ADNOC Distribution delivered a strong start to 2026 after reporting robust financial and operational results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, highlighting the resilience of its diversified business model and the continued expansion of its retail and mobility operations across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.
Record EBITDA and Net Profit Growth
The company posted its highest-ever first-quarter EBITDA, reaching $307 million, compared to $275 million during the same period last year, reflecting an annual increase of 11.7%.
Net profit climbed to $210 million in Q1 2026, up from $174 million in Q1 2025, marking a strong year-on-year growth of 20.7%. Meanwhile, underlying EBITDA surged by 24% to $305 million.
Gross profit also increased significantly to $496 million, compared to $440 million in the first quarter of 2025, representing annual growth of 12.7%.
Fuel Sales Reach Historic First-Quarter Levels
ADNOC Distribution achieved record fuel volumes during the first quarter, with total fuel sales reaching 3.82 billion liters, up 2.4% year-on-year.
The company attributed the strong performance to sustained demand across its key operating markets and the continued expansion of its fuel retail and commercial activities. Retail operations accounted for approximately 70% of total fuel volumes, while commercial operations contributed the remaining 30%, supporting the company’s diversified revenue streams.
Expansion Strategy Accelerates Across Regional Markets
As part of its long-term growth strategy, ADNOC Distribution added 22 new service stations during Q1 2026, increasing its total network to 1,032 stations.
The company remains on track to achieve its target of opening between 60 and 70 new stations during 2026, reinforcing its position as one of the region’s leading mobility and convenience retailers.
Non-Fuel Retail Business Drives Additional Growth
The non-fuel retail (NFR) segment continued to serve as a major growth engine for the company during the first quarter.
Gross profit from the NFR business increased by 10% year-on-year, supported by higher customer traffic, improved conversion rates, stronger property management performance, and enhanced convenience store offerings.
The results align with ADNOC Distribution’s long-term strategy to accelerate non-fuel growth by doubling NFR transactions by 2030 compared with 2023 levels.
EV Charging Expansion Supports Future Mobility Vision
In January 2026, ADNOC Distribution unveiled its roadmap to electrify eight major highways across the UAE by the end of 2027 as part of its long-term sustainability and mobility strategy.
The company also inaugurated the region’s largest superfast electric vehicle charging destination on the E11 highway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, featuring 60 high-speed charging points designed to support the growing adoption of electric vehicles in the UAE.
“The Hub by ADNOC” Continues Rapid Rollout
ADNOC Distribution is continuing to expand its “The Hub by ADNOC” concept, which offers retail spaces three times larger than traditional service stations.
The company plans to launch five additional locations in 2026 and aims to operate 30 Hub locations by 2030, with the concept expected to contribute around $30 million in EBITDA.
The Hub initiative has also strengthened the company’s property management business, which emerged as one of the fastest-growing NFR verticals during Q1, supported by strong occupancy rates and new quick-service restaurant openings featuring both international and local brands.
Artificial Intelligence Enhances Customer Experience
The company is accelerating its digital transformation strategy through more than 20 AI-powered initiatives across its value chain.
These initiatives include fuel demand forecasting, supply chain optimization, and personalized customer engagement through the ADNOC Rewards loyalty program, which exceeded 2.69 million members during Q1 2026, representing annual growth of 14.2%.
During the Make it in the Emirates Forum 2026, ADNOC Distribution announced a strategic partnership with DTEK.ai to deploy the AI-powered SWIFT self-checkout system across Oasis by ADNOC convenience stores in the UAE.
The company expects the technology to reduce average checkout times by more than 60%, enhancing operational efficiency and improving customer experience.
Supporting Local Manufacturing and Industrial Growth
ADNOC Distribution also reaffirmed its commitment to local manufacturing during the forum by signing agreements to supply locally produced high-performance lubricants to Emirates Global Aluminium and Borouge.
The agreements highlight the company’s efforts to strengthen local supply chains and support the UAE’s industrial development strategy.
Quarterly Dividend Launch Strengthens Shareholder Returns
The Board of Directors approved ADNOC Distribution’s first quarterly cash dividend for 2026 at 5.14 fils per share, scheduled for payment in June 2026.
The company’s dividend policy, extended through 2030 following shareholder approval during the Annual General Assembly in March, guarantees annual shareholder returns of $700 million or at least 75% of net profit, whichever is higher.
The policy provides investors with long-term visibility on returns while allowing potential upside from future earnings growth.
Key Dividend Dates
Last entitlement date: May 20, 2026
Ex-dividend date: May 21, 2026
Record date: May 22, 2026
Payment date: June 9, 2026
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