ADQ, Plenary Group launch infrastructure development, investment platform
Plenary Middle East will focus on public and social infrastructure opportunities across the Middle East and Central Asia
Abu Dhabi-based global sovereign investor ADQ and Australia’s Plenary Group, an independent investor, developer, and manager of public-private infrastructure projects, have announced the launch of Plenary Middle East, a co-development and investment platform aimed at driving public and social infrastructure projects across the Middle East and Central Asia.
The establishment of Plenary Middle East builds on ADQ’s acquisition of a 49 percent stake in Plenary Group in April 2024.
The co-development platform will focus on public-private partnership (PPP) models to deliver sustainable infrastructure solutions with lasting socioeconomic benefits in key sectors such as education, transportation, and healthcare.
By utilising PPPs, the platform aims to bridge the infrastructure financing gap, which the Global Infrastructure Outlook estimates will reach $15tn by 2040.
Plenary Group has already demonstrated success in the UAE, having led the development of the nation’s first schools under a PPP framework.
In collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, Plenary Group delivered three state-of-the-art schools, providing world-class education infrastructure for over 5,000 students.
Hamad Al Hammadi, deputy group CEO at ADQ, emphasised the strategic alignment of the initiative: “The establishment of Plenary Middle East aligns with ADQ’s focus on building world-class foundational systems and infrastructure essential to the functioning of economies and societies.
“Together with Plenary, a global leader with a proven track record in successfully delivering infrastructure projects, we aim to capitalize on the potential of public-private partnership opportunities in our key target markets. By leveraging our mutual expertise, we are well-positioned to drive sustainable growth and create lasting value.”
Paul Oppenheim, chairman of Plenary Group, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, noting: “We are excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring, positioning us to participate in significant upcoming projects in new and existing markets, accelerating our growth. In particular, the Middle East co-development and investment platform will supercharge our expansion into new markets and unlock valuable opportunities for both companies.”
Plenary Middle East to boost UAE-Australia ties
The joint platform further strengthens the ties between the UAE and Australia, following ADQ’s landmark acquisition of a 49 per cent stake in Plenary Group in April 2024.
This was the first major inbound investment from the UAE into an Australian company since the signing of the Australia-UAE comprehensive economic partnership agreement.
Plenary Middle East will be integrated into ADQ’s newly established infrastructure and critical minerals cluster.
The platform is expected to drive sustainable growth and create long-term value.
