Dubai has emerged as a premier hub for private equity firms, attracting global investors with its strategic location and business-friendly environment. Mubadala Investment Company, Gulf Capital, and Investcorp represent the city’s dynamic investment landscape, offering diverse portfolios across multiple sectors. These firms leverage Dubai’s robust financial infrastructure to drive innovative investment strategies. Professionals seeking deeper insights into this exciting realm can explore the thriving private equity community at alexejpikovsky.com/community.
Mubadala Investment Company
Investment Style: Mubadala Investment Company focuses on a wide range of asset classes including private equity, public equity, real estate, and infrastructure investments. They aim for strategic partnerships and sustainable financial returns.
Portfolio Companies: Mubadala’s diverse portfolio includes companies such as GlobalFoundries (semiconductors), Cepsa (energy), and Nova Chemicals (plastics and chemicals).
Founding Date: 2002
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 100
Assets Under Management: Approximately $284 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director and Group CEO: Oversees the strategic direction and investment initiatives of Mubadala.
- Mansour AlMulla, Chief Financial Officer: Responsible for financial strategy and oversight.
Recent Exits:
- Sale of a stake in Borealis AG to OMV AG for $4.68 billion.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in Reliance Retail Ventures Limited in India.
- Investment in Cologix, a leading North American network-neutral interconnection and hyperscale edge data center company.
Office Locations:
- Abu Dhabi (Headquarters): Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Additional Offices: London, Moscow, New York, San Francisco
Website: www.mubadala.com
Quote: “Mubadala aims to harness our extensive global network along with our deep sector expertise to create lasting value and contribute to the economic diversification of Abu Dhabi.” – Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director and Group CEO
Abraaj Group
Investment Style: Abraaj Group previously focused on growth markets in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Asia. They aimed to generate strong returns by investing in high-growth businesses.
Portfolio Companies: Abraaj’s past portfolio included companies like K-Electric (energy) and Careem (transportation).
Founding Date: 2002
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 300 at its peak
Assets Under Management: Historically managed approximately $13 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Arif Naqvi, Founder and Former CEO: Led the firm’s strategic growth and investment efforts.
- Mustafa Abdel-Wadood, Former Managing Partner: Instrumental in managing the firm’s global investment strategies.
Recent Exits:
- Divestment of stake in Network International through IPO.
Recent Investments:
- Abraaj is currently in liquidation, and no recent investments have been made.
Office Locations:
- Dubai (Former Headquarters): Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai, UAE
- Additional Former Offices: London, Nairobi, Mumbai, Singapore
Website: No longer operational
Quote: “Our mission was to create value through our investments while contributing positively to the communities where we operated.” – Arif Naqvi, Founder and Former CEO
Gulf Capital
Investment Style: Gulf Capital focuses on making private equity investments in growth companies in the Middle East and North Africa. They seek to create value through strategic partnerships and operational enhancements.
Portfolio Companies: Gulf Capital’s portfolio includes companies such as Metito (water management solutions) and Gulf Marine Services (offshore services).
Founding Date: 2006
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 50
Assets Under Management: Approximately $2.5 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Karim El Solh, Co-Founder and CEO: Leads strategic planning and investment decisions.
- Mohammed Ali Yasin, Chief Strategy Officer: Drives the strategic direction and business development.
Recent Exits:
- Exit from Techno Group Investments LLC, a leading provider of healthcare services in the UAE.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in ACCUMED, a healthcare revenue cycle management company.
Office Locations:
- Abu Dhabi (Headquarters): Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Dubai Office: Dubai, UAE
Website: www.gulfcapital.com
Quote: “We believe in generating attractive returns by being responsible investors and actively supporting the growth and development of our portfolio companies.” – Karim El Solh, Co-Founder and CEO
Shuaa Capital
Investment Style: Shuaa Capital engages in private equity investments targeting growth sectors including healthcare, technology, and financial services in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Portfolio Companies: Shuaa’s portfolio includes companies like ADFG (financial services) and Northacre (real estate development).
Founding Date: 2000
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 100
Assets Under Management: Approximately $13 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Fawad Tariq Khan, CEO: Responsible for overall management and strategic direction.
- Mustafa Kheriba, Deputy CEO: Focuses on investment strategy and portfolio management.
Recent Exits:
- Sale of stake in Jassim Transport and Stevedoring Company to Gulf Investment Corporation.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in Anghami, a leading music streaming service in the MENA region.
Office Locations:
- Dubai (Headquarters): Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai, UAE
- Additional Offices: Abu Dhabi, Riyadh
Website: www.shuaa.com
Quote: “Shuaa Capital is committed to providing innovative financing solutions and driving value creation across the region.” – Fawad Tariq Khan, CEO
Investcorp
Investment Style: Investcorp focuses on private equity, real estate, credit management, and absolute return investments across the globe, with a strong emphasis on value creation and growth.
Portfolio Companies: Investcorp’s portfolio includes companies such as Arrowhead Engineered Products (automotive parts) and Impero (education technology).
Founding Date: 1982
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 250
Assets Under Management: Approximately $50 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Hazem Ben-Gacem, Co-CEO: Focuses on expanding Investcorp’s global presence and strategic investments.
- Rishi Kapoor, Co-CEO: Leads the firm’s operational business segments and strategic initiatives.
Recent Exits:
- Exit from SecureLink, a leading European cybersecurity firm, to Orange for approximately €515 million.
Recent Investments:
- Acquisition of a majority stake in Avira, a global cybersecurity company.
- Investment in KSM Consulting, a data analytics and technology consulting firm.
