Greenstone Investors in the News
Saudi Aramco and China's BYD forge strategic partnership for EV development
Saudi oil giant Aramco signed a joint development agreement with Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD to explore collaboration in the development of new energy vehicle technologies, Aramco said on Monday. The agreement, signed by Aramco unit Saudi Aramco Technologies Company (SATC), aims to enhance vehicle efficiency and environmental performance, as the kin...
21 April, 2025
Masdar completes full acquisition of Greece’s Terna Energy
United Arab Emirates' renewable energy company Masdar said on Thursday it had fully acquired Greece's Terna Energy, after buying a majority stake last year, a further step in its international expansion strategy. Masdar, seeking to capitalise on opportunities in a sector hit by high interest rates and rising debt costs, has been growing its presence in European market...
10 April, 2025
ADQ and Energy Capital Partners seal $25 billion partnership to power data centres
Abu Dhabi-based ADQ and U.S. private equity firm Energy Capital Partners (ECP) have announced a 50-50 partnership to develop new power generation and energy infrastructure, aiming to address the rising electricity demands of data centers and energy-intensive industries. The joint venture will focus primarily on the U.S. market, with potential investments in sele...
20 March, 2025
Oman Investment Authority Announces Investment in U.S.-Based Biopolymers company
As part of its strategy to invest in advanced technologies, Oman Investment Authority (OIA) has announced its investment in the U.S.-based company Tidal Vision, a leading innovator in the field of biopolymer technology. This investment was made during Tidal Vision’s Series B funding round, in which the company successfully raised over $140 million from strategic...
11 March, 2025
Mubadala Announces Strategic Investment in Apleona
Mubadala Investment Company, the Abu Dhabi-based investment company, announced its agreement to acquire a minority stake in Apleona, a leading European provider of integrated facility management based in Neu-Isenburg near Frankfurt (Germany). The investment is alongside a consortium led by Bain Capital’s Private Equity team in Europe that will support Apleona’s contin...
17 February, 2025
ADQ and State Capital Investment Corporation form partnership to explore investment opportunities in Vietnam
ADQ and State Capital Investment Corporation (SCIC), a sovereign wealth fund owned by the Government of Vietnam, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a framework for collaboration in key sectors of mutual interest in the Southeast Asian country. As part of the agreement, both entities will collaborate to identify and assess p...
8 February, 2025
UAE’s Adnoc confirms discussions with Austria’s OMV for a new polyolefins JV
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) confirmed on Saturday negotiations with Austria’s OMV to set up a new global polyolefins group. It said in a statement that negotiations to merge their Borouge and Borealis companies were going in a “constructive and positive manner.” The proposed merger would create a global polyolefin group, which would combine Can...
1 February, 2025
Qatar’s SWF makes an investment in U.S. unicorn Instabase
Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), has invested in U.S.-headquartered AI-powered data firm Instabase in a fundraising that secured $100 million. The fund led the latest investment round that brought the software company’s valuation to $1.24 billion, with participation from existing investors Greylock Partners, NEA, Andreessen Horowitz and Index Ve...
21 January, 2025
Abu Dhabi’s ADIA secures a stake in Canadian company Innocap
Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), the largest sovereign wealth fund in the UAE, is investing in Innocap Investment Management, a Canadian platform that makes it easier to allocate capital to multiple hedge funds. The investment by a wholly owned subsidiary of ADIA is for a minority stake, which will be progressively increased to 10% in the coming years. Innocap said that Moham...
15 January, 2025
Qatar's thriving real estate sector set to attract foreign investment in 2025
The real estate market in Qatar witnessed a tremendously positive outlook in the current year in terms of investments and is expected to carry on in 2025. The forthcoming year is expected to witness increased foreign investments due to ongoing reforms, a thriving real estate market, and the growing reputation of Qatar as a global business hub, remarked an industry expert. <sp...
24 December, 2024
Mubadala Capital JV establishes a strategic partnership with a leading European investor
Abu Dhabi Catalyst Partners (ADCP), a joint venture between Mubadala Capital and Alpha Wave Global, established to promote the growth and development of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), today (November 13) announced a strategic partnership with Investindustrial, one of Europe's leading independent investment groups managing €15 billion in assets. Founded by the Bonomi family in 1990...
14 November, 2024
PIF increasing its investment plan for green projects to $19 billion
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) has increased its investment plan for green projects to over $19.4 billion (Dh71.2 billion), encompassing 91 eligible initiatives in renewable energy and clean transportation, among other areas. In its second 'Allocation and Impact Report', PIF updated the status of its green bonds as of June 30. Read the original article in G...
15 October, 2024
Mubadala acquires stake in a Spanish IT company
Abu Dhabu’s Mubadala Capital has agreed to acquire a controlling stake in Babel, a Madrid-based IT and digital transformation services provider. The acquisition, which is subject to regulatory approval, further expands Mubadala’s presence in the business services sector, following its earlier purchase of Dutch safety-critical training company RelyOn Nutec this year. Rea...
4 October, 2024
ADIA invests in Polus Capital Management
Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) has made a capital commitment to Polus Capital Management, a London-based credit investor The funding from a wholly-owned subsidiary of the sovereign wealth fund is for Polus’ Special Situations strategy, which invests in “stressed and distressed “corporate debt. ADIA, a diverified global investor controlling nearly $1 trillion of a...
18 September, 2024
ADIA sells 50% stake in Policy Expert to UK’s Cinven
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) has sold a 50% stake in the UK-based Policy Expert, an insurance solutions provider, to private equity firm Cinven’s Strategic Financials Fund as part of a “broader growth strategy” for the insurance firm. The financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed and is subject to regulatory approvals and closing conditions. <s...
12 September, 2024
Abu Dhabi's Mubadala invests in Yondr Group
Abu Dhabi state investor Mubadala has invested in London-based data centre developer Yondr Group, the fund’s latest foray into a sector that is expected to benefit from booming demand for cloud services and artificial intelligence technology (AI). Global cumulative data centre demand is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11% by 2032, driven by advancements in AI, 5G technology and the I...
21 August, 2024
Abu Dhabi’s Investcorp Capital agrees to invest in $4.2 billion redevelopment of New York’s JFK International Airport
Alternative investor Investcorp Capital plc has agreed to invest in the $4.2 billion redevelopment of New York’s JFK International Airport’s Terminal 6. The investment will be made through Investcorp Group’s newly formed partnership with Corsair Capital – Investcorp Corsair Infrastructure Partners, which is the lead financial sponsor of the redevelopment project, and whose wholly-o...
4 April, 2024
Capital from the Gulf’s SWFs is flooding into European sectors
European founders looking for fresh capital often chase deep-pocketed U.S. investors — but recent years have seen them increasingly turning their attention to the other side of the globe. Gulf countries, which have plenty of capital lying in sovereign wealth funds and corporate VCs, are becoming attractive investors for startups and scaleups (and VCs) on th...
January 24, 2024
Mubadala invests in education finance company, Avanse in India
Mubadala Investment Company has invested in India’s financial services sector for the first time when it invested in Avanse Financial Services, an education-focused non-banking financial company (NBFC) in the country. This is part of a plan for Mubadala to double its exposure in Asia by 2030. <span style="color: var(--wpex-text-2); font-size: var(--wp...
March 28, 2024
ADIA acquires a 40% stake in Landmark Dividend
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) has completed the acquisition of a 40% stake in DigitalBridge subsidiary Landmark Dividend. The deal was first announced in November last year and completed this week alongside DigitalBridge-sponsored vehicles. Read the origi...
April 03, 2024
PIF ranks 2nd among GCC wealth funds with $925 billion in assets
Saudi Arabia’s PIF ranks 2nd among GCC sovereign wealth funds with $925 billion (AED 3.3 trillion) in assets. After a 55% increase in assets under management, the PIF has surged in global ranking of sovereign wealth organisations. This signifies that the organization has surpassed Kuwait’s sovereign wealth fund in this regard, now trailing only behind...
March 20, 2024
Saudi Aramco invests $80 million in U.S.- based CarbonCapture
U.S.-based climate technology firm CarbonCapture secured $80 million (AED 293 million) in funding from various investors, notably Saudi Aramco's venture capital unit. Prime Movers Lab spearheaded the Series A fundraising, with contributions from Aramco Ventures, Amazon's Climate Pledge Fund, Siemens Financial Services, Idealab X, and Marc Benioff's Time Ven...
March 13, 2024
ADIA backs Europe’s Cheyne Capital with a £650 million investment in its real estate private credit strategy
Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund has increased its funding commitment to Cheyne Capital’s real estate private credit strategy in Europe. The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) committed an undisclosed amount to Cheyne’s programme, dubbed as the capital solutions strategy, bringing the total commitment to £650 million ($836 million), European media repor...
March 13, 2024
Masdar has successfully acquired a 49% stake in a UK offshore wind project
Abu Dhabi clean energy company Masdar has completed the acquisition of a 49% stake in 3-gigawatt (DBS) project, one of the world’s largest planned offshore wind farms, as it continues to expand its presence across renewable energy markets in the UK and globally. The acquisition is part of an £11 billion ($14 billion) joint investment in the UK’s renewable e...
February 29, 2024
Mubadala and its partners buy out Truist Insurance Holding, the 5th largest U.S. insurance broker
Along with other investor-partners, Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Investment Co. has bought out a stake in the fifth largest insurance broker in the U.S. This is the Truist Insurance Holdings, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and which has more than 200 offices in the U.S. The stake was bought from Truist Financial Corporation. <span style="color: v...
February 22, 2024
Mubadala and Goldman Sachs sign a $1 billion private credit partnership to invest in the Asia Pacific region
The UAE sovereign investor Mubadala Investment Company and Goldman Sachs have signed a $1 billion deal to invest in private credit deals in Asia, with particular focus on India. The Abu Dhabi fund and Goldman Sachs Alternatives, its asset management unit, have signed a partnership to invest across the private credit spectrum and across multiple Asia Pacific...
February 26, 2024
Saudi Arabia's PIF is set to allocate $70 billion yearly
Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund is set to increase its annual deployment of capital to $70 billion a year after 2025. The Public Investment Fund, or PIF, currently puts $40 billion to $50 billion of capital to work on an annual basis, and that’s set to increase after 2025, the fund’s governor, Yasir Bin Othman Al-Rumayyan, said Thursday at the FII Prio...
February 22, 2024
Tasaru, supported by PIF, has invested in firms specializing in autonomous mobility in both Croatia and Austria
Tasaru Mobility Investments, a company fully owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has made two strategic investments to develop its autonomous mobility sector. The first is an investment in Project 3 Mobility (P3), a Croatian company developing its own autonomous electric vehicle and mobility service, which closed its Series A investment rou...
February 2, 2024
Aramco seeking portfolio expansion by exploring refining and chemicals deals in China and India
Saudi Aramco, the world’s biggest oil exporter, is seeking refining and chemicals deals in Asia as it looks to rapidly expand the business and secure long-term buyers for its crude. The company is looking at China and India for more acquisitions, president of the downstream unit, Mohammed Al Qahtani, said. The majority of Aramco’s crude is sold in Asia, and...
January 26, 2024
PIF unveils its latest multi-year partnership to boost electric motorsport and mobility in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund, Public Investment Fund (PIF) has announced a new multi-year partnership with Electric 360, Formula E, Extreme E and E1 to enhance the growth of the electric motorsport sector in the kingdom. The partnership specifically aims to advance the role of the sport in the future of electric mobility. Additionally, educatio...
