Adnoc Distribution, the retail arm of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc), has awarded a construction contract to build its first three service stations in the emirate of Dubai.

A source close to the company revealed to MEED that the contract was awarded to Dubai-based Gulf Asia Contracting Company.

The three stations will be situated in Dubai Investment Park on Mohamed Bin Zayed Road near the Expo 2020 site and Al Maktoum Airport (DWC); in Al Qusais near Dubai International Airport (DXB); and on the Dubai-Al Ain highway.

It is understood that construction has already begun on the Dubai sites, and the gas stations should be ready in Q4 this year.

The contract was awarded to based Gulf Asia Contracting Company following “a competitive procurement process”, the source said.

The source added that the gas station complexes in Dubai will have large filling bays, convenience stores and restaurants.

Adnoc Distribution (ADX: ADNOCDIST) is also in discussions with an international firm to provide electric car charging facilities at the Dubai stations, the source said.

MEED had reported that Adnoc Distribution was planning to expand in Dubai and Saudi Arabia by opening service stations, after successfully listing shares on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) in December.

The firm raised $851m from an initial public offering of 10 per cent of its share capital, days before the stock listing on 13 December.

So far, Adnoc Distribution has been operating fuel stores across the UAE, except in Dubai.