ADNOC Distribution is set to open its first service station in Saudi Arabia after it was awarded a license to own, operate and manage fuel service stations in the Kingdom.

The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs (MOMRA), which regulates the Kingdom’s fuel station industry, issued the award during a signing ceremony in Riyadh on Sunday, the UAE’s largest fuel and convenience retailer, said in a statement.

It added: “ADNOC Distribution has committed to opening one service station in Saudi Arabia in 2018, as part of its growth strategy which is focused on expanding choice for fuel customers, improving its convenience store offering and being more efficient with costs.”

A signing ceremony in Riyadh was attended by the ministry’s Undersecretary Dr. Abdul Qader bin Othman Amir and Abdulla Al Menthari from ADNOC Distribution.

“We extend our thanks to MOMRA for issuing our license to operate in the Saudi Arabia. Drawing on our 45 year history of success in the UAE, I am confident that we will bring more choice and service to customers in the Kingdom while always being mindful of our 100% commitment to safety,” said Saeed Mubarak Al Rashdi, ADNOC Distribution’s CEO.