Mubadala's Strategic Shift Spurs Record Capital Deployment Amid AI and Private Equity Focus
Abu Dhabi's Mubadala Investment Company reported a 33.7% surge in capital deployment in 2024, reaching AED 119 billion , positioning it as the most active sovereign wealth fund globally, according to data from Global SWF. This uptick coincided with a 9% year-on-year increase in assets under management , now totaling AED 1.2 trillion , and a five-year annualised return of 10.1%.
The fund's intensified investment activity was largely driven by strategic allocations in artificial intelligence , semiconductors, and private equity sectors. Notably, Mubadala's investments in North America nearly doubled, underscoring its confidence in the U.S. market despite prevailing economic uncertainties. In a significant move, Mubadala acquired a 50% stake in MGX, an AI-focused entity that collaborated with BlackRock and Microsoft in a $30 billion AI infrastructure fund.
Mubadala's portfolio composition remained relatively stable, with 40% allocated to private equity, 23% to public markets, and 17% to infrastructure and real estate. This allocation reflects a strategic emphasis on sectors poised for long-term growth. The fund also expanded its private credit holdings to $20 billion, aligning with its broader investment strategy.
In the healthcare sector, Mubadala finalized the acquisition of an 80% stake in Global Medical Supply Chain and Al Ittihad Drug Store, enhancing its presence in healthcare logistics and pharmaceutical distribution. Additionally, the fund invested in Zelis, a U.S.-based healthcare technology firm, alongside Norwest and HarbourVest.
Mubadala's commitment to clean energy was evident through Masdar's acquisition of a 50% stake in the Big Beau combined solar and battery storage project in California. Furthermore, Mubadala Capital announced a $13.5 billion investment in a biofuels project in Brazil, marking a significant step in sustainable energy initiatives.
See also UAE Urges India and Pakistan to De-escalate Amid Rising Tensions
The fund's strategic partnerships extended to the financial sector, with the acquisition of Fortress Investment Group from SoftBank, following regulatory approval from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States . This acquisition bolsters Mubadala's position in global credit markets.
Mubadala's CEO, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, emphasized the fund's focus on future-oriented sectors, stating that the portfolio is constructed to navigate market cycles and scale sectors such as AI, clean energy, life sciences, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing, aligning with national priorities.
The fund's strategic initiatives also include the establishment of Space42, a space and satellite technology entity formed through the merger of Yahsat and Bayanat, and M42, a tech-enabled healthcare company, both in collaboration with Abu Dhabi's tech group G42.
Mubadala's approach to sustainable finance was highlighted by the issuance of its inaugural green bond, aligning with the UAE's commitment to Net Zero by 2050. The fund maintains a conservative gearing ratio of 10.3% and a strong liquidity position, ensuring resilience amid global economic fluctuations.
In the realm of private equity, Mubadala Capital raised $3.1 billion for its latest fund, surpassing the initial target of $2 billion. The fund aims to invest between $150 million and $500 million per deal, focusing on acquiring large holdings in private equity markets.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Post
2 hours ago
- Arabian Post
Dubai Opens Public‑Sector Doors to Skilled Expats
Dubai has unveiled a landmark recruitment drive, inviting skilled expatriates to fill key roles across public-sector departments with monthly salaries reaching AED 40,000. The official Dubai Careers Portal currently lists ten positions spanning healthcare, education, IT, infrastructure, social welfare and urban planning, signalling a strategic move to diversify talent in government ranks. Audit Manager roles in energy and industry auditing, Air Traffic Controller posts at Dubai International Airport, and a Head of Infrastructure Operations are among the high-profile vacancies offering top-tier compensation. Functionally, these posts could include professional requirements such as seven to ten years of experience, relevant advanced degrees, and corresponding global certifications. Salaries vary by role—some exceed AED 40,000—while others, like Case Management or childcare supervision, offer between AED 10,000 and AED 20,000. Dubai's move signals a new era in its public-service landscape. Historically restricted to Emiratis, government roles are now accessible to non‑nationals—a shift aimed at enhancing operational efficiency in areas critical to the emirate's strategic vision. Openings span 45 government departments, encompassing health, education, technology, urban development and cultural heritage. ADVERTISEMENT Candidates must apply via Dubai Careers Portal, where the process—from CV submission to application tracking and interview scheduling—has been streamlined. The portal emphasises transparency and accessibility, underscoring the government's intent to broaden its talent acquisition pool. Labour analysts note that professional salaries across Dubai typically range from AED 10,000 at entry-level to AED 40,000 for senior roles, with department heads and specialised professionals often exceeding this threshold. Against this backdrop, the AED 40,000 cap in government roles aligns with private-sector compensation at senior levels, particularly for strategic and executive-level posts. For expatriates, public-sector employment brings enhanced job security, comprehensive benefits and stability—advantages difficult to match in the private sector. These perks, combined with salary parity, are attracting seasoned professionals who may have routinely secured higher pay in private firms but now seek state‑backed employment. Officials within the recruitment drive highlight the dual goals of optimising government performance and fostering multicultural synergy. Dubai's leadership sees merit in blending global expertise with local insights to advance infrastructure management, healthcare