
Mubadala is 'investing in AI and advanced tech to become a leading long-term global investor'
Ahmed Al Calily told Wam that, in light of rapid global changes, Abu Dhabi's strategic investment arm is keen to enhance its role and effective contributions to the efforts aimed at building a strong and diversified economic future for the UAE through investments in strategic, future-shaping sectors.
Investments in vital sectors such as AI, semiconductors, life sciences, financial markets and energy, as well as the establishment of national companies that compete at the global level, are allowing Mubadala to achieve its goals, he said.
Speaking to The National in January last year, Mr Al Calily said that "AI is definitely the next big mover and shaker".
"It is the next disruptor for the consumer and for enterprise," he said. "This is the future; you cannot run away from it."
Mubadala is continuing to expand its investments in sectors such as clean energy, health care and life sciences.
In May, Mubadala launched a new pharmaceuticals company, boosting the UAE's manufacturing sector and further positioning the Emirates' healthcare industry on the global stage.
Mubadala Bio will have a manufacturing capacity of more than 2.5 billion tablets and capsules, and 120 million units of intravenous solutions and injectables, the company said in a statement.
In its 2024 annual report, Mubadala's assets increased by 9.1 per cent year on year to reach Dh1.2 trillion, and achieved a 33.7 per cent year-on-year increase in investment placement to Dh119 billion, Wam reported.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


UAE Moments
an hour ago
- UAE Moments
Dyson supercharges beauty with new Airwrap Co-anda 2x™,
2x air pressure [1] with a new motor for better curling, faster drying and straighter styles. Intelligent and advanced technology for superior styling for all hair types, with no heat damage. Smaller and lighter [2] for improved manoeuvrability and control. DUBAI, UAE –2025: Dyson's next-level styling with the new Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x™ multi-styler and dryer, powered by Dyson's fastest and most powerful hair care motor, the Hyperdymium™ 2 motor will be coming soon to UAE and KSA. Supercharged motor delivers twice the air pressure to wrap hair more easily, dries hair as fast as a full performance hair dryer, and creates sleek, straight looks. The Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x™(Airwrap2x™) offers 6-in-1 versatility to reveal a world of styling possibilities: dry, curl, wave, straighten, smooth and volumise, with no heat damage. New Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) enabled attachments automatically adjust to styling needs, and deliver optimal results for all hair types. When connected to the MyDyson™ app, enjoy effortless curling with one-touch i.d. curl™ technology, a curling sequence customised to the user. Fuelled by relentless iteration, Dyson has made the Airwrap2x™ smaller and lighter in hand for improved manoeuvrability, and control. 'Dyson has developed a new motor for our new Airwrap2x ™, which spins at 150,000rpm, delivering twice the air pressure, faster drying and less heat damage. The high pressure creates a longer lasting curl or straighter styles. Traditional stylers can damage hair, but we have always focused on developing tools that protect hair health whilst enhancing without compromising precision and/or performance. We harness our expertise in motors, fluid dynamics, and materials to continually improve. New attachments like the AirSmooth2x™ create sleek looks, and the patented bristles on the Anti-snag Loop Brush 2x create snag-free styling, all while AI-driven sensors adjust heat to protect your hair. It's about creating exciting long-lasting styles using with smarter, more efficient technology." James Dyson, Founder and Chief Engineer Most powerful Dyson hair care motor The heart of the machine, the Hyperdymium™2 motor, has been re-engineered from the ground up to be Dyson's fastest and most powerful hair care motor. The wire powering the motor is as thin as a strand of human hair it's designed to care for — measuring just 90 microns, it's an example of precision engineering and allows us to miniaturise this powerful technology to the extent that it now comfortably sits in the palm of your hand. Accompanying the power increase is a new aerodynamics package with a high-performance mixed flow impeller and twin row over-moulded diffuser. This results in more flow and double the air pressure without increasing noise. This complete motor package spins up to 150,000rpm or nine times faster than a Formula 1 car engine. The Dyson Hyperdymium™2's unique electromagnetic design and Dyson-developed intelligent control provides class leading, long lasting and smooth power delivery. Designed specifically for the Airwrap2x™, this means 30% more product power and 2x more air pressure, for faster drying and styling [3]. In use with the new attachments, it dries as fast as a full performance hair dryer, has stronger Coanda airflow for better hair wrapping and curling power, and can create straighter styles. Smart sensor technology Sensors have been embedded in the Airwrap2x™ to take