January 23, 2024
ADNOC acquires a 10.1% stake in UK carbon capture developer
ADNOC has acquired a 10.1% stake in London-based carbon capture and storage (CCS) developer Storegga. Storegga is leading the development of the Acorn CCS project in northeast Scotland, which is targeting subsurface storage in the central UK North Sea of up to 10 MM metric tons/year of CO2 by 2030. Last month, Storegga and partners Shell UK, Harbour E...
January 12, 2024
Mubadala, ADIA and ADQ, UAE’s sovereign wealth funds, invested a combined $36.5 billion in 2023
Three sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) from the UAE invested a combined $36.5 billion in 2023, Global SWF, which tracks the world’s sovereign investment funds, said in its 2024 annual report. Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala was ranked third in the top 10 list of SWFs with investments of $17.5 billion, followed by Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) with investments of...
January 2, 2024
Mubadala, Aldar and Ares partner to invest $1 billion in European private real estate credit
Aldar Properties (‘Aldar’), Mubadala Investment Company (‘Mubadala’) and Ares Management (‘Ares’) today announced that they have entered into a new partnership to jointly invest U.S. $1 billion in private real estate credit opportunities in the United Kingdom and Europe over the next three to five years. As part of this transaction, Mubadala will hold a 50% stake...
December 13, 2023
PIF acquires a 49% stake in luxury chain Rocco Forte Hotels
Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund has agreed to buy a 49% stake in Rocco Forte Hotels in a deal that is believed to value the luxury group’s properties at about £1.2 billion ($1.52 billion). The Public Investment Fund is snapping up the “significant” minority stake in the company, which owns The Balmoral in Edinburgh and Brown’s Hotel in London, with an...
December 04, 2023
Masdar will invest $13.9 billion UK renewable energy project
The UAE is investing in a massive renewable energy project, including a giant offshore wind farm, in the UK. Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company – Masdar, the UAE’s clean energy powerhouse, is part of an £11 billion ($13.9 billion) investment into the UK’s renewable energy sector and is purchasing a 49% stake in RWE’s 3 gigawatt (GW) Dogger Bank South (DBS) pro...
December 01, 2023
ADIO and ARTE Capital collaborate to foster investment in Abu Dhabi
The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) today announced a collaboration with Hong Kong-based ARTE Capital, one of Asia’s leading asset managers, to set up its regional headquarters in Abu Dhabi and launch a $1 billion fund for Chinese companies expanding to the Middle East. Announced during the flagship Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2023, the move underscores Abu D...
November 30, 2023
Masdar partners with Emirates Steel Arkan to develop green hydrogen project
Abu Dhabi’s clean energy company Masdar is teaming up with Emirates Steel Arkan to develop a green hydrogen project to decarbonise the hard-to-abate steel sector in the UAE. The pilot project, which is being hailed as the first of its kind in the Mena region, will be located at Emirates Steel’s production units in the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi and will h...
November 22, 2023
ADIA exploring investing in energy transition opportunities
Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), one of the world's biggest sovereign wealth funds, is exploring opportunities to invest in energy transition as the global landscape shifts to investments in greener and more sustainable projects and technology. The wealth fund, which is a consistent investor in the renewable energy sector, held an energy transition su...
November 10, 2023
PIF raises stake in luxury carmaker Aston Martin
Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, PIF, has raised its stake in luxury carmaker Aston Martin to 20.5% from 17.9%, a bourse filing at the London Stock Exchange showed. With a 2.6% increase in its holdings, the Public Investment Fund now holds a greater share in the UK-firm than Geely and Chinese entrepreneur Shufu Li. <p class="default__StyledText-s...
November 09, 2023
Masdar wins bid for $1 billion solar plant in Saudi Arabia
Abu Dhabi state-owned renewable energy firm Masdar, along with two other companies, has won a bid to develop and operate a $1 billion solar plant in Saudi Arabia. The consortium of the UAE firm, France’s EDF Renewables and Saudi conglomerate Nesma Company has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with the Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) to develop,...
November 08, 2023
Brookfield and QIA invest £400 million in Canary Wharf Group
Canary Wharf Group, the developer of London’s dockland financial district, has received a fresh equity injection from its shareholders, as the area contends with high-profile departures and a shift to working from home. Brookfield and the Qatar Investment Authority have committed to a £300 million ($364 million) equity injection for the firm as well as a £1...
October 25, 2023
ADQ’s portfolio rises to $200 billion, Global SWF estimates
Abu Dhabi’s wholly owned strategic investment company ADQ's portfolio has jumped to $200 billion, backed by the performance of the emirate's main utility, Abu Dhabi National Energy Co., also known as Taqa, Global SWF said. Last year, ADQ divested 8.6% of Taqa, a stake worth around $3.6 billion, to Multiply Group, Abu Dhabi Pension Fund and other investors....
October 23, 2023
Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) invests approximately $600 million in Reliance Retail at $100 billion valuation
Abu Dhabi Investment Authority is investing $597 million in Reliance Retail, valuing the largest Indian retail chain at a whopping $100 billion. The investment follows KKR and Qatar Investment Authority together investing $1.7 billion in the Indian firm, which is part of Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries. Abu Dhabi sovereign-wealth fund’s investment will...
October 6, 2023
Close to $4 trillion assets managed by SWFs in the GCC
Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWF) in the UAE accounted for 62% of the total $74 billion capital deployed in 2022 by the GCC state-owned funds that are managing close to $4 trillion worth of assets, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. Five of the world’s 10 biggest spending state-owned investors (SOIs) of 2022 were from the GCC and they deployed appr...
Aug 9, 2023
Mubadala acquires stake in U.S.-based Aligned Data Centres
Mubadala Investment Company, the Abu Dhabi sovereign investor, announced it has invested in Aligned Data Centres (Aligned), a leading Pan-Americas data centre company headquartered in the U.S. With this investment, Mubadala will become a minority partner alongside majority partners managed by Macquarie Asset Management. Aligned offers both Scale Data...
August 2, 2023
UAE is one of the world’s fastest growing economies
The UAE’s real GDP growth accelerated during 2022 due to a robust recovery in non-oil GDP and a sizable expansion of oil GDP, according to the Financial Stability Report for 2022 released by the Central Bank of the UAE. The report noted that this comes at a time when the global economy experienced a slowdown in 2022, with external risks remaining elevated i...
July 14, 2023
ADQ invests in Canadian alternative asset manager Sagard
ADQ, the Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company, has become an investor alongside Bank of Montreal (BMO) in Canadian alternative asset management company Sagard. ADQ and BMO have respectively entered into definitive...
July 06, 2023
PIF ranks 7th worldwide in Mideast for scoring high in GSR
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund ranked first in the Middle East region and seventh worldwide among 100 global state-owned funds for scoring high in governance, sustainability and resilience practices, according to the evaluation of the Global Sovereign Wealth Funds. Launched in 2020, the GSR scorecard is driven by an annual review of the best practice...
July 02, 2023
Saudi Arabia makes its mark in the global games industry by investing billions globally
Saudi Arabia has spent almost $8 billion acquiring and building stakes in gaming companies across the globe in the past 18 months as part of a turbocharged investment spree with the aim of becoming a dominant force in the growing entertainment industry. Saudi-backed Savvy Games Group has led the deals, including a significant stake in China’s VSPO, Sweden’s Embra...
June 13, 2023
China set to receive up to $2 trillion from Middle East sovereign funds amid rise in investment capital
China, the world’s second-largest economy, is set to receive $1 trillion to $2 trillion in investments from top sovereign funds in the Middle East by 2030 as they look to pivot to Asia amid a rapid rise in their investment capital, the chief executive of Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) has said. This investment capital is expected to grow to about $10 trillion by...
June 12, 2023
Gulf nations interested to explore opportunities in Latin America energy sector
As Latin American countries have been moving to enhance their energy infrastructure and meet the needs brought by economic development, investors worldwide have been demonstrating their desire to explore the region’s new opportunities. Gulf nations, especially Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have been among the most promising partners in the region’s upcoming energy en...
June 01, 2023
Silicon Valley VCs seek Middle East funding
Silicon Valley investors are touring the Middle East, seeking to build long-term ties with sovereign wealth funds during the worst funding crunch for venture capital firms in almost a decade. Top technology VCs such as Andreessen Horowitz, Tiger Global, and IVP have jetted teams of executives to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar in recent weeks, a...
May 29, 2023
Abu Dhabi economy takes top spot as the fastest growing economy in the Middle East
The Abu Dhabi economy is the fastest growing in the Middle East and North Africa, with a remarkable 9.3% growth last year. Non-oil sectors contributed 50% of GDP last year, with real estate, healthcare, and real estate all contributing to significant growth. Abu Dhabi’s growth is attributed to its robust economic framework and collaborative approach from the publ...
May 10, 2023
Italy looks to attract additional investments from PIF
The Italian government is looking to increase investment in the country from the Public Investment Fund, the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia. A delegation of Saudi entrepreneurs and investors, led by the President of the Saudi- Italian Business Council Kamel Al- Munajjed, met in Rome on Thursday with the Italian Minister for Economic Development- Adolfo Urs...
May 05, 2023
Total assets managed by Saudi’s PIF valued to be at $650 billion
From $150 billion of assets in 2015, Public Investment Fund (PIF) now manage around $650 billion of assets, the fund governor said. Yasir Al-Rumayyan said the fund wants to increase the value of its assets to $1 trillion in 2025 and between $2-3 trillion by 2030. Al-Rumayyan indicated that the fund is the world’s largest investor in renewable energy and green hyd...
April 20, 2023
UK decides not to proceed with tax on Gulf SWFs
The UK’s investment minister has highlighted the recent decision to scrap plans to impose a tax on Gulf sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) investing in the country as evidence of the importance the British government places on the region. ”Collaborative relationships with Gulf sovereign wealth funds are very important to the UK and our decision not to tax them has se...
April 13, 2023
DP World’s investments in the logistics sector totaled more than $10 billion since 2012
Dubai’s DP World has invested more than $10 billion (Dhs37.3 billion) in the global logistics sector since 2012, making it one of the top five overseas investors in this period, according to the latest foreign direct investment (FDI) data from FDI Intelligence. The state-owned ports operator ranked fifth in the world in 2022 by total value of direct investments a...
April 02, 2023
Mubadala, Ares partner to deploy $1 billion through JV into credit secondaries
Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Investment Company (Mubadala) and Ares Management Corporation plan to deploy approximately $1 billion in global credit secondaries opportunities through a joint venture. The venture represents a key milestone for both organizations and will enhance Mubadala’s positioning within the secondaries credit market while enabling Ares to significantl...
March 23, 2023
Foreign countries look to the Middle East for money during global instability
As oil prices made a roaring comeback in the last two years, the Gulf’s public wealth funds went on a spending spree. The top five regional funds in terms of spending in the last year — Abu Dhabi’s ADIA, ADQ and Mubadala, Saudi Arabia’s PIF and Qatar’s QIA — deployed a combined total of more than $73 billion in 2022 alone, according to sovereign wealth fund track...
