Multiply Group hosted Converting change into opportunities event
The event brought together leaders from public & private sectors under the theme: 'Converting change into opportunity: the future of investment and business in an uncertain world.'
Representatives from UAE Ministry of Economy, The World Bank, International Finance Corporation, Brookings Institution, Amazon, Microsoft, and Dell discussed geopolitical changes, trade war, AI, and deglobalization.
Abu Dhabi, UAE: Multiply Group (ADX: MULTIPLY), the Abu Dhabi-based investment holding company that invests in and operates businesses globally, today convened a diverse group of leading public and private sector investment-related stakeholders at the 'Converting change into opportunities: the future of investment and business in an uncertain world' in Abu Dhabi, programmed by Economist Impact. The event sought to explore the forces immediately relevant to global business and investment.
Samia Bouazza, Group CEO of Multiply Group provided the opening remarks where she highlighted the Group's investment strategy which is geared towards exploring opportunities arising in high-potential sectors. She described Multiply Group as 'antifragile' in the words of Nassim Nicholas Taleb—an organization that grows stronger through volatility and disruption.
Samia Bouazza, GCEO and Managing Director of Multiply Group said: ' Around the world, leaders are navigating shifts across economic, technological and geopolitical landscapes. At Multiply Group, we've grown through every phase of disruption. Today, we see value in disciplined investing, building a portfolio which is resilient to these shifts by working closely with our partners and businesses.
She added: 'Rooted in Abu Dhabi, we operate with the clarity and confidence of a system that rewards foresight. At this event, we've partnered with The Economist and esteemed panelists to answer important questions: What trends must we pre-empt? How should we revisit the way we construct our portfolio accordingly? What impact will these shifts have on global expansion and our 10-year plans? And how is AI transforming the way each of our businesses operates?'
The agenda featured several high-level discussions, including a keynote interview on 'The GCC's evolving role, strategies and opportunities in a new era of global complexity' with Safaa El-Kogali, Country Director of GCC countries at The World Bank. This was followed by a panel discussion, titled: 'Private V Public markets: where is the next big opportunity for investors?'and a fireside chat on 'Navigating geopolitical shifts, Trump 2.0 and America's evolving landscape.'
The event also held a keynote interview, titled: 'A new investment playbook', followed by a panel discussion on 'Transitioning to a new economic model: the GCC's evolution into a global innovation and growth hub.' This was preceded by a fireside chat 'Reshaping the consumer sector: adapting to shifting behaviours, tight supply chains and economic pressures – with the concluding engagement a panel discussion, titled: 'From boom to balance': AI's role in reshaping industries and global investment strategies.'
Alongside delegates from Multiply Group, The UAE Ministry of Economy, and The World Bank, the event was attended by representatives from International Finance Corporation, Brookings Institution, Amazon, Microsoft, Dell, Public Investment Fund (PIF), Visa, Presight AI, Moody's Ratings, amongst others.
The event closely follows the reporting of Multiply Group's Q1 2025 financial results where the Group achieved an annual revenue increase of 50 percent YoY to AED585 million. In its core operational portfolio, the Group has focussed on driving synergies and integration among the businesses under each vertical, with emphasis on accelerating digital transformation and operational efficiencies. This is reflected in continued and strong revenue growth.
ABOUT MULTIPLY GROUP
Multiply Group PJSC is an Abu Dhabi-based investment holding company that globally invests and operates in transformative, cash-generating businesses.
Known for its trademark growth mindset, Multiply Group will continue to deploy capital across its two distinct arms, both of which follow a disciplined approach to investing and ensure consistent, sustainable value creation for our shareholders in the short-, medium- and long-term:
Multiply, the investments and operations in long-term strategic verticals, currently investing and operating in Mobility, Energy & Utilities, Media & Communications, Wellness & Beauty, and Retail & Apparel. Anchor investments provide long-term recurring income, through which bolt-on acquisitions are made.
Multiply+, the Group further engages in opportunistic, sector-agnostic investments, via mainly minority stakes in private and public markets.
For more information, visit www.multiply.ae
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
an hour ago
- Al Etihad
UAE companies highly confident about trade prospects despite global disruption: Survey
4 June 2025 00:23 MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)Companies in the UAE are among the most confident globally about their trade prospects despite ongoing geopolitical and supply chain turbulence, according to HSBC's 2025 Global Trade Pulse report – which surveyed more than 5,700 international firms across 13 countries – found that 94% of UAE-based businesses believe their operations will benefit from the shift in trade dynamics in the long surpasses the global average of 89%, putting the UAE just behind India (96%) in terms of optimism, and ahead of the US (93%).This sentiment comes amid a wider reshuffle in global trade patterns, as many companies grapple with increased costs and revenue pressures due to tariffs and supply chain UAE's positive outlook contrasts with a growing sense of caution in Western markets. For example, 51% of US firms surveyed expect supply chain disruptions to reduce their revenue by 25% or more. 'As trade policies continue to fluctuate, businesses are compelled to rethink their long-term strategies. The current landscape demands agility and foresight, with companies prioritising domestic markets and exploring new regions to mitigate risks,' the report stated.'These strategic shifts are crucial to maintaining competitiveness and ensuring business continuity in an unpredictable global economy.'The HSBC survey highlights a global trend of 'reshoring' and 'nearshoring', with 83% of companies planning to bring production closer to their customer bases. Companies in the US have been the most active in reshoring to date (44%), while companies in China are the most likely to be planning similar steps in the future (48%).'In parallel with these shifts in production strategy, the majority of businesses globally (nearly 90%) are also planning to diversify their supplier base – expanding across multiple regions to further reduce their exposure to tariffs and ongoing trade uncertainty,' the report said. While the financial impact of ongoing trade disruption is expected to be substantial and long-lasting, the HSBC survey highlights strong signs of resilience and of corporate all surveyed markets, 77% of companies say the uncertainty has prompted them to evolve and seek new is emerging as a core response strategy, according to the report. Nearly 9 in 10 businesses globally report they have already invested in or are planning to invest in tools to enhance supply chain visibility, adopt automation in production and logistics, or improve their use of data analytics. The same proportion of respondents are expanding into new markets, developing new products, adopting technology, or adjusting cost structures to respond to shifting trade dynamics. Nearly 60% of all respondents have already adopted a new technology or digital platform, while 56% improved internal efficiency or altered their cost base and 51% have developed new products or services.