the guesswork out of a user's desired styling and the maintenance of the machine. Attachment Learning – An RFID chip in each attachment communicates with the machine, to instantly adapt to the best temperature and airflow settings. The attachments are preset with recommended airflow and heat settings but are customisable by the user using the MyDyson ™ app. Personalised curling with i.d. curl™ - Used with the Airwrap2x™curling barrels, the i.d. curl™ sequence will activate four steps for consistent curls with a push of the action button. This will adjust heat and airflow to wrap, set and release the perfect curl every time. Connect to the MyDyson™ app to create a hair profile and a personalised curling sequence. Hall sensor - Detects when the filter is attached. MEMs (micro-electro-mechanical) pressure sensor - Detects when filter cleaning is needed to inform the user. 2x glass bead thermistors – For intelligent heat control which measures air temperature 1000 times per second and keeps it stable no matter the type of use the machine is subjected to, ensuring the machine does not cause heat damage. Intelligent styling attachments Nine styling attachments have been engineered for the Airwrap2x™ multi-styler. In UAE and KSA the [Straight+Wavy OR Curly+Coily] set will be available soon and comes with six attachments in a Dyson-designed presentation case. Users can achieve any style, for every hair type. The attachments are intelligent and control twice the air pressure generated by the new Dyson Hyperdymium™2 motor. Straight + Wavy set 30mm Co-anda2x TM curling barrel 40mm Co-anda2x TM curling barrel Anti-snag loop brush 2x Round volumising brush 2x AirSmooth2x TM attachment Fast dryer 2x Curly + Coily set 40mm Co-anda2x TM curling barrel Anti-snag loop brush 2x Round volumising brush 2x Tension comb 2x Wave+Curl diffuser 2x Fast dryer 2x Owners can also explore a range of standalone attachments to complement their set: the 20mm Co-anda2x™ curling barrel, 30mm Co-anda2x™ curling barrel, AirSmooth2x™, Wave+Curl diffuser 2x and Tension comb 2x. Full list of attachments 20mm, 30mm and 40mm Co-anda2x™ curling barrels Experience faster curling with 30% more product power due to the improved motor. 20mm: Tight curls in both directions with one barrel. 30mm: Voluminous curls and waves both directions with one barrel. 40mm: Loose curls and waves both directions with one barrel. These barrels also detect when hair is fully wrapped to automatically commence the i.d. curl sequence. The cool tips are also re-designed, with greater twist distance for ease of use and a new ergonomic shape for better grip. Anti-snag loop brush 2x A smoother, more aligned finish for all hair types, with patented loop bristles that reduce snagging whilst improving comfort on the scalp. In addition, new hook bristles mean that a row of outer bristles pick up hair for increased control nearer the root. Round volumising brush 2x Designed to create a voluminous style with less frizz. Controlled airflow and tapered bristles allow the user to style a section at a time without disturbing surrounding hair. AirSmooth2x™ attachment A finishing attachment to straighten hair, two jets of high velocity air deliver the tension needed to create straighter styles with less frizz. Non-heated contact bars smooth, align and reduce volume. When a full tress pass is completed, the arms automatically unclamp to release hair. Fast dryer 2x Take hair from wet to dry, or pre-dry for further styling with the Fast dryer 2x attachment. It controls higher velocity airflow for faster drying, no heat damage. Tension comb 2x Designed for curly and coily hair, high-velocity airflow dries hair fast, while stretching and smoothing hair. Additional side bristles increase tension for a straighter finish 1. Wave+Curl diffuser 2x Designed with hair health in mind These machines feature advanced technology that optimises styling performance, makes a styling routine easier while protecting hair from heat damage. "Hair health is always our priority when developing new machines and formulations. We know that healthy hair is not only shinier but feels great too. We study individual hair strands of all textures and types inside and out to ensure our machines are designed with hair health at the forefront." Rob Smith, Dyson Senior Principal Scientist Synergises with Dyson's formulations To help the styles you love last longer, pair the Airwrap2x™ with Dyson's Chitosan™ formulations range, engineered to work with Dyson's hair tools. Powered by chitosan, a complex macromolecule derived from oyster mushrooms and engineered with Dyson Triodetic™ technology, the formulations range is the result of over a decade of investment in hair health. 'The Dyson Airwrap2x ™ multi-styler is a game-changer for creating a diverse range of looks quickly and easily. From bouncy curls and voluminous waves to sleek, smooth finishes, it delivers consistently impressive results. The airflow technology is so powerful, giving me the confidence that I can achieve any desired style with air, while maintaining the integrity and health of the hair. Paired with the Dyson Chitosan ™ formulations range for every hair type, anyone can create salon-quality results at home.'


Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
Led by ADIB, UAE banks surge ahead with region's fastest market cap growth
The UAE's banking sector is powering ahead with added momentum, recording the highest quarter-on-quarter increase in market capitalisation among lenders across the Middle East and Africa in the second quarter of 2025, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. Riding a wave of economic resilience, regulatory support, and strategic innovation, the sector is emerging as a beacon of strength and stability in an otherwise mixed regional banking landscape. Leading this remarkable performance is Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), which posted a 34 per cent surge in market value to reach $21.26 billion by the end of June. This leap pushed ADIB three spots higher in S&P's ranking of 20 regional banks, underlining its growing investor appeal and operational robustness. The bank's strong performance was driven by a string of innovative initiatives, including a partnership with Binghatti Holding to offer Shariah-compliant real estate finance and the launch of the UAE's first fractional sukuk investment platform, allowing retail participation with as little as $1,000 — significantly lowering the traditional entry barrier of $200,000. ADIB's fundamentals remain equally compelling. The bank reported an 18 per cent year-on-year increase in net profit for the first quarter to Dh1.9 billion, powered by sustained customer growth, a solid balance sheet, and growing business momentum. Its return on average equity stood at 23.5 per cent in 2024, making it the second-best performing lender in the region. With a net interest margin of 3.88 per cent and an efficiency ratio of 29.58 per cent, ADIB continues to outperform peers in both profitability and cost management. Other major Emirati banks also posted impressive gains in market value. First Abu Dhabi Bank, Emirates NBD, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, and Dubai Islamic Bank each reported double-digit growth in the second quarter. S&P attributed this collective uptrend to the UAE government's broad-based economic and social reforms, which have contributed to a reduction in credit risk and improved investor confidence. These reforms include financial market liberalisation, strategic investment in digital infrastructure, and a renewed push for economic diversification beyond oil. The UAE banking system's strong capital buffers and robust regulatory framework have positioned it well to weather external headwinds, including geopolitical tensions and fluctuations in oil prices. The Central Bank of the UAE recently reported that sector-wide capital adequacy stood at 17.8 per cent as of March 2025, comfortably above Basel III requirements, while the non-performing loan ratio declined to 5.1 per cent from 5.6 per cent a year earlier. S&P also noted that Israeli banks recorded strong second-quarter gains, despite geopolitical uncertainty linked to tensions with Iran. Mizrahi Tefahot Bank posted a market cap increase of 31.9 per cent to $16.89 billion, making its debut in the top-20 list. Bank Leumi and Bank Hapoalim followed closely, with respective gains of 25.2 per cent and 28.5 per cent. All three reported higher net profits in the first quarter, supported by sustained government backing, low non-performing loans, and stable asset quality. The Israeli banking sector achieved a near-record return on equity of about 15 per cent, according to S&P Ratings. In contrast, Saudi Arabia's banking giants saw a sharp reversal in fortunes. Despite Al Rajhi Bank and Saudi National Bank holding onto their top two spots in terms of market value — at $100.89 billion and $57.27 billion respectively — several other lenders in the Kingdom posted significant declines. Riyad Bank tumbled five places in the ranking following a 12.8 per cent drop in market cap, the steepest fall among the 20 banks surveyed. Alinma Bank and Saudi Awwal Bank also lost ground, shedding 12.6 per cent and 10.1 per cent respectively. Analysts attribute this underperformance to investor concerns over slowing credit demand, weaker quarterly earnings, and potential impacts from prolonged oil price volatility. Despite these divergent trends, the collective market capitalisation of the sampled banks reached $643.48 billion by the end of June 2025, underscoring the scale and dynamism of the region's financial institutions. Financial analysts said the outlook for UAE banks remains upbeat. The International Monetary Fund, in its latest Article IV consultation, projected the UAE's non-oil GDP to grow by over 5 per cent in 2025, with the banking sector playing a pivotal role in funding new ventures, green energy projects, and digital transformation. Fitch Ratings recently affirmed a stable outlook for the UAE's banking sector, highlighting ample liquidity, strong capitalisation, and an improving operating environment as key strengths.


Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
Demand spike, price gains fuel Abu Dhabi housing boom
Abu Dhabi's residential real estate sector is gathering strong momentum in 2025 propelled by robust demand, record-high sales prices, and a visible shift toward ready homes and spacious family residences. Despite a scheduled delivery of 11,900 new homes by year-end, experts warn that surging population growth, rising investor confidence, and a scarcity of new off-plan projects could cause demand to outstrip supply across several key neighbourhoods, market watchers say. Cavendish Maxwell's latest market report shows that the UAE capital added 600 residential properties in the first quarter, setting the stage for 12,500 new homes to be completed by year-end, with another 7,000 units already in the pipeline for 2026. Yet, analysts suggest this may fall short of meeting the growing needs of end-users and investors, especially as the city continues to attract residents and capital on the back of infrastructure development, social reforms, and long-term residency initiatives. Average residential property prices in Abu Dhabi hit Dh2.5 million in the first quarter—the highest figure in three years—while total sales reached Dh3.7 billion across 1,300 transactions. Ready properties, which comprised 900 of these deals, dominated market activity, underlining a preference shift towards completed homes over off-plan developments. Apartments continued to lead in transaction volume, but villas and townhouses recorded stronger price growth and increasing buyer interest. Year-on-year, apartment prices jumped 12.3 per cent, with a 4.1 per cent gain from the previous quarter. Villas rose 12.5 per cent annually and 2.4 per cent quarter-on-quarter, with Yas Island leading the price rally. Villas there climbed 15.5 per cent from Q1 2024, followed by Al Reef (4.4 per cent) and Saadiyat Island (1.0 per cent). These increases are being driven by a growing segment of family buyers looking for larger spaces, gardens, and long-term living options. The report noted a drop in overall transaction volumes from the previous quarter, which analysts attribute to seasonal slowdowns during Ramadan and Eid. Nevertheless, the strength of the market was visible in the record-high average sale price of Dh2.5 million, alongside mortgage activity totalling Dh1.7 billion across 800 loans. Lending for villas and townhouses surged nearly 60 per cent from a year earlier, while mortgage uptake for apartments declined—further highlighting the pivot in buyer preferences. Andrew Laver, associate director at Cavendish Maxwell – Abu Dhabi, noted that the capital's real estate sector is showing resilience, with price appreciation expected to continue. 'There is sustained demand for ready homes and a clear reduction in off-plan launches. We are also seeing encouraging signals in secondary market activity and bank financing, which reflect healthy investor sentiment and end-user confidence,' he said. Beyond pricing and transaction dynamics, the Abu Dhabi market is benefiting from structural support. The emirate's government has introduced a range of investor-friendly initiatives—from long-term Golden Visas and retirement visas to enhanced urban planning and lifestyle infrastructure. New public transport projects, international school openings, and cultural landmarks have made Abu Dhabi more attractive for both expatriate families and institutional investors. A recent report by CBRE corroborates these trends, noting that Abu Dhabi's residential rents have also risen significantly. Average apartment rents increased by 5.5 per cent in the first half of 2025, while villa rents jumped by 6.3 per cent, further boosting yields and adding appeal for investors. With residential occupancy rates also climbing, developers are increasingly looking to fast-track the delivery of high-demand inventory. According to ValuStrat, transaction volumes in premium communities like Al Raha Beach and Al Reem Island are growing steadily, with off-plan inventory becoming scarce. As a result, the secondary market has taken centre stage, benefiting sellers and landlords alike as prices firm up and listings shorten. While some analysts remain cautious about over-exuberance, citing global inflation concerns and fluctuating interest rates, the outlook for Abu Dhabi's housing market remains largely upbeat. Strong economic fundamentals, consistent oil revenues, and the UAE's broader economic diversification strategy continue to provide stability and investor reassurance. Relay experts argue that given the current demand surge, the real challenge may not be selling homes—but building enough of them. With fewer new launches and escalating interest in move-in-ready properties, the current trajectory suggests that supply constraints could intensify in 2026 unless more projects are greenlit soon. 'For now, Abu Dhabi's real estate market is in a sweet spot: undersupplied, competitively priced, and bolstered by confidence. The next 18 months will test how well developers and policymakers can sustain this delicate balance of growth and affordability,' they said.