Khaldoon Al Mubarak: Mubadala an Emirati success story, inspiring the world

Al Etihad

11-05-2025

12 May 2025 02:14
HAMED RUAAB (ABU DHABI)Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director and Group CEO of Mubadala, said that over the course of nearly 20 years, Mubadala has successfully written an Emirati success story that inspires the world. It has evolved into a global investment powerhouse with assets totalling Dh1.2 trillion, covering 11 vital future-focused sectors and operating in 88 countries worldwide.In an interview with Aletihad, Al Mubarak stated that Mubadala's success, from its initial projects in 2004 to the present day, reflects the wise leadership's vision and the progress of the UAE across all fronts. It represents a new chapter in the UAE's record of accomplishments and leadership regionally and globally. He emphasised that Mubadala's role extends beyond financial returns — it plays a central role in advancing economic diversification and developing national talent to lead the future.He explained that the company was among the early investors in sectors that have proven essential to the global economy, such as clean energy, healthcare, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence (AI), which is now a top priority. The UAE stands today among the world's most advanced and engaged nations in AI.
20 Years of Growth Al Mubarak began by reflecting on Mubadala's beginnings, stating: 'Great achievements stem from visionary ideas, and those ideas originate from wise leadership.' He praised the solid foundations laid by the UAE's leadership and emphasised that the vision and guidance of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan have always charted the path for development, innovation, and progress.He recalled how Mubadala's first projects in 2004 involved only two sectors and Dh3.5 billion in assets, launched in alignment with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed — prioritising human development, securing a dignified life for UAE citizens, building a diversified and globally integrated economy, and enhancing competitiveness and investment.Al Mubarak noted that thanks to this vision, and under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court and Chairman of Mubadala, the investment powerhouse continues to move forward with determination to achieve its goals and aspirations.He added that Mubadala has, since its inception, been committed to driving economic diversification, cementing the UAE's position as a global hub for future industries, establishing leading national companies, and investing early in sectors that shape the future of the UAE and the world — such as renewable energy, space, advanced technology, semiconductors, aerospace, life sciences, healthcare, and infrastructure. It has also forged global partnerships with leading companies and investors. These achievements reflect the UAE's journey, marking significant milestones in its track record of global leadership.
Investing in People Al Mubarak stressed that Mubadala's success isn't limited to generating strong financial returns but also includes its contributions to national talent development. Quoting the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, he said: 'A country's greatest investment lies in building generations of educated and knowledgeable youth.'He explained that this philosophy remains central to Mubadala, with continued guidance from His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, who places nurturing Emirati talent on high priority.He emphasised that Mubadala is committed to enhancing the capabilities of its national workforce — its 'true investment' — by providing opportunities for leadership development, exposure to world-class teams and expertise, and skill-building to prepare future national leaders across various sectors.
Future-Focused Sectors On Mubadala's forward-looking investment strategy, Al Mubarak said the company has long focused on sectors that have now become central to the global economy, such as clean energy, healthcare, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and semiconductors. He emphasised the belief that building capabilities and laying the foundation for innovation in these promising sectors is a long-term investment in future generations and will significantly advance the UAE's position globally.He cited examples of leading Mubadala companies — Masdar, GlobalFoundries, M42, Emirates Global Aluminium, and Strata — that exemplify the company's long-term value creation strategy aligned with national priorities and in partnership with global industry leaders.
Artificial Intelligence Al Mubarak highlighted that AI is currently the most dynamic and transformative field globally, impacting every aspect of life and reshaping how we engage with the world. The UAE has been a global frontrunner in adopting AI, driven by the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This has elevated the UAE's global standing in the field, with significant achievements in 2024 under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Adviser.He also noted Mubadala's role, in partnership with G42, in establishing MGX, a national leader investing in sectors where AI can drive significant economic impact, including semiconductors, infrastructure, software, tech-based services, life sciences, and AI infrastructure.
Strength and Competitiveness On Mubadala's financial performance, Al Mubarak stated that beyond generating sustainable returns and forming strategic global partnerships, Mubadala has become a leading, responsible investor operating competitively in a dynamic international environment. It plays an active role in shaping the future through strategic investments across critical sectors. He affirmed that Mubadala is now stronger, more effective, and more competitive than ever, ranking among the world's best-performing sovereign wealth funds.He pointed to Mubadala's asset value reaching Dh1.2 trillion ($330 billion), with a five-year cumulative return of 10.1%. In 2024 alone, Mubadala deployed Dh119 billion ($32.5 billion) in new investments, diversifying and strengthening its portfolio and achieving a 10% year-on-year revenue increase to Dh109 billion ($30 billion).
Abu Dhabi as a Global Business Hub Asked about Abu Dhabi's role as a global investment destination, Al Mubarak stated that the emirate has become a premier international business and investment hub focused on future sectors. This progress is guided by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, who is committed to reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as an innovation and investment magnet.Al Mubarak emphasised that Mubadala's global success must go hand in hand with the UAE's development journey — fostering investment, business growth, innovation, and international partnerships for the benefit of the country. This principle is central to Mubadala's investment philosophy.He noted that Mubadala now has a dedicated investment unit for the UAE, acting as the company's national investment arm. Its goal is to accelerate economic growth by investing in globally leading national firms, developing strategic industrial and commercial clusters, and forming partnerships with global entities.Mubadala continues to grow its portfolio in key sectors — energy, mining, aerospace, technology, healthcare, real estate, and infrastructure — while launching new initiatives to attract investment partners and build economic clusters within the UAE. Notably, Masdar — founded years ago as an early bet on a vital global sector — has made Mubadala a global leader in clean and renewable energy, with investments and partnerships across 40-plus countries on six continents, generating over 51GW of power.
Leading National Companies Al Mubarak also highlighted investments in Emirates Global Aluminium and Strata, both national champions that have strengthened local manufacturing and trained skilled Emirati talent. Mubadala has also advanced the UAE's healthcare sector by establishing Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and M42 — two world-class healthcare platforms. He noted Mubadala's role in enhancing pharmaceutical manufacturing and life sciences capabilities, as well as bolstering the security of medicine supply.He referenced Mubadala's role through the Hub71 platform in building a global tech ecosystem connecting startups, investors, entrepreneurs, and government entities. Mubadala is also showcasing its leading national companies through platforms like the 'Make it in the Emirates' Forum, while the Abu Dhabi Investment Council — its indirect investment arm — continues to boost investment in funds and co-investment vehicles with top global asset managers, helping diversify Mubadala's portfolio.
Confidence in the Future On future prospects amid global economic uncertainty, Al Mubarak acknowledged the fast-paced, complex transformations affecting the world. Despite the resulting ambiguity in global investment landscapes, he expressed confidence in Mubadala's ability to overcome challenges and realise its goals.He reaffirmed the company's long-term investment mindset and sees strong growth potential across various sectors and geographies. Mubadala will continue pursuing high-value opportunities, maintaining its commitment to strategic consistency.
What has been achieved so far is only a fraction of the company's ambition, Al Mubarak said. With the guidance of the UAE's leadership, support from its board, global partners, and dedicated team, Mubadala will continue shaping the next chapter in its pioneering national journey, he concluded.