delivery, education systems and citizen services. Recruiting at this scale may signal a soft pivot in policy—granting expats limited access to government roles previously reserved for citizens, while safeguarding national workforce priorities through targeted quotas and strict selection criteria. Critics argue the move presents a challenge: balancing citizen employment quotas with expat appointments. According to established Emirati employment frameworks, certain public-sector roles remain reserved, while others are being selectively opened to qualified professionals from abroad. Analysts caution that this expansion must comply with Emiratisation objectives to prevent disruptions in youth employment schemes. Mid-career professionals in fields such as engineering, finance and healthcare stand to gain. A mid-level civil engineer, for instance, may earn AED 20,000–AED 40,000—a figure that mirrors both private-sector packages and the upper salary tiers in public service roles. The AED 40,000 ceiling is positioned to attract the same calibre of talent now shaping Dubai's AI, sustainability and infrastructure-enhancement ambitions. This recruitment wave coincides with the emirate's long-term urban and economic strategies, such as Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and UAE Centennial 2071, which demand leadership in transport, social infrastructure and digital governance. Government departments are thus seeking professionals capable of steering data‑driven policymaking, overseeing public service delivery and managing major capital projects. Dubai's public sector is making a strategic pivot to draw global talent and elevate capabilities across critical service areas. With lucrative compensation, transparent recruitment and an open application portal, the initiative offers a compelling proposition for qualified expats. The move also reflects a broader ambition—crafting a progressive, efficient and internationally aligned government apparatus, while maintaining commitment to national employment priorities.
Dubai Eye
16 hours ago
- Dubai Eye
Abu Dhabi hotels generate AED 611 million in March revenue
Abu Dhabi's hospitality sector continues to thrive, with hotel revenues hitting AED 611 million in March 2025. That's according to preliminary figures from the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, in coordination with the Statistics Centre. Room bookings brought in AED 345 million, food and beverage services added AED 228 million, and other sources contributed AED 38 million. The emirate welcomed around 417,000 hotel guests in March, reflecting its growing global appeal. In total, 171 hotel establishments with over 34,000 rooms were in operation, recording more than 1.2 million guest nights and an average occupancy rate of 69 per cent. The average revenue per available room reached AED 486. Non-Arab Asian visitors topped international arrivals with 152,000 guests, followed by 123,000 from Europe. UAE nationals made up 58,000 of the stays, further highlighting Abu Dhabi's growing appeal across diverse markets.
Sharjah 24
18 hours ago
- Sharjah 24
SCCI underscores need for facilitating trade missions to Ethiopia
Strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties The Chamber also seeks to strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties between the UAE and Ethiopia, as part of its strategic vision to expand the outreach of its trade mission throughout Africa. These remarks were made during a meeting, held at SCCI's headquarters, between Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI, and Aklilu Kebede Erena, Consul General of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Duba and Northern Emirates. The meeting was attended by a number of SCCI board members, alongside Abdul Aziz Al Shamsi, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Business Sector at SCCI; Dr. Fatima Khalifa Al Muqarrab, Director of the International Relations Department at SCCI, and several officials from both sides. Discussed ways to strengthen economic partnership During the meeting, both sides discussed ways to strengthen economic partnership between Sharjah and Ethiopia. They underscored the potential for expanding investment and trade in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and infrastructure. They also addressed the importance of co-hosting economic events, including exhibitions and conferences that bring together business communities from both countries, thereby fostering the exchange of expertise and supporting the growth of mutual investments.4 The efforts can by further reinforced by the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Sharjah Chamber and the Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC), which provides a strategic framework for enhancing bilateral economic and investment cooperation. AED 34 billion between 2013 and 2022 Abdallah Sultan Al Owais extended a warm welcome to the visiting delegation and praised the strong and growing economic relations between the UAE and Ethiopia. He noted that non-oil trade between the two countries recorded a growth of more than 180% over the past years, reaching a cumulative value of AED 34 billion between 2013 and 2022. He added that these positive outcomes pave the way for broader economic and trade collaboration between the two friendly nations, enabling both sides to capitalize on their diverse investment opportunities. Reaffirmed the Sharjah Chamber's commitment to deepening economic partnerships with East African countries Al Owais reaffirmed the Sharjah Chamber's commitment to deepening economic partnerships with East African countries, noting that the African continent, particularly Ethiopia, possesses significant investment potential in key sectors. This positions the continent as a highly attractive destination for investors and business leaders from Sharjah and the UAE at large. For his part, Aklilu Kebede Erena commended the Sharjah Chamber for its proactive efforts to enhance bilateral economic cooperation and its commitment to fostering closer ties between the business community in Sharjah and its counterparts in Ethiopia. He emphasised that Ethiopia welcomes foreign investment and offers promising opportunities in vital sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure.