March 09, 2023
Masdar’s investment in clean energy projects for Q1 2023 valued at $30 billion+
UAE-based Masdar’s global portfolio of invested or committed-to-invest clean energy projects stood at more than $30 billion as of the first quarter of 2023, according to the renewable energy company’s Green Finance Framework (GFF) statement. Combined, these projects have a gross capacity of over 20 gigawatts (GW), capable of displacing up to 30 million tonnes of...
March 06, 2023
New report by GPCA shows a rise in private credit investments in 2022
Private credit and infrastructure investments across emerging and developing markets surged to record levels in 2022 as borrowers looked for alternative financing options amid rising interest rates, according to a report published on Wednesday. The Global Private Capital Association (GPCA) said private credit investment saw the largest increase, increasing by 89%...
February 22, 2023
Mubadala signs cooperation deal with Oman and Etihad Rail Company
Ambitious plans for a rail network connecting the UAE to Oman have taken a major step forward with a cooperation deal with Abu Dhabi's Mubadala Investment Company. <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/transport/2022/10...
February 21, 2023
MoC signed by Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, IFC to support investments in sustainable sectors
Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) during the World Government Summit to support investments in emerging markets related to the clean energy transition, climate mitigation, and adaptation, the adoption of clean technologies, and food...
February 14, 2023
Saudi Aramco fund invests in the Japanese "air mobility" company Terra Drone
The Saudi Aramco owned investment fund, Wa’ed Ventures, has led a $14 million ‘bridge round’ in Terra Drone, the Japan-based urban air mobility tech firm. This will see the Japanese firm launch a new subsidiary in the Kingdom, to localize its drone services as well as serve a global autonomous vehicles market expected to ‘grow to $1.5 trillion by 2040’. Terra Dro...
January 25, 2023
According to the CEO, Masdar has the "right capital and fuel" to promote renewable energy
Abu Dhabi’s clean energy company Masdar has the 'right capital and fuel' to accelerate the development of renewable projects, according to its chief executive. "We are sponsored by three very important strong shareholders, started with Mubadala 16 years ago, and recently, we welcomed Adnoc and Taqa to our company," Mohamed Al Ramahi told Abu Dhabi Sustainabilit...
January 16, 2023
Gulf SWFs will continue to be quite active in Europe and the US in 2023
Led by the Gulf region, sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) deployed $152.5 billion (Dh560 billion) worldwide in 2022, an increase of 38 per cent from the previous year. Gulf sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) will likely continue to be very active in 2023 in Europe and North America to invest in private equity firms and to fund distressed portfolios, says a new report. Acc...
January 3, 2023
Creating a country of opportunities owing to Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund
In 2016, Saudi Arabia announced the Vision 2030 blueprint to diversify the Kingdom’s economy. It dared to change its identity as an oil-rich nation to a harbinger of new ideas that would shape the world. Six years later, the Kingdom has ventured into new realms of opportunities that the Arab world would not have dared to dream of even a decade ago, thanks to its...
December 25, 2022
In 2023, the Oman Investment Authority plans to invest $5 billion on projects
Oman Investment Authority, the Gulf state’s sovereign wealth fund, aims to spend 1.9 billion rials ($4.95 billion) on investment projects in 2023, state media reported on Tuesday. The OIA said the financing will come from the local and foreign private sectors, from financing institutions, or from the agency itself or its subsidiaries. The OIA has also reportedly...
December 20, 2022
Ardian and Mubadala Capital announce a partnership in private equity worth $2.1 billion
Ardian, a world leading private investment house, and Mubadala Capital, the asset management arm of Mubadala Investment Company, today announced a new partnership that will see Ardian invest in a portfolio of high-quality private equity assets managed by Mubadala Capital, and in parallel Ardian will make a primary commitment to Mubadala Capital’s Private Equity f...
December 16, 2022
UAE sovereign ADIA and SC Capital sets a $2 billion data centre investment strategy
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), one of the world's largest sovereign wealth funds, has partnered with Singapore’s SC Capital Partners (SCCP), a private equity real-estate firm, to set up a data centre investment strategy that could reach $2 billion in equity. The programme targets data centre investments across the Asia Pacific region with a focus on J...
November 24, 2022
The wealth fund of Oman increases assets to $41.5 billion dispersed across 40 nations
Oman Investment Authority has raised its assets to $41.5 billion as the sovereign fund increased its holdings in real estate, technology, and logistics sectors, Bloomberg reported. This brings OIA’s managed assets to over 16 billion Omani rials ($41.6 billion) in 40 countries. The sultanate’s wealth fund also invests in stocks, bonds, and short-term assets, as we...
November 15, 2022
The Middle East is being led by sovereign wealth funds through the global economic crisis
In a global context of geopolitical, economic and financial uncertainty, sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) from the Middle East are shining more than ever. These government-related entities have broken stereotypes of having hidden agendas and only hunting trophy assets, and have instead become highly sophisticated, flexible and sizeable investors that can move the ne...
November 11, 2022
FII update: Saudi Arabia to strengthen its position in global value chains through investment deals
Saudi Arabia, seen by IMF as one of the fastest-growing economies this year, has signed a slew of investment deals across sectors, including in aerospace, as it looks to build up its position in global value chains. The agreements were signed by the Saudi Ministry of Investment on Tuesday on the sidelines of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh, a min...
October 26, 2022
Around $1 billion will be invested in Asia by Mubadala and KKR
KKR & Co and Abu Dhabi state fund Mubadala Investment Co said they had entered into an agreement to invest about $1 billion in Asia. The agreement, announced on Sunday, will see the two firms investing across performing private credit opportunities in the Asia Pacific region. Mubadala, which manages $243 billion in assets, said in a joint statement it would d...
October 24, 2022
To advance RWE's green energy plan, Qatar Investment Authority invests $2.43 billion
The Qatar Investment Authority has agreed to invest $2.43 billion in Germany’s largest power producer RWE AG, to help it buy US firm Con Edison Inc’s Clean Energy Businesses subsidiary for $6.8 billion. According to a Reuters report, RWE will issue a mandatory convertible bond to a QIA subsidiary, through which Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund will become a 9.1 perc...
October 02, 2022
Mubadala Energy announces new gas discovery in Malaysia
Mubadala Energy, the oil and gas unit of Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Investment Company, has announced a new gas discovery off Malaysia as it seeks to expand its position in energy transition. The company discovered a "significant gas column of more than 110 metres" at the Cengkih-1 exploration well at Block SK320, off the coast of Sarawak province, a statement said on...
September 20, 2022
Saudi Arabia launches a $776 million AI joint venture through its Public Investment Fund subsidiary
At the Global AI Summit being held in Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Public Investment Fund subsidiary and the Saudi Company for Artificial Intelligence launched a $776 million joint venture with Chinese SenseTime. The joint venture will develop the AI ecosystem in the Kingdom. The SCAI will work closely with SenseTime, and will also operate an AI lab which will serve a...
September 15, 2022
Abu Dhabi's ADQ fund becomes crucial to achieve domestic and international objectives of the country
ADQ, Abu Dhabi’s newest sovereign fund, has a remit to reshape the emirate’s economy and is key to the oil exporter’s diplomatic ambitions, according to industry experts. While the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) focuses almost exclusively on long-term financial returns, ADQ and Mubadala, another Abu Dhabi sovereign fund, have broader objectives, according...
September 13, 2022
Abu Dhabi fund's tech portfolio expands as Mubadala goes on purchase spree
Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Investment Co. has taken advantage of tumbling tech firm valuations to make a series of investments in small- to mid-sized tech companies worldwide this year. Formed in 2017 after the merger of Abu Dhabi’s state-owned International Petroleum Investment Co. (IPIC) and Mubadala Development Co., Mubadala invests both at home and abroad. In Decem...
August 25, 2022
Qatar Wealth Fund and other backers help Celonis raise $1 billion
Software firm Celonis has raised $1 billion in funding from backers including the Qatar Investment Authority. Celonis was valued at $13 billion as part of the round, and the secured $1 billion will be used to build out its software aimed at helping companies to carry out their operations efficiently, according to a Bloomberg report. Read the original articl...
August 24, 2022
With investments in Alphabet, JPMorgan Chase, and Amazon, the Saudi wealth fund PIF increases its U.S. holdings.
Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has bought minority stakes in a string of top American companies including Alphabet Inc., JPMorgan Chase & Co., American Tower Corporation, Amazon.com, Inc. and Zoom Video Communications, according to a regulatory filing. The PIF disclosed stakes worth $464 million in Alphabet, the parent...
August 16, 2022
GCC nationals are anticipated to boost their real estate investments in the UK according to report
In the face of global inflationary pressures, supply-chain disruption, and interest rate rises, GCC nationals are expected to increase their investments in UK real estate, according to a new report. The Bank of London and The Middle East (BLME), a London-based independent Shariah-compliant bank, stated that there is a "clear opportunity for GCC investors to unlea...
July 13, 2022
UAE’s ADIA and ADQ support the first Africa Sovereign Investors Forum and sign Rabat Declaration the Rabat Declaration
Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) and ADQ, have signed the Rabat Declaration, extending support to the first Africa Sovereign Investors Forum (ASIF), organized by Ithmar Capital, Morocco’s sovereign strategic investment fund. The Rabat Declaration marks “the establishment of ASIF as a facilitator and a catalyzer of bankable investment opportunities”. The foru...
June 22, 2022
In the next five years, MENA energy investments will reach $879 billion
Energy investments in the Middle East and North Africa are projected to grow 9 per cent in the next five years to more than $879 billion, as energy exporters boost spending amid higher oil revenue, according to a report by Arab Petroleum Investments Corporation (Apicorp). The investments, which include both planned and committed investments in the region between...
June 14, 2022
ESG investments boosts to $22.7 billion by global sovereign wealth funds in 2021
Investments by sovereign investors globally into funds and companies following environmental, social and governance standards surged by more than three times last year as government investment arms continued to add sustainability-linked assets to their portfolios. Investments by sovereign wealth funds in the ESG space surged to $22.7 billion at the end of last ye...
January 18, 2022
Mubadala's financial results in 2021 recorded as 'strong', confirms UAE investments chief
Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Investment Company anticipates strong financial results in 2021 as it pursues a strategy of investment in “sectors with tailwind” from technology to renewable energy, a senior executive said. The fund, which is yet to reveal its 2021 results, expects this year to mark the end o...
January 18, 2022
Kuwait sovereign wealth fund remains third highest
According to an announcement made by The International Institute for Global Sovereign Funds, Kuwait’s sovereign wealth fund has retained the third place among the largest sovereign funds. The Norwegian sovereign fund continues to be in the leading position, followed by the Chinese Investment Author...
January 6, 2022
UAE sovereign wealth funds assets rises to Dh5.9 trillion
The UAE sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) assets have exponentially grown in 2021, jumping by over 18 per cent or $250 billion (Dh917.5 billion), on the back of the gains in equity markets as well as recovery in oil prices after a tough previous year due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Accord...
January 5, 2022
UAE firms eager to invest in semiconductor businesses and technical industries in US
UAE companies are keen to invest in technical industries, semiconductor businesses and information technology projects in the world’s largest economy, according to a senior official from the Ministry of Economy. Ahmad Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and SMEs made the remarks durin...
January 4, 2022
Mubadala titled 'Fund of the Year' for global partnerships and investment activity
Mubadala Investment Company has bagged the global sovereign wealth fund industry’s top honor, becoming the “2021 Fund of the Year”, a recognition of its investment acumen and the part it has played in helping the industry to grow last year despite headwinds. The award, from industry tracker Global SWF, is also an acknowledgement of the Abu Dhabi strategic investm...