Arabian Business
2 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Air taxis in Saudi Arabia: Abdul Latif Jameel and Joby Aviation sign $1bn future transport deal
A business group in Saudi Arabia will partner with a futuristic US aviation firm on a $1bn deal to bring flying taxis to the Kingdom. The groundbreaking electric aircraft partnership will see Abdul Latif Jameel team up with Joby Aviation to explore a distribution agreement for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The potential deal, valued at approximately $1bn, could deliver up to 200 aircraft in the coming years, marking a pivotal step in Saudi Arabia's clean transportation ambitions. Flying taxis in Saudi Arabia The announcement builds on the deepening economic ties between the United States and Saudi Arabia, with both nations investing heavily in next-generation, sustainable infrastructure. Joby Aviation, known for its piloted, all-electric aircraft designed to carry four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph, represents the forefront of urban air mobility. With zero operating emissions and significantly reduced noise levels, Joby's aircraft are poised to redefine short-distance travel. JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, said: 'This collaboration is about bringing America's leadership in electric air mobility to the world. Together with Abdul Latif Jameel, we're not just imagining a cleaner, safer, more efficient future—we're building it. And there is no better partner to help unlock the extraordinary opportunity for air travel in the region.' Hassan Jameel, Vice Chairman, Saudi Arabia, Abdul Latif Jameel, said: 'Saudi Arabia is transitioning toward a new era of mobility – one that is on-demand, shared, connected, and sustainable. eVTOL is an exciting and important component of this. 'We are looking forward to collaborating with Joby to support the transformation of the Kingdom's mobility sector. This collaboration also comes as Abdul Latif Jameel Motors marks 70 years of distributing Toyota in Saudi Arabia — a strategic investor in Joby.' Joby's collaboration with Abdul Latif Jameel will initially focus on Saudi Arabia, where Abdul Latif Jameel has an extensive presence, network and deep operational experience. The two businesses will work together to explore distribution and sales collaborations, the launch of local air taxi services, including the establishment of aftermarket services such as MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul), and pilot training. Joby's piloted, all-electric aircraft is designed to carry four passengers at speeds of up to 200mph, offering high-speed mobility with a fraction of the noise produced by helicopters and zero operating emissions. Joby Aviation aims to launch its first commercial passenger flights in Dubai by 2026, with expansion into Saudi Arabia envisioned soon after. The deal also reflects Abdul Latif Jameel's broader investment strategy in future mobility. The Jameel family previously invested in Joby's Series C funding round, led by Toyota Motor Corporation in 2020.
Khaleej Times
2 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Kuwait Real Estate and IFA sign Dh198 million agreement with Darwish Engineering
Kuwait Real Estate Company, in collaboration with its subsidiary IFA Hotels and Resorts, has announced the signing of a contract with Darwish Engineering, one of the leading construction companies in the UAE, to develop the infrastructure works for its residential project 'Al Tay Hills' in Sharjah, with a total value of Dh198 million. The contract was signed through Qaryat Al Nakheel Real Estate, the executive arm of the project and a subsidiary of Kuwait Real Estate. The scope of work includes the design and implementation of core infrastructure, such as the construction of sewage networks, a wastewater treatment plant, two water pumping stations, in addition to road networks, stormwater drainage, and networks for electricity, telecommunications, and water. On this occasion, Khaled Esbaitah, Chairman of IFA Hotels and Resorts, stated: 'Our agreement with Darwish Engineering, a company with a strong track record in the construction sector, marks a significant milestone in our vision to develop integrated urban projects that elevate standards of quality and innovation in the real estate market.' He added: 'We are confident that this collaboration will bring a qualitative leap in the development of Al Tay Hills' infrastructure, enhancing its investment appeal and establishing it as a modern urban destination. We see this partnership as a pivotal step towards achieving our vision of building smart and sustainable residential communities.' Bahaa Al-Nahwi, General Manager of Darwish Engineering, emphasized that the contract to implement the infrastructure works for the 'Al Tay Hills' project represents a new strategic milestone that reflects their firm commitment to delivering integrated engineering solutions that elevate the standard of urban development projects in Sharjah. He noted that the company will mobilize all its expertise and technical resources to deliver this vital project according to the approved timeline and in alignment with the highest technical and engineering standards. Al Tay Hills is considered one of the largest residential projects in Sharjah, spanning over 6 million square feet and comprising 1,100 residential units, including villas and townhouses. It boasts a strategic location on Emirates Road and features the longest green river in the region, stretching 2.5 km. The first phase is expected to be delivered in Q1 2028. Since its launch, Al Tay Hills has recorded remarkable success, demonstrated by high investor and buyer interest, reflecting its prestigious position as one of the most prominent residential destinations in Sharjah. The increasing demand for luxury units that combine modern design with a prime location underscores the project's value. These results affirm the project's capability to meet the needs of customers seeking to invest in a comprehensive residential community offering a promising future vision.
