Abu Dhabi announces record investment in energy infrastructure 

A consortium of the world's leading infrastructure and sovereign wealth funds signed a $20.7 billion agreement to invest in Abu Dhabi's natural gas pipeline infrastructure. The Abu Dhabi National Petroleum Company (Adnoc) said Tuesday it raised significant capital in its lucrative mezzanine assets from Global Infrastructure Partners, Brookfield Asset Management, Singapore's GIC sovereign wealth fund, the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan Board, NH Investment & Securities of South Korea and Snam of Italy. 
According to the Emirates' official news agency, WAM, the transaction, the largest global energy infrastructure deal this year, and the largest in the region, will allow $10.1 billion in foreign direct investment in the United Arab Emirates. 
The consortium will take a 49 percent stake in Adnoc Gas Pipeline Assets, which has the lease rights to 38 pipelines for 20 years. The pipeline network covers 982.3 kilometers bringing Adnoc's gas to local customers in the UAE. Adnoc holds the majority interest, with a 51 percent stake. 
This multi-million dollar transaction allows Adnoc to "leverage new pools of global institutional investment capital" while retaining full operational control over the assets, the company said. Meanwhile, the consortium benefits from investing in quality energy infrastructure "with a low risk profile" and stable cash flow generation. 
"This important transaction demonstrates the confidence placed in Adnoc by the global investment community and brings significant value to our pipeline portfolio, following last year's innovative pipeline infrastructure investment partnership," said Adnoc Group CEO and Minister of State Sultan Al Jaber. 
The United Arab Emirates has the sixth largest natural gas reserve in the world. Adnoc's gas strategy aims to meet the country's gas demand and support the UAE in achieving gas self-sufficiency.