January 4, 2022
UAE commits $100 billion in India for new investment and infrastructure creations
India’s Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, discussed the opportunities with industry leaders to expand their global footprint by leveraging business platforms and infrastructure offered by the UAE. Dubai’s DP World presented the market expansion opportunities it offers to Indian businesses and exporters, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said i...
December 19, 2021
Islamic financing moves internationally and outside the GCC
During the past two decades, international banks have brought many progressively advanced Shariah-compliant financial instruments to the market. The market share of Islamic banking reached 27 percent in 2019 in the Gulf Cooperation Council. New research shows that the increasing demand for environmental, social and governance principles in traditional investments...
December 15, 2021
Mubadala and Bahrain’s Mumtalakat signs deal to plan for future co-investment opportunities
Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Investment Company has signed a preliminary agreement with Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund Mumtalakat as they plan on to explore co-investment opportunities in around the world. Both companies plan on exchanging knowledge and best practices to improve their investment and operational capabilities. Read the original article in The Nation...
December 14, 2021
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund plans to invest $5 billion in Oman
According to a statement from the two countries, the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia is planning to invest $5 billion in Oman. The plan was announced after the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to his Middle East neighbor. Read the original article in Arab News: Saudi PIF...
December 9, 2021
Economy competitiveness increased as UAE changes weekend
The UAE shifts its weekend to Saturday and Sunday resulting in greater integration of the local economy with global markets. This will boost its competitiveness by attracting more foreign direct investment into the country. As the Gulf country relies extensively on foreign trade, tourism and logistics to fuel its economic engine, this recent move to align the wee...
December 8, 2021
Mubadala investment strategy to stay patient
As interest rates are spiking and with expected inflation, investors must remain wary says group chief executive of Abu Dhabi state investment fund and anticipates no change from Mubadala’s investment strategy and themes in 2022. The patient investment strategies would weather difficult cyclical phases and areas such as renewables, technology and life sciences wi...
November 22, 2021
Alternative asset investments in Middle East improved by sovereign fund focus on regional deals
Private investors and sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) in the Middle East are progressively shifting their attention to domestic and regional markets, enhancing private capital deals and money going into alternative asset classes. At the end of 2020, private capital assets under management in the region grew 11 percent annually and 14 percent in cash holdings for de...
November 17, 2021
Central Bank head says Saudi Arabia hits $430 billion in Shariah-compliant finance
Fahad Al Mubarak, the governor of the Saudi Central Bank says the country has witnesses rapid growth in Islamic financing with the total Shariah-compliant financing amounted to more than $430 billion. The Islamic financial industry accomplished an annual growth of more than 10 percent. The total assets of Islamic financial services amounted to nearly $800 billion...
November 10, 2021
Energy transition supercharged as GCC invests in clean hydrogen
At the Glasgow COP26 summit, world leaders highlighted the importance of the untapped potential of hydrogen among other alternative energy sources to explore ways to mitigate climate change. According to a joint report by consultancy Roland Berger and the international industry network Dii Desert Energy titled “The Potential for Green Hydrogen in the GCC Region,”...
November 3, 2021
Majority of UAE investors find crucial strategy in sustainable investing
According to research by Swiss investment bank UBS, about 93 percent of UAE investors and see benefits from integrating sustainable investing in their portfolio and say it is a crucial part of their financial strategy. Most of them also anticipate sustainable investment returns to match or exceed those of traditional investments. Read the original article i...
November 2, 2021
Foreign direct investments in the UAE to be driven by new virtual license
The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has launched a new virtual license for investors which covers 13 key economic sectors including agriculture to trade. These sectors have been identified by the Abu Dhabi government to attract more foreign direct investment (FDI) and supports the broader UAE government's efforts to enable cross-border digit...
October 22, 2021
Influx of global millionaires driving up Dubai’s housing market boom
A huge influx of millionaires in Dubai has contributed to the recent housing market boom in the emirate, with several ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) acquiring $8 million-plus homes since 2020, according to Luxhabitat Sotheby’s. Read the original article in Zawya: <a href="https://www.zawya.com/mena/en/business/story/Influx_of_global_millionaires_...
October 20, 2021
Dubai consumer confidence surges to 10-year high
Propelled by increased economic activity, consumer confidence in Dubai surged to its highest level in 10 years during the third quarter of 2021, the Consumer Confidence Index tracked by Dubai Economy showed. Dubai’s rebounding real estate is yet another testimony to the newfound buoyancy in the emirate’s overall recovery from the pandemic. Demand for property fro...
October 17, 2021
Saudi Arabia’s FII total deals to hit $125 billion after this year’s new contracts
Saudi Arabia’s Future Investment Initiative forum to be held in Riyadh this month is expected to see more investment deals that will bring total deals made under this initiative to $125 billion since its launch in 2017. Read the original article in Arab News: Saudi Arabia’s FII total deals to...
October 14, 2021
UAE allocated $653 million for financial investments in 2022-2026 budget
The United Arab Emirates allocated 2.4 billion dirhams for financial investments in its 2022-2026 budget, the state news agency WAM reported on Wednesday. The United Arab Emirates' cabinet on Tuesday approved federal spending of 290 billion dirhams ($78.96 billion) up until 2026, the agency said on Twitter. Read the original article in Zawya: <a href="https...
October 13, 2021
UAE to invest $163 billion in clean energy to achieve 2050 net-zero targets
The UAE will invest more than 600 billion dirhams ($163 billion) in clean and renewable energy over the next several years to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, confirmed on Thursday Read original article in Zawya: <a href="https:...
October 7, 2021
Increasing majority of UAE investors focus on ESG
Above the global average of 65%, over 74% of UAE investors want to leave a positive legacy through sustainable investing. Investments in more responsible assets from an environmental, social or governance (ESG) perspective continue to grow in popularity, as the pandemic continues to see a majority reassess their financial priorities. Read the original article in T...
September 27, 2021
Dubai now one of the best cities in the world to work, live, invest in 2021
Resonance Consultancy study on The World Best Cities 2021 now ranks Dubai fifth on their global scale. First place went to London followed by Paris (second place), New York (third) and Moscow (fourth). Abu Dhabi landed 14th ahead of San Francisco (15th) and Amsterdam (16th). Read the original article on Zawya: <a href="https://www.zawya.com/mena/en/economy/story/D...
September 26, 2021
Kuwait to implement largest government restructuring in its history as of 2022
As part of the largest restructuring roadmap in its history, over the next four years Kuwait will merge and reshape ministries and create new long-term strategies. The nation’s new plan consists of reviewing laws in investment, foreign ownership, bankruptcy, public-private partnerships, as well as competition protection and transformation of the commercial registration...
September 20, 2021
Middle East Investors rally behind new hedge fund
A new investment firm founded in 2021 by Steven Mnuchin, Liberty Strategic Capital, has raised $2.5 billion attracting investments from sovereign wealth funds in the Middle East, including the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia, where he traveled extensively as US Treasury secretary. The fund is reported to be focused on deploying in technology, financial ser...
September 20, 2021
Promoting partnership: UAE to invest $13.8 billion in UK 'priority' industries
Following £1.1bn already invested by the UAE in UK companies and funds, Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund Mubadala Investment Co has signed a further commitment of USD13,8 billion with the UK Office for Investment (OfI) to expand the UAE-UK Sovereign Investment Partnership (UAE-UK SIP) Read the original article on Zawya: <a href="https://www.zawya.com/mena/en/weal...
September 16, 2021
Institutional Investor: Transformation of Saudi Arabia’s Stock Exchange offers compelling opportunities
In anticipation of its planned IPO later this year, Saudi Arabia’s stock exchange has restructured – and created new opportunities in emerging markets investment strategies. The Vision 2030 plan aims to cement Saudi Arabia’s place as a global market leader and advanced capital market within the decade. Read the original article on Zawya: <a href="https://www.insti...
September 14, 2021
Stock Exchange in Abu Dhabi signs tech agreement with Nasdaq to launch derivatives
As part of its plans to launch a derivatives market, Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) has signed an agreement with Nasdaq to deliver marketplace technology solutions and further diversify investment avenues, providing investors with hedging tools for effective risk management. The exchange plans to launch single stock futures and index futures as well as central coun...
September 5, 2021
World's millionaires moving to Dubai for safety, luxury and tax benefits
According to New World Wealth, a research firm that tracks the wealth and movements of millionaires, multi-millionaires and billionaires globally, Dubai’s population of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), rose to 54,000 in June 2021, up from 52,000 in December 2020. Overall wealth inflow in Dubai was seen to have grown by Dh143 billion to nearly Dh2 trillion. Read...
September 5, 2021
Technology, energy and financials are focus of Middle Eastern Investors
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused Middle Eastern investors to shift away from traditional fixed income into assets such as private equity, real estate, and hedge funds. Many investors are focused on creating a balanced investment strategy that takes into account their specific risk appetite, and also look for stability, diversification, and alpha generating opportunitie...
September 2, 2021
Mubadala closes third PE fund at $1.6 billion
Mubadala Capital has reported that its private equity Fund III has raised $1.6 billion in capital commitments from a diverse set of new and existing investors including leading pension plans, endowments, insurance plans, government institutions, family offices and private equity firms across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. An asset management arm of Ab...
August 17, 2021
Strong investment returns for Kuwait’s FGF offer positive outlook
As Kuwait makes strides in investing its way out of dependency on oil money, the Future Generations Fund (FGF), sees its growth over the past five years exceed the country’s total revenue from oil for the same period. A national savings pot designed to help the country prepare for life after oil, the fund’s total assets have already risen to over $700 billion. Rea...
August 12, 2021
UAE - African trade average surges to $50 billion annually, boosted by AfCFTA economic agreement
The World Bank estimates that the 54-nation AfCFTA economic bloc launched in 2021, has the potential to lift at least 30 million Africans out of poverty, boost the continent’s income by $450 billion by 2035 (a gain of 7 percent) and increase Africa’s exports by $560 billion. For international players Africa presents one of the last major investment opportunities and the...
August 12, 2021
Abu Dhabi's Mubadala Capital and BlackRock form private equity partnership
Abu Dhabi’s asset management subsidiary Mubadala Capital has inked a $1.2 billion deal with a consortium of investors led Blackrock - and this appears to be just the start. Although the deal structure with the world’s largest asset manager is unique, the sovereign wealth fund subsidiary has done similar before; Ardian’s $2.5 billion to Mubadala was one of its first outs...
August 11, 2021
Record number of foreign investor licenses issued by Saudi Arabia, noted in UNCTAD’s World Investment Report 2021
With continued global interest in Saudi financial assets, FDI inflow into Saudi Arabia is today at its highest level since 2016 when Vision 2030 was launched. The Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia’s (MISA) latest update echoes trends highlighted in UNCTAD’s World Investment Report, confirming the highest demand for foreign investor licenses since records began in...
August 11, 2021
Invesco: Middle East sovereigns focus on liquidity as over half saw drawdowns in 2020
As the majority of governments stepped in to support local economies and plug fiscal deficits, over half of the sovereigns in the Middle East region saw drawdowns, compared with a third globally. Of these 78 percent were from liquidity sovereigns and 58 percent from investment sovereigns. Middle East sovereign funds built large liquidity reserves following the global f...
