025 opener against UAE. Will he open, slot in the middle order, or miss out entirely?
The UAE aviation sector has surpassed one billion passengers and 6.4 million aircraft movements between 2015 and 2024, cementing its status as a global hub for travel, tourism, and trade.
Gold prices soar to $3,586 per ounce, with 22K at Dh400 in UAE. Here’s what it means for shoppers, investors, and wedding buyers.
The UAE’s Blue Residency Visa offers 10-year residency to environmental experts, researchers, and award-winning advocates. Learn eligibility, requirements, and how to apply.
From food and pregnancy myths to fears of bad luck, science explains why the September 7 blood moon lunar eclipse is safe to watch and enjoy.
Burnout is silently draining UAE businesses of talent, productivity, and innovation. Quick solutions like outcome-based work, micro-recovery, and empathetic leadership can help prevent a workplace crisis.
Dubai Municipality’s volunteer-driven initiative has repainted 200 graffiti-stained walls, restoring the city’s beauty and boosting community spirit.
Abu Dhabi’s G42 will offload a 2% stake in Presight AI worth $100M to boost free float, attract global investors, and support FTSE Index inclusion.
A rare total lunar eclipse, dubbed the Blood Moon, will be visible across the UAE on September 7–8, lasting over 5 hours with 82 minutes of totality.
Wizz Air has exited Abu Dhabi, but budget travelers still have plenty of low-cost options with Air Arabia, flydubai, IndiGo, and more.
NRIs in UAE can update their Indian passport address by reissuing a new passport. Learn about required documents, fees, and the step-by-step application process.
Sharjah woman’s death sparks criminal case in India; husband faces dowry and abuse charges as body to be flown to Kerala soon.
Pre-order Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 and Flip7 in UAE from just Dh135/month with exclusive offers from du and e&. Launching July 25.
The UAE has hosted 17,619 Afghan evacuees since 2021, providing shelter, medical care, and education before their resettlement in 21 countries.
Eight people, including civilians and attackers, were killed during a terrorist attack on a judiciary building in Zahedan, southeastern Iran.
At Geneva’s biggest watch fair, four exceptional timepieces stood out — Rolex’s sleek Land-Dweller, Patek Philippe’s complex Ref. 5308G, Vacheron’s cosmic Solaria, and Lange’s emotional Minute Repeater. Each showcased the peak of design, innovation, and craftsmanship in modern watchmaking.
New stablecoin regulations in the UAE and US are boosting trust, driving adoption, and positioning stablecoins as a safer, more mainstream digital payment option.