UAE overseas investments stand as a testament to resilience and prosperity.
Jamal Bin Saif Al Jarwan, Secretary-General of the UAE International Investors Council (UAEIIC), recently highlighted the remarkable achievements of UAE investments abroad amid the backdrop of global economic fluctuations.
In a testament to the UAE’s strategic vision and unwavering commitment to economic resilience, Al Jarwan emphasized the nation’s proactive approach to expanding its investment portfolio. Through a strategic blend of foresight and prudence, the United Arab Emirates seeks to secure the prosperity of future generations, embarking on ventures that underscore sound economic management and a steadfast dedication to development and cooperation.
Al Jarwan underscored the its formidable presence in the global economy, citing the staggering total value of the assets abroad, estimated at a monumental $2.5 trillion as of early 2024. This formidable figure positions the United Arab Emirates at the forefront in the Arab region and West Asia and an impressive 15th globally. Moreover, the its ranks second globally in capitalizing on new investment opportunities, showcasing its prowess in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of international finance.
In his remarks to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Al Jarwan offered insights into the geographic distribution of United Arab Emirates investments, with the United States emerging as a key destination, attracting substantial investments in bonds and direct ventures. Egypt, the United Kingdom, India, and Morocco also feature prominently on the UAE’s investment radar, with Europe increasingly gaining traction due to its currency stability.
Expounding on the geographical footprint of investments, Al Jarwan identified a diverse array of countries where the United Arab Emirates is actively engaged, including India, Indonesia, ASEAN nations, Egypt, Morocco, Central Asian countries, and various European destinations. Notably, emerging markets such as Serbia, Greece, and Turkey are also attracting heightened attention from investors, underscoring the nation’s global outreach and diversification strategy.
Delving into the breakdown of ownership and capital distribution, Al Jarwan delineated the various entities driving United Arab Emirates investments abroad. Sovereign wealth funds, led by stalwarts such as the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), play a pivotal role, commanding a substantial 72 percent share of Emirati investments worldwide. Government-owned and quasi-governmental entities, UAE banks, and family-owned enterprises collectively contribute to the remaining share, reflecting a diversified investment landscape.
Al Jarwan highlighted several landmark investment deals that underscore the depth and breadth of United Arab Emirates global footprint. Noteworthy transactions include the acquisition of UniVar Solutions by Apollo Global Management and ADIA, the investment by the Canadian Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec in DP World, and ADNOC’s acquisition of a stake in OMV AG, among others. These strategic partnerships and acquisitions exemplify the its proactive engagement in fostering mutually beneficial collaborations on the global stage.
Reflecting on the trajectory of United Arab Emirates investments over the years, Al Jarwan provided insights into the exponential growth witnessed in Emirati outbound investments. From humble beginnings with investments totaling $1.9 billion in the 1990s, UAE investments soared to $240 billion by the end of 2022, a testament to the nation’s robust economic expansion and global outreach.
Furthermore, Al Jarwan highlighted the consistent upward trajectory in annual investment flows, with the United Arab Emirates witnessing a notable increase in outbound investment flows in 2022, reaching $24.833 billion—a commendable 10 percent surge from the previous year. This remarkable growth underscores the UAE’s ascendance as a formidable player in the global investment landscape, as corroborated by its elevated ranking in investment flows by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
In conclusion, Al Jarwan’s remarks underscore the UAE’s unwavering commitment to fostering economic resilience and prosperity on the global stage. Through astute investments, strategic partnerships, and forward-looking initiatives, the United Arab Emirates continues to chart a course toward sustainable growth and development, cementing its position as a beacon of economic dynamism and opportunity in an ever-evolving world.
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