July 13, 2021
Saudi Arabian solar: how the state has invested in overseas solar projects
Major investments in countries across the Middle East and North Africa could make Saudi Arabia a key supporter, if not producer, of solar power in the region. With Saudi money and local support for solar power, these plans could establish a new sense of collaboration and renewable investment in the region. Read the original article at Power Tech: <a href="https://...
July 7, 2021
Shuaa Capital considers three SPACs as investor enthusiasm finally catches on in MENA
Dubai financial services firm Shuaa Capital PSC is considering setting up three blank-check companies of around $200 million each, rapidly opening up a potential boom market for special purpose acquisition vehicles to Gulf investors. Interest is taking off in the Middle East as momentum for the vehicles has waned in the U.S. following lackluster performance and increasi...
July 6, 2021
OPEC resumes oil policy talks amid Saudi-UAE standoff
OPEC+ ministers called off oil output talks after clashing last week when the United Arab Emirates rejected a proposed eight-month extension to output curbs, meaning no deal to boost production has been agreed. The failure of the talks, which had partly been about an increase in oil output from next month, helped to drive up international benchmark Brent crude, which wa...
July 5, 2021
MENA SPACs drive gains momentum as Abu Dhabi sovereign fund prepares to launch its own
Investor mania for SPACs is accelerating in the oil-rich Gulf, where Abu Dhabi sovereign fund Mubadala is poised to launch two blank-check companies and a Dubai-based asset manager is raising $200 million to target mergers with companies focused on technology and healthcare in the Middle East, the Financial Times reports. Read more at: <a href="https://news....
July 2, 2021
Huge demand in Sharia-compliant sukuk trades with issuance expected to grow
A brace of Arabian Gulf sukuk trades racked up enormous order books this past month, indicating high levels of pent-up demand for Sharia-compliant paper. Despite some "teething problems", sukuk issuance is expected to grow rapidly as hungry investors pile in. Saudi Arabian oil group Aramco raised $6 Billion in June as the company returned to the international debt marke...
June 13, 2021
Saudi PIF expansion drive pushes it up the global SWF rankings
The Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute’s new “league table” now places Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) as the seventh-largest SWF in the world. With its AUM already around $430 billion the PIF is on the right trajectory to reach its stated ambition of holding over $2 trillion in assets under management by 2030. While the Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA)...
June 10, 2021
ADIA plans to join one of the biggest leveraged buyouts of all time, investing c.$1 billion
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) have confirmed that they are backing the takeover of Medline by Blackstone Group Inc., Carlyle Group Inc. and Hellman & Friedman. Also investing in the deal is Singapore’s state-owned investor GIC Pte, which values Medline at over $30 billion. Medline is the biggest private US manufacturer and distributor of medical supplies...
June 10, 2021
Prosperity7 Ventures of Saudi Aramco invests in Boston-based cloud storage start-up
Aramco’s $1 billion diversified venture capital fund is contributing to a $25 million follow-on investment through a deal that will give Wasabi a foothold in the Middle East. The investment is alongside the venture capital arm of disk-drive maker Western Digital and aims to offer a cheaper and faster alternative to Amazon Web Services’ S3 storage product. The new funds...
June 6, 2021
Record income for Mubadala following $29 billion investments in tech and life sciences
Mubadala Investment Company has reported a 36 percent rise in total income to AED72 billion ($19.59 billion) after a year of frenetic deal making and significant growth in its public equities portfolio and funds. In 2020 alone, Mubadala invested AED108 billion ($29.39 billion) in telecom, pharma and tech. While UAE and US remain its largest geographic areas of focus, it...
May 6, 2021
Investcorp plan to double its assets under management
Investcorp, the biggest private equity and alternative asset manager in the Middle East, has outlined a plan to double its assets under management within seven years to $50 billion (from c.$25 billion as at end 2018). Built on investing money from wealthy Middle East families and sovereign funds into the U.S. and Europe, Investcorp currently manages over $35.4 billion a...
May 6, 2021
Abu Dhabi's ADQ investing at a faster pace
Less than two years into frenetic dealmaking that secured hauls from pharmaceuticals to agricultural trading, Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi’s biggest worry is whether he is moving “fast enough”. ADQ has quickly emerged as Abu Dhabi’s go-to lever for addressing its biggest weaknesses. Although Alsuwaidi wouldn’t specify ADQ’s size, but said that the $110 billion estimate by...
May 4, 2021
Aldar alliance with Fifth Wall for 'proptech'
Abu Dhabi's Aldar Properties has entered an alliance with Fifth Wall - the world's biggest venture capital firm focussed on real estate technology – to tap into its network of proptech startups in Europe and gain access to the latest technologies and trends in the sector. The partnership with Fifth Wall adds to Aldar’s existing portfolio of investments focused on promot...
May 03, 2021
Saudi Arabia offers new Aramco stake to global energy company
Saudi Arabia is in talks to sell a 1% stake in state oil company Saudi Aramco to a leading international energy heavyweight, according to reports. Additional stakes in the world’s largest oil company could be divested also within the next two years. Chinese state-owned players Sinopec and PetroChina earlier expressed their interest to acquire equity in Aramco via a dire...
April 28, 2021
UAE $17 Billion Treasury-purchase larger than China’s
The UAE went on its biggest Treasury-buying spree on record in February, purchasing more of the safe-haven securities than China in one of the worst months for U.S. debt markets in years. The Gulf nation, OPEC’s third-biggest crude producer, raised its stockpile by about $17 billion to $50.6 billion, making it the largest buyer after the U.K. that month. Read the...
Apr 21, 2021
Mubadala in venture with Australia logistics LOGOS and U.S. KKR
Abu Dhabi state fund Mubadala Investment Company has launched a new venture estimated at a value of $155mln with Australian logistics property group LOGOS and US global investment firm KKR & Co to develop logistics facilities across Australia. Read the original article on Zawya: <a href="https://www.zawya.com/mena/en/wealth/story/Abu_Dhabis_Mubadala_starts_Aus...
April 15, 2021
Record investment by Mubadala in 2020, potential aluminium IPO
Abu Dhabi state investor Mubadala invested a record amount in 2020 as it doubled down on growth sectors including life sciences, technology, mobility, digital infrastructure. In particular, Mubadala CEO says that Emirates Global Aluminium, which is owned by Mubadala and Investment Corp of Dubai, is well placed for an initial public offering. Read the original ar...
April 12, 2021
Bahrain’s Investcorp focuses on U.S. infrastructure plan
Bahrain-based investment firm Investcorp is looking for opportunities to invest in U.S. roads and ports following “bipartisan acceptance” in support of $2 trillion in upgrades to the country’s infrastructure. Initial actions saw Investcorp announcing a partnership with private equity firm Trilantic North America to buy RoadSafe Traffic Systems, a Chicago-based traffic s...
April 12, 2021
Bahrain’s Arcapita expands investment in U.S. distribution centers
Bahrain-based investment firm Arcapita Group Holdings has bought a Texan distribution facility that serves as a vital cog in FedEx’s distribution network in the southern US. The latest acquisition was part of the company’s investment in the fast-growing e-commerce sector and brings to 16 the number of industrial facilities it has bought in Cleveland, Ohio and Indianapol...
April 11, 2021
Bahrain announces 65-year plan for pension funds
Zawya has reported that Bahrain’s roadmap up to 2086 is a huge commitment from the government to protect national pension funds from going bankrupt at short notice. Finance and National Economy Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, who is politically responsible for the Social Insurance Organisation (SIO), told MPs that blueprints for the extension to the funds...
March 24, 2021
Mubadala to invest £800 million into the UK life sciences sector
The Financial Times has reported that the UAE has sealed a multibillion-pound investment partnership with the UK to invest in British health, technology, clean energy and infrastructure, a significant post-Brexit boost. Mubadala will pump £800 million ($1.4 billion) into the life sciences sector over five years alongside £200 million from a British government fund. The...
March 24, 2021
Number of Saudi investment funds increase with assets totaling $117bn
According to data released by the Capital Market Authority (CMA) the number of investment funds in the Kingdom increased to 691 in 2020, from 607 in 2019, with 254 public funds and 437 private funds. Read the original report in the Arab News: Saudi investment fund assets rise 26% to $117bn in 2020</...
March 13, 2021
Virtual meetings play significant role for half of institutional investors
According to an article published by Private Equity News, new research shows that at least half of LPs are willing to forego face-to-face meetings with fund managers when making commitments, as measures to overcome Covid-19 restrictions force companies to become more flexible. That said, the new research also found that most investors prefer to stick to their current fu...
March 10, 2021
Sustainable Shariah-compliance funds favoured by Islamic investors
According to an article on Funds Global MENA, the past couple of years have seen many Islamic funds integrate environment, social and governance (ESG) principles with investment houses around the world are responding quickly to the trend in socially responsible investing (SRI). After Schroder’s Global Investor Study 2019 showed that increasing numbers of investors were...
March 9, 2021
S&P reports that Saudi wealth fund PIF will support credit growth
Analysis from KFGO shows investments by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund Public Investment Fund (PIF) will support credit growth among companies in the kingdom, according to S&P Global Ratings. A $400 billion investment vehicle, the PIF plans to inject at least 150 billion riyals ($40 billion) annually in the local economy until 2025, and to increase its assets...
Mar 8, 2021
PIF investment in US electric vehicles reaps rewards after SPAC
According to an article published by Arab News, Saud Arabia's premier investing institution the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has seen a significant increase in the valuation of its initial $1 billion investment in Lucid Motors in 2018. Following an increase in special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) activity in 2020, Lucid Motors recently merged with Churchill...
February 24, 2021
PIF increases exposure in US equities to $12.8 billion
According to an article published by Reuters, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) is taking advantage of market weaknesses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, and has significantly increased it's exposure to US equities in the fourth quarter of 2020, after cutting exposure in the previous quarter. Read the original article on Reuters: <a href="h...
February 16, 2021
GCC SWFs invest in $850 billion private credit asset class, Sharia-compliant funds
According to an article published by Business Standard, several of the GCC's largest investors, including Saudi Arabia's PIF, and Qatari and UAE sovereign wealth funds are lining up to participate in Shariah-compliant direct lending and private credit funds. The article went on to note that the private credit asset class has ballooned into an $850 billion market as it...
February 10, 2021
Mubadala, PIF back Vision Funds SPAC strategy
According to an article published by The National, Abu Dhabi's Mubadala Investment Company and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), who have combined commitments of $83 billion in SoftBank's Vision Fund, are expecting up to seven of the fund's portfolio companies to go public in 2021. The article went on to note that SoftBank plans to launch two more speci...
February 8, 2021
Qatar First Bank grows US real estate portfolio by $160 million in 2020
According to an article published by Doha News, Qatar First Bank (QFB), the first independent Shariah-compliant bank authorised by the QFC Regulatory Authority, has purchased an award-winning property in Houston, US. The article went on to note this is QFB's first purchase in 2021 following a number of transactions in 2020 including a $41 million acquisition of Varsity...
February 8, 2021
ADFD invests $1.3 billion in renewable energy
According to an article published by Gulf Today, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has spent the past decade financing innovative renewable-energy projects which have benefited 65 countries. The ADFD has consistently increased its portfolio, which currently stands at a total value of Dhs4.7 billion ($1.3 billion) and cumulatively generates 9,755MW of electricit...
