Abu Dhabi has emerged as a powerhouse for private equity, with firms like Mubadala Investment Company, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), and ADQ leading transformative investments across global markets. These sovereign wealth funds leverage Abu Dhabi’s strategic location, robust financial infrastructure, and supportive regulatory environment to drive economic diversification. Investors seeking dynamic opportunities can explore deeper insights and potential connections within this vibrant ecosystem by joining our community at alexejpikovsky.com/community.
Mubadala Investment Company
Investment Style: Mubadala Investment Company focuses on strategic investments across sectors such as aerospace, technology, energy, health, and real estate. They employ a long-term, value-oriented approach that aims to foster sustainable economic growth and global partnerships.
Portfolio Companies: Mubadala’s portfolio includes GlobalFoundries (semiconductor manufacturing), OMV (oil, gas, and chemicals), and Yahsat (satellite services).
Founding Date: 2002
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 100
Assets Under Management: Approximately $302 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director and Group CEO: Al Mubarak is responsible for leading Mubadala’s strategic direction and overseeing its global operations.
- Waleed Al Mokarrab Al Muhairi, Deputy Group CEO: Al Muhairi focuses on the company’s business strategy and overseeing its technology and life sciences investments.
- Musabbeh Al Kaabi, CEO, UAE Investments: Al Kaabi leads the company’s investments and operations within the UAE.
Recent Exits:
- Cepsa, sold a 30% stake to Carlyle Group.
- Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, in partnership with Cleveland Clinic.
Recent Investments:
- Invested in Silver Lake, a global leader in technology investing.
- Invested in Waymo, an autonomous driving technology company owned by Alphabet.
Office Locations:
- Abu Dhabi (Headquarters): Abu Dhabi Global Market Square, Al Maryah Island
- Additional Offices: London, New York, San Francisco, Rio de Janeiro, Moscow
Website: www.mubadala.com
Quote: “Mubadala’s strategy is focused on delivering strong financial returns while also contributing to the economic diversification of Abu Dhabi.” – Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director and Group CEO
ADQ (Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company)
Investment Style: ADQ focuses on investing in sectors critical to the future of Abu Dhabi, including healthcare, food and agriculture, utilities, financial services, and industries. Their approach is centered on supporting the emirate’s economic growth and development.
Portfolio Companies: ADQ’s portfolio includes Agthia Group (food and beverage), Abu Dhabi Ports, and SEHA (healthcare services).
Founding Date: 2018
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 60
Assets Under Management: Approximately $110 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, CEO: Alsuwaidi oversees ADQ’s strategic and operational activities, focusing on sector development and investment initiatives.
- Jaap Kalkman, Chief Investment Officer: Kalkman is responsible for leading the investment strategy and managing the investment portfolio.
Recent Exits:
- Sold a stake in Abu Dhabi National Hotels to Aldar Properties.
Recent Investments:
- Acquired a majority stake in the National Petroleum Construction Company.
- Invested in the technology venture fund with Chimera Capital.
Office Locations:
- Abu Dhabi (Headquarters): ADGM Square, Al Maryah Island
Website: www.adq.ae
Quote: “ADQ is committed to driving sustainable economic development across diverse sectors in Abu Dhabi.” – Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, CEO
ADIA (Abu Dhabi Investment Authority)
Investment Style: ADIA engages in a broad range of asset classes, including equities, fixed income, real estate, and private equity. Their investment philosophy is grounded in long-term value creation and diversification across geographies and sectors.
Portfolio Companies: ADIA’s portfolio spans global markets with investments in sectors such as infrastructure, real estate, and private equity.
Founding Date: 1976
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 1,700
Assets Under Management: Estimated at $1 trillion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Managing Director: Al Nahyan is responsible for directing ADIA’s investment strategy and overseeing its global investment activities.
- Shaikh Hamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Managing Director: Overseeing the general management of ADIA’s activities and operations.
Recent Exits:
- Exited a minority stake in SoftBank Group’s Vision Fund.
Recent Investments:
- Invested in India’s digital services company, Reliance Jio Platforms.
- Invested in the warehousing and logistics sector in India with Logos India.
Office Locations:
- Abu Dhabi (Headquarters): Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi
Website: www.adia.ae
Quote: “ADIA’s disciplined investment approach is designed to ensure that we are continually prepared for the future, regardless of economic cycles.” – Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Managing Director
Waha Capital
Investment Style: Waha Capital focuses on alternative investments, including private equity, capital markets, and infrastructure. Their strategy emphasizes value creation through active management and strategic partnerships.
Portfolio Companies: Waha Capital’s portfolio includes AerCap Holdings N.V. (aircraft leasing), and National Petroleum Services Group (energy services).
Founding Date: 1997
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 20
Assets Under Management: Approximately $2.3 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Amr Al Menhali, CEO: Al Menhali leads Waha Capital’s strategic growth and investment activities.
- Ajit Joshi, Managing Director and Head of Public Markets: Joshi oversees the firm’s public market investment strategies.
Recent Exits:
- Exited a stake in Dunia Finance, a UAE financial services company.
