Abu Dhabi's $150B Push: From Oil Giants to Web3 and Robotaxis

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Abu Dhabi's ADNOC has announced a $150 billion investment plan for 2026-2030, aiming to bolster oil and gas production while expanding its international footprint. The state-owned oil company, which recently raised its oil and gas reserves estimates, is focusing on unconventional exploration and global partnerships to meet rising energy demand according to reports. A key component of this strategy is XRG, ADNOC's international investment arm, which has grown its enterprise value to $151 billion since its launch in 2024. XRG is targeting deals in chemicals, natural gas, and renewables, with recent moves including a nearly $14 billion bid for Germany's Covestro AG and a proposed investment in an Argentine LNG project according to Bloomberg.

Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi's regulatory environment is attracting Web3 innovation, as Animoca Brands secured in-principle approval to operate as a regulated fund manager within the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). The firm, which manages over 600 Web3 investments, emphasized the approval as a step toward establishing institutional-grade investment channels for digital assets.

Animoca's expansion aligns with the UAE's broader push to position itself as a hub for blockchain and AI-driven technologies according to CoinDesk.

Global mobility solutions are also gaining traction, with WeRide's robotaxi services expanding across eight countries. The autonomous vehicle company recently received a driverless permit in Switzerland, marking its first such authorization in Europe, while its partnerships in the UAE-Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ras Al Khaimah-have advanced toward fully autonomous commercial operations. In Singapore, WeRide and Grab secured approval for AV testing in Punggol, with plans to launch public rides by early 2026. These developments underscore the accelerating adoption of autonomous transport, driven by regulatory support and technological advancements.

Elsewhere, financial firms are leveraging blockchain to diversify traditional asset management. Valereum Plc, a UK-based fintech, secured a $200 million investment to fuel its AI-driven tokenization platforms and pursue a U.S. stock exchange listing. Similarly, AlphaTON Capital expanded its TON Coin treasury and announced a strategic acquisition of a majority stake in GAMEE, a mobile gaming platform, to integrate blockchain into its ecosystem according to PR Newswire.

The Middle East's energy and tech sectors are further solidifying their global roles, with Saudi Arabia's automotive engine oils market projected to grow due to rising demand for synthetic lubricants in premium vehicles. Meanwhile, companies like I-ON Digital Corp. and VCI Global are advancing tokenization strategies, aiming to bridge real-world assets with blockchain-based financial instruments according to Global Newswire.