January 26, 2021
Middle Eastern SWFs directly invest over $14.7bn in the US in 2020
According to an article published by Arabian Business Global, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) led its fellow Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds, which together invested over $14.7 billion in the US in 2020. This is more than double the commitment compared to $6.5 billion in 2019 and $6.2 billion in 2018. The article went on to note the Abu Dhabi Investm...
January 25, 2021
QIA looks to Asia and US for new investment opportunities
According to an article published by Bloomberg, Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) is looking east to Asia for deals in an effort to diversify an investment portfolio which is currently heavily weighted toward North America and Europe. The article went on to quote Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Chairman of QIA to say "Asia has be...
January 19, 2021
Foreign investment represents a third of PIFs portfolio
A recent article in Arab News quoted the governor of The Public Investment Fund (PIF), Mr. Yasir Al-Rumayyan as saying 'the size of PIF is currently about $400 billion, and the fund aims to reach $2 trillion in 2030'. The article went on to confirm that the PIF’s investment outlook is long-term, with foreign investments currently representing between 25 percent and 30...
January 14, 2021
Mubadala eyes place amongst top 10 SWFs globally by 2030
According to an article published by Gulf Business, Abu Dhabi-based Mubadala is overhauling its structure and deploying capital with the expectation of doubling in size to nearly half a trillion dollars by 2030, a seven percent annual growth rate according to Global SWF. The article went on to note that alongside continued investment in clean technologies and rene...
January 10, 2021
GCC continues to deploy significant capital into India-based opportunities
According to an article published by Zawya, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates remained bullish on Indian opportunities in 2020. Earlier in 2019, the Saudi Crown Prince announced investments worth over $100 billion in India in petrochemicals, refining, infrastructure, mining and manufacturing, agriculture, and several other sectors. In 2018, the UAE committed $75...
December 21, 2020
Defensive real estate investments are receiving strong traction from GCC investors
According to an article published by Gulf Business, GCC institutional investors and high net worth individuals are actively eyeing direct and indirect investment opportunities in logistics and other emerging asset classes such as data centers, student housing, and senior living amid the Covid-19 pandemic. GCC investors made opportunistic acquisitions throughout 2020, as...
December 12, 2020
GCC investors are bullish on ethical and environmentally sustainable strategies
According to an article published by Arabian Business, GCC investors are allocating substantial capital into sustainable and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) compliant opportunities globally. These allocations are financial and strategic, as investors would like to diversify their income away from oil and help GCC become a global hub for new technologies focus...
December 9, 2020
Mubadala invests over $11 billion in 2020
According to a Wall Street Journal article, Mubadala, one of the United Arab Emirates leading sovereign wealth funds with over USD 230 billion in assets under management is making big, bold bets during the 2020 pandemic. Going against the trend, which saw an overall decline of 36% in new capital deployed by sovereign funds globally, Mubadala has invested more than $11...
December 5, 2020
GCC’s high net worth individuals and family offices are eager to invest in ESG complaint opportunities
According to an article published by Albawaba, GCC’s cash abundant individuals and families are highly interested in sustainable investing. The article notes that 58% percent of high-net worth individuals across all age groups and generations out of GCC identify responsible investing as a key-criteria. The growing percentage of Environmental Social & Governance (ESG...
November 18, 2020
Kuwait’s PIFSS is bullish on alternative investments
According to an article published by Bloomberg, Kuwait’s Public Institution for Social Security (PIFSS) is reducing its allocations to stocks and bonds in favor of alternative investments in infrastructure and private equity strategies. The article further notes that infrastructure exposure will increase from 5% to 10% while allocations to private equity strategies will...
November 11, 2020
GCC SWFs among the world’s most dominant holders of PE assets
According to an article published by Institutional Investor, Mubadala, Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD), the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF), the Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) and Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) collectively hold ~$418 billion of private equity (PE) assets. The article further notes that with $157 billion of PE assets on its portf...
November 6, 2020
UAE & Dubai are the wealthiest nation and city in the Middle East
According to a New World Wealth report, the UAE is the wealthiest nation in the Middle East, and Dubai is the wealthiest city in the Middle East. The report estimates 82,763 high and ultra-high net worth individuals in the UAE with an aggregate wealth of c. $1 trillion as of June 2020. According to the same report, there are 12 billionaires; 214 millionaires with over $...
November 1, 2020
UAE-based private investment firm plans to allocate significant capital into venture capital and private equity in the next 12 months
According to an article shared by Preqin, UAE-based private investment firm Al Nahdha is eyeing opportunities to allocate significant capital into venture, growth, and mid-cap buyout strategies in North America, Europe, China, and Asia. The article further noted that the investment firm plans to finalize its commitments before the end of 2021. Al Nahdha Investment...
October 21, 2020
GCC’s national oil companies are heavily investing in alternative investment strategies.
Forbes Middle East reports that the GCC countries and their national oil companies are investing heavily in infrastructure, real estate, and private equity strategies to create stable and diversified investment income streams. The article further notes that oil giants like ADNOC, Saudi Aramco, BAPCO, Oman Oil Company, and Kuwait Petroleum Corporation have partnere...
October 17, 2020
Middle East UHNW wealth grows to $1.55 trillion in 2019
Albawaba has published an article referencing a recent Wealth-X World Ultra Wealth Report, highlighting that the number of Middle Eastern HNW investors grew 0.7% to 9,780 in 2019, with the total wealth of this population increasing by 1.9% to $1.55 trillion. The article went on to state that the decline in wealth seen in early 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic has rebo...
October 16, 2020
PIF is opening London and New York offices to be closer to global opportunities
Arab News has published an article describing the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF)’s ambition in becoming a global leader in institutional investing. According to the article, PIF is opening its first international offices in New York and London to facilitate its international investment opportunities. Read the original article on Arab News: <a href="h...
September 27, 2020
Kuwait Investment Office is in talks to take an opportunistic stake at Rolls-Royce
According to an article published by Sky News, Kuwait Investment Office (KIO) is in negotiations to acquire £250 million worth of shares at Rolls-Royce. The article reports that the Covid-19 pandemic has put Rolls-Royce’s balance sheet under stress, and KIO is in talks to make an opportunistic investment into one of Britain’s most important industrial groups. Read...
September 25, 2020
ADIA discloses $615 million investment in US exporter of liquefied natural gas
Per a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and according to an article published by World Oil, UAE-based sovereign wealth fund Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) acquired 5.05% of Cheniere Energy, becoming its fourth largest shareholder. Cheniere is the largest exporter of liquefied natural gas in the US and is a Fortune 500 Company. Accordi...
September 16, 2020
UAE’s ADIA tops global sovereign wealth fund rankings
Zawya has reported that Abu Dhabi-based Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) has been ranked third among 89 global sovereign wealth funds in September with $579.6 billion assets. Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) closely follows ADIA in the rankings with $533.7 billion assets. Read the original article on Zawya: <a href="https://www.zawya.com/mena/en/wealth/story...
September 10, 2020
Kuwait Pension Fund is eyeing for new investment opportunities as investment profit soars
(Middle East) Bloomberg has reported that Kuwait’s Public Institution for Social Security had an investment profit of $7.3 billion in the three months through June, which corresponds to a 66% increase compared to 2019 results. The article notes that the Kuwaiti Fund would seek new investment opportunities as they strategize reducing their cash available for investm...
July 29, 2020
PIFSS to invest $6 billion into funds in the next three quarters
(United Arab Emirates) According to an article published by Arabian Business, Kuwait’s Public Institution for Social Security (PISS) posted a record first-quarter investment profit of $7.3 billion in the three months through June 2020, up 60% on the same period last year. PISS has over $112 billion in assets as of March 2019, including a 25% stake in US private equity f...
July 29, 2020
Gulf investors are making substantial investments in the UK real estate market
(United Arab Emirates) Arabian Business has reported that Gulf investors showed strong interest in the UK property market and made significant acquisitions based on the Sterling Pound's reduced value and an increase in political stability. Read the original article on Arabian Business: <a href="https://www.arabianbusiness.com/property/449908-gulf-buyers-return-to-u...
July 22, 2020
The wealth of UAE millionaires expected to grow 4.2% annually, reaching $510 billion despite the pandemic
(United Arab Emirates) According to a report published by Boston Consulting Group, the National has reported that UAE millionaires’ combined wealth expects growth of 4.2% year on year reaching $510 billion by 2024. The report notes that multiple segments of UAE wealth are on track to grow despite the Covid-19 pandemic. Read the original article on The National: <a...
July 20, 2020
Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds plan to boost investments in Europe amid Covid-19 pandemic
(United Arab Emirates) Arabian Business has reported that Middle East-based sovereign wealth funds are planning to increase their exposure to European assets as the prices take a hit during the Covid-19 pandemic. The article further noted that over the next 12 months, c. 43% of sovereign funds in the Middle East will buy equities with lower valuations in European a...
July 20, 2020
Mubadala is looking to increase its exposure to Asia and is eyeing investment opportunities in technology and life science
(United Arab Emirates) The Economic Times has reported that Abu Dhabi’s Sovereign Wealth Fund, Mubadala, is eyeing investment opportunities in Asia, focusing on medical technology, agricultural technology, artificial intelligence, and life sciences. The article notes that Mubadala’s portfolio currently holds a 9% exposure to Asia, which the sovereign wealth fund will ex...
June 22, 2020
Mubadala is determined to increase investments into technology across the US and Asia
According to the article published by Arabian Business, Abu Dhabi’s Sovereign Wealth Fund Mubadala is substantially increasing its technology investments following its $1.2 billion investment in India based tech company, Jio. The article further noted that the Mubadala had significant cash reserves on its balance sheet earmarked for investments into stocks and oth...
June 22, 2020
Mubadala invests $1.2 billion in India’s leading digital services platform Jio
(United Arab Emirates) Bloomberg has reported that Abu Dhabi based Sovereign Wealth Fund Mubadala will acquire a 2.33% stake in Jio, India’s leading digital services platform, for an estimated $1.2 billion. Mubadala established its Ventures arm in 2017 to partner with visionary founders in support of innovative businesses. Mubadala’s Ventures manages a number of ve...
June 5, 2020
Dubai-based family office invests $4 million in India based tech startup iNurture
(United Arab Emirates) Wamda has reported that Kimara, Dubai based family office, invested $4 million in tech startup iNurture Education Solutions, a provider of formal higher education programs in India. Kimera was founded in 2017 and invests in public equity, private equity, venture capital, fixed income, and real estate worldwide. Read the original article...
June 4, 2020
GCC's top SWFs rank in global top 10
(United Arab Emirates) According to an article published by Mubasher, the GCC is well-represented amongst the world's largest sovereign wealth funds, with funds from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates all ranking within the top ten in a recent Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute (SWFI) report. 3rd place: Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA)...
May 31, 2020
Central Bank of Saudi Arabia backs PIF to pursue investment opportunities amidst Covid-19 crisis
The National has reported that Saudi Arabia allocated $40 billion from its central bank to PIF for the sovereign wealth fund to make opportunistic acquisitions and investments amid the plunging share and asset prices amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. Read the original article on The National: <a href="https://www.thenational.ae/business/economy/saudi-arabia-transfers-...
May 30, 2020
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund invests billions of Dollars in Boeing, Disney, and Facebook
(United Kingdom) The National has reported that Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF), purchased a $714 million stake in Boeing, $496 million in Disney, and $521 million in Facebook. The article further noted that PIF was looking into investment opportunities in aviation, energy, and entertainment. Read the original...
