ADQ, Plenary to explore Infrastructure Opportunities in MECA

ADQ, an active global sovereign investor from Abu Dhabi, and Australia’s Plenary Group on Tuesday announced the establishment of a co-development and investment platform, Plenary Middle East, which will focus on public and social infrastructure opportunities in high-growth regions across the Middle East and Central Asia (MECA).

The launch of new platform, which is part of the Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), follows the completion of ADQ’s strategic investment in Plenary Group to acquire a 49% stake in the company which was announced in April last year.

The transaction marks the first major inbound investment from the UAE into an Australian company further reinforcing bilateral ties between the two nations.

The investment significantly strengthens Plenary’s balance sheet, enabling the acceleration of growth in key markets across Australia and New Zealand, including prospective projects such as Hobart Stadium, Brisbane 2032 Olympics infrastructure, energy transmission, social and affordable housing, and transport infrastructure.

The investment also positions Plenary to expand its presence in other priority regions, including the Middle East, Asia, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Europe.

Plenary has already achieved significant early success in the UAE since expanding to the region in 2022.

In collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, Plenary Group recently delivered three state-of-art schools, as part of the Zayed City Schools project, providing world-class education infrastructure for more than 5,000 students, which is now operational.

The establishment of Plenary Middle East highlights the shared confidence of Plenary and ADQ in the opportunities within the region; one that saw more than $30 billion in greenfield infrastructure projects closed in 2024.

As the co-development and investment platform grows its portfolio in the coming years, it is well-positioned to leverage ADQ’s global reach and stature, combined with Plenary Group’s sector expertise and transactional excellence.

Global Recognition

Plenary Chair Paul Oppenheim said that this transaction highlighted the global recognition and value of Australia’s infrastructure expertise.

He said that they were looking at the opportunities this partnership will bring, positioning Plenary Group to participate in significant upcoming projects in Australia and New Zealand, while accelerating the company’s international 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,” Oppenheim added.

ADQ Deputy Group CEO Hamad Al Hammadi said that 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.

He added: “Together with Plenary, a global leader with a proven track record in successfully delivering infrastructure projects, ADQ aims to capitalise on the potential of public-private partnership opportunities in their key target markets. By leveraging our mutual expertise, we are well-positioned to drive sustainable growth and create lasting value.”

Plenary remains majority-owned and controlled by its Australian founders and senior management team, maintaining operational independence as it continues to develop and invest in long-term infrastructure and real assets.