Office Locations:
- Bahrain (Headquarters): Manama, Bahrain
- Dubai Office: Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai, UAE
- Additional Offices: New York, London, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Singapore
Website: www.investcorp.com
Quote: “Our commitment is to deliver superior returns to our investors and to be a preferred partner for our portfolio companies.” – Hazem Ben-Gacem, Co-CEO
Waha Capital
Investment Style: Waha Capital is focused on private equity, credit, and capital markets, with a strategy to invest in high-growth sectors in the Middle East and North Africa.
Portfolio Companies: Waha Capital’s portfolio includes AerCap Holdings (aircraft leasing) and Dunia Finance (financial services).
Founding Date: 1997
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 50
Assets Under Management: Approximately $3 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Ahmed Khalifa Al Mehairi, CEO: Drives strategic vision and investment operations.
- Amr Al Menhali, Managing Director – Principal Investments: Responsible for managing principal investment activities.
Recent Exits:
- Partial exit from AerCap Holdings, the world’s largest aircraft leasing company.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in Petronash, a provider of modular wellsite packages for the oil and gas industry.
Office Locations:
- Abu Dhabi (Headquarters): Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Dubai Office: Dubai, UAE
Website: www.wahacapital.ae
Quote: “We focus on delivering sustainable returns through disciplined investment practices and strategic value creation for our stakeholders.” – Ahmed Khalifa Al Mehairi, CEO
Fajr Capital
Investment Style: Fajr Capital is a private equity investment firm focused on high-growth businesses in key sectors such as financial services, infrastructure, and renewable energy in emerging markets.
Portfolio Companies: Fajr Capital’s portfolio includes Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (financial services) and Cravia Group (food and beverage).
Founding Date: 2009
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 20
Assets Under Management: Approximately $700 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Iqbal Khan, CEO: Leads the firm’s investment strategy and oversees the portfolio companies.
- Fahd Khan, Managing Director: Focuses on investment opportunities and portfolio management.
Recent Exits:
- Exit from National Petroleum Services, a leading oilfield services provider, to National Energy Services Reunited Corporation.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in BESTSELLER Retail United Arab Emirates, a leading fashion retail company.
Office Locations:
- Dubai (Headquarters): Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai, UAE
- Additional Offices: London, Kuala Lumpur
Website: www.fajrcapital.com
Quote: “Our approach is to partner with high-growth businesses and help them achieve their full potential while delivering attractive returns to our investors.” – Iqbal Khan, CEO
Al Masah Capital
Investment Style: Al Masah Capital focuses on private equity investments in sectors such as healthcare, education, and consumer-driven businesses in the MENA region and Southeast Asia.
Portfolio Companies: Al Masah’s portfolio includes VH Healthcare (healthcare services) and Pet’s Delight (retail).
Founding Date: 2010
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 40
Assets Under Management: Approximately $500 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Shailesh Dash, Founder and Former CEO: Led the firm’s strategic vision and investment strategies.
- Navin Valrani, CEO: Responsible for the overall management and future growth strategy.
Recent Exits:
- Exit from the healthcare portfolio to a regional healthcare group.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in a chain of retail pharmacies in the GCC region.
Office Locations:
- Dubai (Headquarters): Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai, UAE
- Additional Offices: Abu Dhabi
Website: www.almasahcapital.com
Quote: “Our focus is on capitalizing on the growth potential in emerging markets by investing in scalable and sustainable business models.” – Shailesh Dash, Founder and Former CEO
Al Tamimi Investments
Investment Style: Al Tamimi Investments specializes in private equity investments with a focus on real estate, construction, and consumer goods sectors, targeting growth opportunities in the UAE and GCC region.
Portfolio Companies: The portfolio includes companies like Prisme International (event management) and Slices (food services).
Founding Date: 2006
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 30
Assets Under Management: Approximately $1 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Essam Al Tamimi, Chairman: Provides strategic guidance and oversees investment initiatives.
- Najla Al Midfa, CEO: Focuses on corporate strategy and business development.
Recent Exits:
- Exit from a major real estate development project in Dubai.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in a logistics and supply chain solutions company.
Office Locations:
- Dubai (Headquarters): Business Bay, Dubai, UAE
Website: www.altamimiinvestments.com
Quote: “Our mission is to build and invest in companies that are not only profitable but also contribute to the economic growth of the region.” – Essam Al Tamimi, Chairman
Equitativa Group
Investment Style: Equitativa Group specializes in real estate and asset management, primarily managing REITs and focusing on income-generating assets in the UAE and wider Middle East region.
Portfolio Companies: The portfolio includes Emirates REIT (real estate investment trust) and The Residential REIT (housing).
Founding Date: 2010
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 20
Assets Under Management: Approximately $2 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Sylvain Vieujot, Group Chairman: Leads strategic vision and growth of the group.
- Racha Al Khawaja, Chief Distribution and Development Officer: Responsible for expanding the group’s investment base and product offerings.
Recent Exits:
- Successful divestment of certain assets within the Emirates REIT portfolio to optimize returns.
Recent Investments:
- Acquisition of additional office space in Dubai to expand the Emirates REIT portfolio.
Office Locations:
- Dubai (Headquarters): Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai, UAE
Website: www.equitativa.com
Quote: “Equitativa Group is dedicated to unlocking the full potential of real estate assets through strategic management and innovative investment solutions.” – Sylvain Vieujot, Group Chairman
Conclusion
Dubai’s private equity landscape continues to evolve, presenting remarkable opportunities for strategic investments and transformative growth. As the region solidifies its position as a global financial hub, private equity firms are playing a crucial role in driving economic development and innovation. The future looks promising, with increasing capital flows and sophisticated investment strategies reshaping the financial ecosystem.
Want to dive deeper into business exit insights? Subscribe to my YouTube channel @alexejpikovsky for weekly deep-dive content on exit strategies and acquisition dynamics.