May 16, 2020
GCC-based institutional investors make large commitments to London-focused real estate fund
(United Arab Emirates) Arabian Business has reported that GCC based institutional investors have allocated $244 million capital to Yoo Capital Fund II. The article notes that the fund has received strong interest from GCC based institutional investors, who believe that it is the best time to invest in the UK. Read the original article on Arabian Business: <a href=...
May 15, 2020
Saudi Arabia’s PIF makes substantial investments amidst plunging share prices
(United Arab Emirates) CNBC has reported that Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF), bought a 5.7% stake worth $500 million in the American events company, Live Nation. Following the investment, PIF became the third-largest shareholder at Live Nation. PIF has been actively investing throughout the Covid-19 pandemic,...
April 27, 2020
Investors in the GCC hunt for opportunities as asset prices plunge
(United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates) Financial Times (FT) has reported that Gulf sovereign wealth funds are actively looking for assets that have become attractive in value amid the coronavirus pandemic. The article notes that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has already made a series of substantial investments in the cruise operator Carnival, Royal Dutch Shell, T...
April 16, 2020
Saudi Arabia's PIF invests $200 million in Norway’s State Oil Company
(Saudi Arabia) Gulf Business has reported that Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF), invested $200 million in Norway’s Equinor ASA amid the coronavirus pandemic and plummeting crude prices. The article further notes that the Equinor investment is a continuation of PIF’s active interest in European oil firms. PIF had...
April 9, 2020
Saudi Arabia's PIF invests in cruise operator Carnival
Reuters has reported that Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, PIF, purchased an estimated 30% stake in cruise operator Carnival. The article further notes that the shares acquired by PIF are estimated to be valued at $369.3 million as of Friday's close, making PIF the second-largest investor in the world's most prominent cruise operator. Read the original...
April 6, 2020
GCC UHNWIs population expected to boom by 2024
(Dubai) In an article published by Banker Middle East, Knight Frank, a leading global property advisory firm has said that according to its projections, the number of UHNWIs in the GCC is expected to grow by 26% to reach a total of 9,100 by 2024, given the expansion of wealth and strong growth in many asset classes witnessed in 2019. The article went on to note tha...
March 5, 2020
ADIA and QIA eyeing investment in India-based real estate developers
(Singapore) A recent article on Deal Street Asia has reported that the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), and Singapore-based GIC are in talks to invest approximately $400 million in Prestige Estates. The India-based real estate developer is said to be looking to monetize some of its retail mall and office assets before it goes for...
March 2, 2020
UAE Islamic financial institution expands US real estate portfolio
(United Arab Emirates) The National has reported that Gulf Islamic Investments (GII) added New York office property to its $230 million real estate portfolio. Looking to grow their real estate portfolio further, GII is also eyeing opportunities in Paris as many companies are relocating from the UK in the aftermath of Brexit. The article also notes that GII targets...
March 1, 2020
QFB looking for innovative investment opportunities
(Doha) MENAFN has reported that Qatar First Bank (QFB) and its investors have recently exited a Sharia-compliant aviation deal, selling two Boeing 737-900ER aircraft which were on a 7-year long-term sharia-compliant lease contract to Indonesia's Lion Air. The article went on to note that the increasing success of the bank's structured products investment, QFB is lo...
February 26, 2020
Mubadala makes 10-year, €1 billion commitment to French investment fund
(Abu Dhabi) The National has reported that Mubadala Investment Company (Mubadala), Abu Dhabi’s strategic investment arm has taken a 10% stake in the €10 billion French investment fund, LAC I. LAC I will be managed by the country’s national bank, Bpifrance, which intends to invest the funds approximately 15 of France’s leading listed corporations over the next decade.</p...
February 24, 2020
Mubadala & ADIA to invest in India's renewable energy platform
(Mumbai) A recent article on ET Markets reported that global investors including Brookfield, Omers, and Abu Dhabi based Mubadala and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) are in early discussions to invest anywhere from $500 million to 600 million in Tata Powers's renewable energy platform. Tata Power, India's largest integrated power company, is said to be plannin...
February 20, 2020
Renewable energy key focus for SGRF-backed Omani fund
(Oman) Funds Global MENA has reported that Rakiza, a State General Reserve Fund (SGRF) backed infrastructure-focused fund launched in 2018 is actively looking to increase its investment in Oman’s renewable energy market. Read the original article on Funds Global MENA: Omani fund...
February 14, 2020
Indian retail projects raise $145 million from ADIA in 2019
(Abu Dhabi) According to Arabian Business, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) along with Singapore's GIC and Alpha Pacific Group (APG), Blackstone and other major private equity players have close to $1 billion into Indian retail projects in 2019, with ADIA’s investments totaling $145 million. The total private equity investment in the Indian retail realty s...
February 12, 2020
Life sciences and medical technologies to receive Mubadala investment
(Abu Dhabi) A recent article on Thomson Reuters has reported that Abu Dhabi based Mubadala is looking to significantly increase investment into life science and healthcare space, noting that they see them as profitable sectors. Mubadala already owns a number of healthcare companies including Cleveland Clinic in Abu Dhabi and Amana Healthcare, which it acquired in 2019.<...
February 11, 2020
Mubadala eyes Jadwa's UAE healthcare assets
(Abu Dhabi) A recent article on Arabian Business has reported that Mubadala is working with Rothschild & Co. on structuring a potential deal with Jadwa to purchase their 42% stake in Abu Dhabi-based United Eastern Medical Services LLC (UEMedical). The article went on to suggest that despite the early stage of discussions, if the deal were to proceed, UEMedical is to...
February 6, 2020
Mubadala leads Series B funding for home and auto insurance platform
(Dubai) Wamda has reported that the US-based digital broker Gabi has raised $27 million in Series B funding led by Abu Dhabi's Mubadala. Gabi's investor base includes the likes of Canvas Ventures, Northwestern Mutual Future Ventures, Correlation Ventures, Securian Ventures, A.Capital Ventures, and Project A, who also participated in the round. The article went on...
February 2, 2020
Blockchain oil trading platform backed by Saudi Aramco Ventures
(Dammam) A recent article on Unlock has reported that Saudi Aramco Energy Ventures (SAEV) has recently invested $5 million into VAKT, a blockchain-based post-trade platform. Managing physical energy transactions from trade entry to final settlement, the VAKT platform enables faster and easier processing by eliminating reconciliation and paper-based processes. The...
January 28, 2020
Leading Saudi Arabian family office has major successes in 2019
(London) According to an article published by McKinsey & Company, 2019 was an annus mirabilis year for Saudi Arabia based family office, Abdul Latif Jameel (AJL), with Ford and Amazon announcing significant investment in ALJ-backed electric-vehicle manufacturer Rivian, noting that Amazon has planned initial purchases of 100,000 of its vehicles. The art...
January 23, 2020
Six clean energy projects receive $105 million commitment from ADFD
(Abu Dhabi) According to PV Magazine, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has committed $105 million to half a dozen Caribbean and Africa based megawatt-scale projects featuring solar. The article further suggested that the fund will also look to back the development of energy storage, waste-to-energy, and biogas facilities in addition to the near 42.5 MW of new s...
January 16, 2020
ADIA to sell $2 billion on private equity book
(Abu Dhabi) A recent article on Bloomberg reported that Abu Dhabi based sovereign wealth fund, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) is expected to sell $2 billion of its private equity holdings as it follows through on plans to increase direct investment holdings. The article went on to report ADIA is working with advisers at PJT Park Hill on the proposed transacti...
January 14, 2020
SAR200 million for renewable energy joint venture
(Saudi Arabia) According to the Saudi Gazette, the General Investment Authority (SAGIA) has announced a joint venture (JV) between the Al Rushaid Group and the French-based Optimum Tracker, to provide design and engineering services in the field of solar energy. The JV willl create a new, Saudi-registered company which will focus on the manufacturing of mounting system...
December 20, 2019
PIF commits $1 billion to SMEs in the Kingdom
(Saudi Arabia) Wamda has reported that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has committed $1 billion to a new fund of funds, which will invest in venture capital and private equity funds geared towards boosting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Kingdom. The initiative is expected to help create jobs and diversify the economy. Read the original...
December 19, 2019
QIA invests $91 million in commercial real estate
(New York) Real Estate Daily Beat has reported that the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) has acquired five commercial condo units at 809 First Avenue (AKA 809 United Nations Plaza) from the Institute of International Education for $91 million. The five office spaces are located on the first four floors and the seventh floor. Already serving as Qatar’s permanent mission...
November 27, 2019
ADIA to sell Manhattan trophy property for a cool $900 million
(New York) A recent article on The Real Deal reported that Abu Dhabi based sovereign wealth fund, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) is selling its 40-story office building at 330 Madison Avenue to Munich RE, the huge German reinsurance firm. ADIA has owned a majority stake in the 846,000-square-foot building between East 42nd and East 43rd streets for 30 years.<...
November 19, 2019
QIA buys historic St. Regis New York for $310 million
(New York) Bloomberg has reported that the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) has acquired the historic St. Regis New York from Marriott International Inc. for $310 million. The St. Regis New York, an 18-story building which contains more than 200 guest rooms originally opened by John Jacob Astor IV in 1904, is a historic property that served as the launching point...
November 1, 2019
KSA & UAE Sovereign Wealth Funds expanding across markets
(Riyadh) Zawya has reported experts who attended the 3rd Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh say that Saudi Arabia and UAE Sovereign Wealth Funds are expanding across markets such as Russia, China, India, and Latin America to mitigate risks of uncertainty. The article went on to note that diligent global investments are being used to mitigate the slowing of GDP...
October 30, 2019
Sovereign Wealth Funds seek to diversify investments to distribute risks
(Riyadh) A recent article on Asharq Al-Awsat reported that a number of officials from the world's sovereign funds who participated in the 3rd Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh, said that their funds were seeking to diversify their investments to distribute the risks. Khalid Al-Rumaihi, chief executive of Bahrain’s Mumtalakat Holding Company, was quoted s...
October 30, 2019
Mubadala takes a positive outlook on the global gas market with $50 million investment
(Abu Dhabi) A recent article on Hydrocarbon Engineering reported that Abu Dhabi based sovereign investor, Mubadala Investment Company (Mubadala) will purchase NextDecade’s common stock in a private placement at a price of $6.27 per share. The article went on to disclose that as part of the invetsment, Mubadala will receive one seat on NextDecade’s board of director...
October 28, 2019
Warba, Watar Partners, KAAF, and Rimco invest in Beco Capital Fund II
(Dubai) The National has reported that Beco Capital, a Dubai-based venture capital firm, raised $100 million through its second fund, which thanks to investor appetite for start-ups, the fund oversubscribed its initial target by $20 million. The company typically invests in regionally-based early-stage start-ups with seed and Series A funding, and provides follow-on fund...
October 2, 2019
ADIA allocating to direct investments
(Abu Dhabi) A recent article on Gulf Business reported that Abu Dhabi based sovereign wealth fund, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) is allocating more money to direct investments and stepping up its deal-making with buyout firms. ADIA and Cinven are working with a financial adviser as they consider making a joint bid for KKR’s scientific measurement and te...
