UAE’s growth in the past decade has been incredible, making it a home for investment opportunities. The country is saturated with companies from the simplest savings funds to global-level investment funds. According to Khaleeji Times, UAE ranks among the top 20 nations globally with high foreign direct investment outflows.
Like its record-breaking urban development strides, the Emirates has set footprints in the global financial economy. As of now, Dubai is the top financial hub in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MESA) region, with Abu Dhabi trailing behind it. This tremendous growth can be credited to the unprecedented growth of financial services and investors crowding the region.
Let’s look at some of the top largest investors in the region.
Top Investors in the UAE
Dubai Investment Fund (DIF)
DIF, established in 2001, is one of the world’s largest independent asset managers and investment funds, with over $320 billion assets under its management. The company serves over 7,300 private organizations in over 61 countries, with a clientele consisting of sovereign wealth funds, foundations, pension funds, healthcare, fund sponsors, family offices, insurance companies, and other legacy industries. The firm’s goals align with the possibility of unlocking a positive future outlook for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regions.
DIF is known for exploring new technologies and solutions to existing global challenges, in addition to investing in projects that contribute towards sustainable development goals. It was one of the first firms to introduce a digital platform for its investors and clients in 2007, an introduction that would give clients access to better market analytics using advanced technological tools. The firm has also dived into the IT sector and artificial intelligence.
Dubai Investment Fund unlocks value for its partners, with promising initiatives that create impact. The firm is common for helping investors identify potential opportunities in emerging trends by partnering with strategic organizations oriented pushing new technologies further.
Shuaa Capital PSC
Shuaa Capital is a top investment company with a focus on investment banking, capital markets, asset management and corporate finance advisory. It has approximately $14 billion assets under management, with a vast range of clientele including the government, family enterprises, investors, and corporations. It was the aftermath of a 2019 merger with Abu Dhabi Financial Group, listed under the Emirates Securities and Commodities Authority as a financial investment company. The firm has a pioneering approach and record in making innovative and differentiated investments to offer global products aimed at private and public markets, real estate and debt.
Shuaa Capital deals with real estate projects and funds, fixed income markets, investment portfolios, and credit markets. Furthermore, its clientele enjoys investment solutions curated on alternative investing strategies. Its banking segment offers corporate finance advisory, private placement, debt securities, transaction services, equity public offerings, among other services. The investment banking segment also creates market liquidity on over-the-counter fixed income products.
Al Tamimi Investments (ATI)
Al Tamimi Investments, founded in 2006, focuses on optimizing opportunities to grow businesses from ideas. It is one of the leading business-oriented investment companies in Dubai, employing decisive and dynamic investment plans. ATI’s straightforward business model enables the company to develop long-term associations with clients and business partners. The company serves in six industry vehicles including manufacturing, hospitality, corporate support services, education, and healthcare.
ATI investments is also innovation-oriented, demonstrated by its ability to identify potential business growth and evaluate investment opportunities based on potential growth and its merits. In a nutshell, the company specializes in investing in promising and market-defining businesses at seed phases or start-ups. Its investment portfolio spreads across the Middle East, the Arabian Gulf, and the world.
Mubarak and Brothers Investments (MBI)
MBI has interest in diverse industries like real estate, education, F&B operations, food and engineering services, and retail, among others. Despite its late inception into the regional and global markets– established in 2003, Mubarak and Brothers Investments have had remarkable growth to become a leader in retail and real estate industries in Abu Dhabi.
MBI invests in firms with promising potential. The asset management wing focuses on expanding on innovative ideas. It aims to improve and continually monitor the property valuation of stakeholders. Its tremendous growth has been influenced by its cardinal values like innovation, quality, and sustainability, while aligning its operations with the government’s development goals for the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2020.
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)
This UAE bank is glorified for being one of the safest globally. It is also the largest bank in the Emirates, with its head offices in Abu Dhabi. However, its networks spread beyond the borders of the country to cover five continents. The bank offers a customized experience for its clientele through a variety of tailor-made goods and services. FAB’s clients include financial institutions, governments, SMEs, multinational corporations, and local enterprises.
First Abu Dhabi Bank’s business framework is client-led, which implies that it provides commendable proximity for its clients anywhere. Its growth is largely influenced by its strategic emphasis on developing a relationship and a sense of trust with its clients. FAB achieves the growth strategy by providing market-leading solutions to its clientele worldwide.
Emirates NBD Capital (EmCap)
The investment bank arm of UAE’s leading bank, Emirates NBD Group, provides corporate finance solutions and asset management services. It provides investment solutions including Equity Capital Markets, Loan Syndications, Debt Capital Markets, and Corporate Finance Advisory, all tailor-made to suit client needs. These services grant clients access to global markets. For instance, Emirates NBD Capital offers direct financing solutions like bonds, loans, and equity research for its clients.
The asset management segment involves private and public equity funds helping companies raise funds through issuance of new shares, government bonds or notes, real estate property trusts (REITS), mutual funds, and derivatives like future contracts. EmCap is regulated by The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) and Dubai Financial Services Authority. The Dubai-headquartered investment bank serves sovereigns, institutional investors, supra-nationals, public sector companies, and private companies/groups.
With UAE habitating these top investment funds and attracting more, the growth of the Emirates will only scale up. Furthermore, the support from these investors opens up the market for newer industries and technologies to emerge.