Recent Investments:
- Invested in the healthcare sector in Egypt with an acquisition of a stake in Dar Al Fouad Hospital.
Office Locations:
- Abu Dhabi (Headquarters): Al Maqam Tower, Abu Dhabi Global Market Square
Website: www.wahacapital.ae
Quote: “Waha Capital is focused on leveraging our expertise to unlock value and deliver superior returns to our stakeholders.” – Amr Al Menhali, CEO
Chimera Investments
Investment Style: Chimera Investments focuses on asset management and private equity, with a strategy that includes investing in growth-oriented companies across a range of sectors including technology, healthcare, and consumer goods.
Portfolio Companies: Chimera Investments’ portfolio includes investments in technology startups and established businesses across MENA and other emerging markets.
Founding Date: 2007
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 25
Assets Under Management: Approximately $1 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Seif Fikry, CEO: Fikry leads Chimera’s strategic initiatives and investment strategies.
- Omar Al Fardan, Chairman: Al Fardan oversees the firm’s operations and strategic direction.
Recent Exits:
- Exited from a technology investment in the UAE, realizing a significant return.
Recent Investments:
- Invested in a regional fintech startup focused on digital payments.
Office Locations:
- Abu Dhabi (Headquarters): Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi Global Market
Website: www.chimerainvestment.com
Quote: “Our vision is to identify and invest in opportunities that have the potential to drive significant value creation and sustainable growth.” – Seif Fikry, CEO
Abu Dhabi Catalyst Partners
Investment Style: Abu Dhabi Catalyst Partners focuses on investments in rapidly growing sectors such as technology, financial services, and healthcare. Their approach emphasizes strategic partnerships and aligning interests with stakeholders.
Portfolio Companies: The firm has invested in innovative companies across its focus sectors, enhancing Abu Dhabi’s standing in the global investment landscape.
Founding Date: 2019
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 15
Assets Under Management: Approximately $1 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- James Munce, CEO: Munce is responsible for the overall strategy and management of Abu Dhabi Catalyst Partners.
- Simon Eedle, Chief Investment Officer: Eedle leads the investment decision-making process and portfolio management.
Recent Exits:
- Exited an investment in a leading technology company, achieving strong returns.
Recent Investments:
- Invested in financial technology ventures expanding within the UAE.
Office Locations:
- Abu Dhabi (Headquarters): ADGM Square, Al Maryah Island
Website: www.adcatalystpartners.com
Quote: “Our focus is on supporting innovative companies that are well-positioned to become leaders in their respective fields.” – James Munce, CEO
Al Maskari Holding
Investment Style: Al Maskari Holding is a family-owned private investment group with a diverse portfolio encompassing sectors such as real estate, energy, healthcare, and technology. Their investment approach is conservative, with a focus on legacy and sustainable growth.
Portfolio Companies: Al Maskari Holding’s portfolio includes strategic investments in energy projects, healthcare services, and technology startups.
Founding Date: 1971
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 10
Assets Under Management: Approximately $500 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Dr. Fatima Al Maskari, Chairwoman: Dr. Al Maskari guides the strategic vision and expansion of the company.
- Abdullah Al Maskari, CEO: Abdullah leads the operational and investment activities of Al Maskari Holding.
Recent Exits:
- Exited from a real estate development project in the UAE.
Recent Investments:
- Invested in renewable energy projects to support sustainable initiatives.
Office Locations:
- Abu Dhabi (Headquarters): Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi
Website: www.almaskarigroup.com
Quote: “At Al Maskari Holding, we are driven by the vision of creating a sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come.” – Dr. Fatima Al Maskari, Chairwoman
International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC)
IPIC was merged with Mubadala Development Company in 2017 to form Mubadala Investment Company, so it is no longer an independent entity.
Investment Style: IPIC is focused on investments in the energy sector, including oil, gas, and petrochemicals. They aim to build a diversified portfolio that contributes to energy security and sustainable economic development.
Portfolio Companies: IPIC’s portfolio includes significant stakes in global energy companies, as well as joint ventures in petrochemical industries.
Founding Date: 1984
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 50
Assets Under Management: Approximately $58 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Managing Director: Al Mazrouei oversees IPIC’s strategic direction and investment activities.
- Khadem Al Qubaisi, Former Managing Director: Previously led the company’s expansion and investment strategies.
Recent Exits:
- Sold a stake in Borealis AG, a leading provider of innovative solutions in polyolefins and base chemicals.
Recent Investments:
- Invested in the expansion of petrochemical facilities to enhance production capacity.
Office Locations:
- Abu Dhabi (Headquarters): Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi
Website: www.ipic.ae
Quote: “IPIC is committed to leveraging our expertise and resources to drive sustainable growth in the global energy sector.” – Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Managing Director
Conclusion
Abu Dhabi’s private equity landscape continues to evolve, presenting exciting opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs. As the region’s financial ecosystem matures, private equity firms play a crucial role in driving economic diversification and supporting emerging sectors. The future looks promising, with increasing global interest and strategic investments transforming the emirate’s economic potential.
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