ADQ Chief: “95% of Pitches Are Worthless,” Warns Investors to Do Their Homework
In a candid address at Abu Dhabi Finance Week, Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, the UAE’s Minister of Investment and CEO of the sovereign fund ADQ, delivered a blunt message to the global investment community. He revealed that a staggering “95 per cent of those pitches are worthless,” criticizing proposals that lack substance or are based on outdated stereotypes about the UAE.
Beyond Camels and Skylines: Abu Dhabi’s Modern Reality
Alsuwaidi used his platform to highlight a critical disconnect. He noted that some international investors still arrive with archaic perceptions, joking that “There are people who think we still ride camels,” only to be surprised by Abu Dhabi’s cutting-edge infrastructure and modern skyline. His remark underscored the emirate’s rapid transformation into a diversified global financial hub, far removed from its oil-dependent past.
The city is now home to sophisticated financial services, sovereign wealth funds managing trillions, and a strategic vision that places it at the forefront of global capital. Alsuwaidi emphasized that Abu Dhabi is now widely recognized in finance, declaring ambitiously, “Today, I’ve seen the future of capitalism, and its name is Abu Dhabi.”
What ADQ Really Wants: Substance Over Hype
The critique of worthless pitches is more than a complaint; it’s a clear signal of ADQ’s selective investment strategy. As a sovereign investment house driving the UAE’s economic diversification into sectors like infrastructure, technology, healthcare, and food security, ADQ prioritizes robust fundamentals.
Alsuwaidi’s comments clarify that the fund seeks:
Long-term value creation over short-term gains.
Realistic business models aligned with strategic national priorities.
Deep market understanding and respect for local regulatory standards.
Transformative projects with credible execution plans.
This approach filters out speculative ventures, ensuring capital is deployed into projects that offer sustainable growth and tangible impact.
Why This Warning Matters for Global Investors
Alsuwaidi’s statement is a strategic directive for anyone seeking capital or partnership in the UAE. It signifies that Abu Dhabi is not merely open for business but is curating quality investments. The era of attracting any proposal is over; the bar has been decisively raised.
For investors and entrepreneurs, the message is clear: thorough homework is non-negotiable. Pitches must demonstrate a genuine understanding of Abu Dhabi’s evolved economic landscape, its ambitions, and the specific value proposition for the region. This shift reflects a broader trend among Gulf states, which are increasingly leveraging their capital to foster sustainable, high-quality growth.
Conclusion: A New Era of Selective, Strategic Capital
The remarks from the ADQ CEO at Abu Dhabi Finance Week mark a defining moment. They announce that the UAE, through its sovereign funds, is transitioning from a capital recipient to a sophisticated, discerning source of institutional capital. For the few proposals that meet its stringent criteria, the opportunity for partnership is significant. For the rest, the door is effectively closed, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a serious and strategic player on the global financial stage.