October 2, 2019
Ascott QIA invests A$202 million in Sydney
(Qatar) A recent article on IPE Real Assets reported that an unlisted fund jointly controlled by Singapore-based The Ascott and the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), is investing A$202 million in a 48-storey integrated development, which will include office and retail components and be the tallest tower in North Sydney, Australia on completion in 2021. The fund was laun...
September 27, 2019
$2 trillion Saudi Aramco IPO valuation looking for SWF investment
(Riyadh) According to an article published on VCCiRCLE, sources have stated that Saudi Aramco has approached a number of sovereign wealth funds based in the Gulf and Asia to invest in the domestic leg of the oil giant's listing as it seeks to achieve a $2 trillion valuation. Those approached included the United Arab Emirates' Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) and Mu...
September 26, 2019
QIA committed to the UK for the long-term
(Qatar) A recent article on I Love Qatar.net reported that the CEO of the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) has affirmed QIA’s long-term commitment to the UK through a continuous and diversified investment strategy. QIA has built a global portfolio of assets within the UK and has successfully established partnerships with several leading British financial institutions....
September 21, 2019
QIA looking to invest in electricity transmission and distribution
(Qatar) According to an article published on Business Today, the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) is looking to purchase a 20% - 25% minority stake in Adani Electricity Mumbai Limited (AEML) for up to $425 million - $575 million. AEML is India’s largest private sector integrated power utility and is the flagship power transmission and distribution asset of the Adani Gro...
September 20, 2019
KIA commits to Alaska Permanent Fund
(Kuwait) Pensions&Invetsments has reported that the Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA), along with AP3 and Stockholm, has joined three other sovereign wealth funds in Capital Constellation with commitments totaling $300 million. Originally launched in 2018, the joint venture helps Juneau, a $65.8 billion Alaska Permanent Fund to invest in emerging private equity and...
September 13, 2019
Alkhabeer generates 44.6% in net cumulative return for investors
(Jeddah) According to an article published on Trade Arabia, Alkhabeer Capital has successfully exited Alkhabeer Land Development Fund II (ALDF II) and achieved a 44.6% in net cumulative returns. ALDF II was a $231 million Shariah-compliant closed-ended fund that generated capital growth through the acquisition, development and sale of more than 242,000 sq. m of commerci...
September 10, 2019
Abu Dhabi is betting big on technology and innovation
(Abu Dhabi) According to an article published on Reuters, Abu Dhabi is betting big on technology and innovation that are central to the emirate’s economic diversification strategy. Accordingly, Mubadala is expected to invest in Vision Fund 2 in the fourth quarter of 2019. SoftBank, a Japanese telecom and investment group, announced Vision Fund 2 in July, and has alread...
September 6, 2019
Saudi Arabia names new Aramco chairman
(Dubai) Reuters has reported that Saudi Arabia has named Yasir al-Rumayyan, head of The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF), as chairman of Aramco, replacing Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih, as the state oil giant prepares to go public. The article noted that Rumayyan, a former investment banker, was appointed managing director of the PIF in September 2015, aft...
September 2, 2019
Mubadala grows assets by 80% in 2018
(Abu Dhabi) Zawya has reported that the Abu Dhabi based Mubadala Investment Co (Mubadala) has announced its assets under management (AUM) rose by 80% in 2018. Mubadala’s AUM totalled 841 billion dirhams ($229 billion) in 2018 compared to 469 billion dirhams in 2017. The article mentions Mubadala continues to invest across sectors globally. Read the original...
July 29, 2019
KIA achieves $19 billion in profits from international investments
(Middle East) According to an article published on Zawya, the Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) has reported a net profit of $19 billion, achieved from investments in twelve international firms through its core-satellite portfolio, generating a profit accounting for 148.7% of the overall investments belonging to the portfolio since 2007. Read the original article o...
July 22, 2019
ADIA scouting for principal investments
(Asia) According to an article published on Deal Street Asia, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority's (ADIA) private equities department will scout for principal investments in its core sectors. ADIA will also continue to make new fund commitments to partners with whom it has developed “broad relationships” built on a mutual understanding of priorities. ADIA said it...
July 17, 2019
ADIA boosts staff to increase annualized rate of return
(Abu Dhabi) The Financial Times have reported that the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority's (ADIA) fixed income and treasury department plans to scale up active investing and boosting its staff to achieve the goal of increasing the annualized rate of return. This move comes on the back of dropping annualized rate of return (6.5% in 2017 vs 5.4% in 2018) however ADIA’s real...
July 15, 2019
If SWFs were cars then Mubadala and QIA are Ferraris while ADIA is a Volvo
(Hong Kong) Nasdaq have published an article asserting that Mubadala and the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) are unafraid of big flashy, attention-grabbing investments (e.g. QIA’s eye-catching luxury hotel deals or Mubadala's $15 billion into Masayoshi Son's tech-focused Vision Fund). The article goes on to say that the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) by contrast...
July 15, 2019
KIA and Wafra commit to European real estate fund
(New York) Pensions & Investments have reported that Henderson Park Capital Management closed its Henderson Park Real Estate Fund I at $2.2 billion, ahead of its $950 million target. Leading with cornerstone commitments were the Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) and Wafra Investment Advisory Group amongst others. Read the original article on Pensions &...
July 3, 2019
QIA announces a further $365 million acquisition
(Los Angeles) According to an article published on Yahoo! Finance, the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) has announced a further $365 million acquisition by its multi-billion dollar real estate partnership. This latest investment made an acquisition of a residential community in Westwood (Santa Monica, LA) with 350 apartments and approximately 50,000 square feet of...
July 2, 2019
Oman's Jabreen Capital expands footprint in the South East Asia market
(Muscat) Zawya has reported that Jabreen Capital, has entered into an agreement with EastBridge Partners Singapore to expand its private equity footprint in the South East Asia market. The partnership will support Jabreen’s long term vision of diversifying its portfolio and expanding into the global market. Read the original article on Zawya: <a href="https://www...
June 24, 2019
Saudi investment company committed to establishing a sizable UK real estate portfolio
(Manchester / Jeddah) According to an article on Zawya, Cedar Tree Investments, a company whose assets are managed by Jeddah-based AIMS Investments, has bought three buildings in Manchester city centre and one in the Rusholme district close to the city's main university campuses. The buildings - Basil House, Salisbury House in Manchester and properties on King St and Gr...
June 23, 2019
ADIA betting big on Indian distressed asset sector
(Abu Dhabi) Arabian Business has reported that the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) has invested a total of $1 billion with Kotak Investment Advisors (KIA). Half of this is committed to the special situation distressed fund of KIA. According to the article, industry sources said ADIA seem to be betting big on India, especially in the distressed asset sector, a...
June 17, 2019
SABB Alawwal Bank merger creates third-largest Saudi lender
(Abu Dhabi) According to an article on The National, the Saudi British Bank (SABB) and Alawwal Bank will continue to operate as separate entities and offer their respective products and services until they fully integrate their back office operations following the completion of their merger. SABB will absorb Alawwal Bank’s assets and liabilities. The transaction wa...
June 16, 2019
New York office block now fully owned by ADIA
(London / Dubai) According to an article published on Arab News, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) is said to have bought 25% of 330 Madison Avenue from Vornado Realty Trust, gaining full ownership of the New York office block with the deal expected to close in the third quarter of this year. ADIA has between 5% to 10% of its portfolio in real estate. The...
June 18, 2019
Solar PV technology to generate 500MWac of renewable power in Oman
(Muscat) According to Zawya, there has been an agreement reached for the development of the Ibri-2 Independent Power Producer (IPP) with the Oman Power and Water Procurement Company. The agreement has been executed by a consortium composed of ACWA Power, Gulf Investment Corporation , and Alternative Energy Projects Co., and will be located around 300km w...
May 5, 2019
PIF aiming to be the worlds largest SWF by 2020
(Saudi Arabia) According to an article on Arabian Business, the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) is growing its assets faster on the international pool as they are trying to diversify, increasing the size and proportion of their total international assets. PIF's current AUM of $290 billion makes it the 11th largest Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) globally accord...
April 25, 2019
ADIA to invest in 49% stake of airport holding firm
(Hyderbad) As reported by The Hindu, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) have signed a pact buying 49% stake in an airport holding firm. GVK Power & Infrastructure Ltd. (GVKPIL), through two subsidiaries, has entered into an agreement for selling a 49% stake in its airports holding company to ADIA and the National Investment & Infrastructure Fund (NIIF)....
April 19, 2019
QIA invests in $5.6 billion portfolio of New York retail properties
(New York / Dubai) According to an article on Reuters, QIA and private realty firm Crown Acquisitions said on Friday they were the unnamed investors in a deal with Vornado Realty Trust valued at $5.56 billion that involves a portfolio of prime New York retail properties. Vornado sold a non-controlling stake in its portfolio of properties along Fifth Avenue and Broa...
April 19, 2019
Mubadala looking to broaden real estate portfolio
(Abu Dhabi) Gulf News has reported that Mubadala, a UAE investment giant has just picked up Galleria Mall on Al Maryah Island and is open to acquisitions in real estate to broaden its portfolio. Ali Eid Al Mheiri, Executive Director of real estate and infrastructure commented, "We are focussing on real estate investments in the UAE and outside. Whether it is in Abu...
March 20, 2019
PIF of Saudi Arabia invests $1 billion+ in Lucid Motors
(Silicon Valley / Saudi Arabia) According to an article on Benzinga, Lucid Motors confirmed today that it has closed its previously announced $1 billion+ investment from the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF). This latest round of financing further propels the company towards the commercial launch of its first electric vehicle, the Lucid Air, in 2020. Luc...
April 3, 2019
ADFD invests $2.7 billion in international water projects
(Abu Dhabi) Trade Arabia has reported the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has financed 108 water sector projects in 56 countries from its inception in 1971 until December 2018. The article noted that ADFD has always been keen to support international efforts aimed at achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, with water sector projects accounting for 12 per...
March 23, 2019
AGL Credit Management closes $500 million investment from ADIA
(Abu Dhabi) According to an article on Asia Asset Management, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) and an unnamed US state pension fund are investing a total $650 million to become shareholders in AGL Credit Management (AGL). AGL is a newly established private credit investment firm founded by veteran US loan banker Peter Gleysteen which specializes in innovative...
March 20, 2019
GIC, ADIA increase power at Greenko with $550 million cheque
(Abu Dhabi) According to an article in The Economic Times, sovereign wealth funds GIC Holdings Pte Ltd of Singapore and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) of Abu Dhabi are investing $550 million of fresh primary capital in Greenko, India’s largest renewable energy firm. This will be the third round of capital infusion by the two funds, raising total investment b...
February 21, 2019
Mubadala eyes technology, agribusiness and biotechnology to boost growth
(Abu Dhabi) Gulf News has reported that Mubalada is looking to in new sectors such as technology, agribusiness and biotechnology to boost growth. Mubadala’s portfolio of over $225 billion spans five continents with investments in oil and gas, aerospace, healthcare and real estate, among others. “From being a traditional investor, we have grown over the years by op...
February 12, 2019
Warba to build out investment strategy alongside consultant MJ Hudson
(Kuwait) According to an article on Institutional Asset Manager, Warba has appointed investment consultant MJ Hudson Allenbridge to advise on the building out of its investment strategy and portfolio, including manager selection and integrated legal and investment due diligence. It is reported that MJ Hudson will be working in close partnership with Warba to develop its...
February 11, 2019