logo
Rakiza joins UN Principles for Responsible Investment

Rakiza joins UN Principles for Responsible Investment

Observer5 days ago

MUSCAT: Oman Infrastructure Investment Management (Rakiza), a dedicated infrastructure fund manager based in Oman, has joined the UN-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI). This move reaffirms Rakiza's commitment to building sustainable infrastructure through a disciplined, responsible investment approach.
Rakiza is currently the only infrastructure fund manager among signatories in the GCC and becomes one of only two UNPRI signatories based in Oman. 'ESG is not new to us — it's built into our investment process, asset management and decision-making,' said Muneer al Muneeri, CEO of Rakiza. 'Becoming a UNPRI signatory is about reinforcing that commitment publicly and contributing to the global benchmark for responsible infrastructure investment.' Rakiza co-manages Rakiza Fund I, which targets essential infrastructure sectors such as renewable energy, utilities, telecommunications, digital infrastructure, transport and logistics; and social infrastructure in Oman and Saudi Arabia. As fund manager, Rakiza prioritises long-term value creation, responsible stewardship and alignment with regional sustainability goals — with ESG principles integrated across the full investment lifecycle.
'We are delighted to welcome Rakiza as a PRI signatory,' said David Atkin, CEO of the PRI. 'Responsible investment is naturally aligned with infrastructure, given its long-term horizon as an asset class and its potential to shape sustainability outcomes. We look forward to working with Rakiza as part of our global signatory base.' The UNPRI's six principles offer a global framework for institutional investors to incorporate ESG factors into their investment and ownership decisions. By becoming a signatory, Rakiza commits to these principles and to reporting transparently on how ESG is embedded into its investment practices.
Caption: Muneer al Muneeri, CEO of Rakiza

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Rakiza joins UN Principles for Responsible Investment
Rakiza joins UN Principles for Responsible Investment

Observer

time5 days ago

  • Observer

Rakiza joins UN Principles for Responsible Investment

MUSCAT: Oman Infrastructure Investment Management (Rakiza), a dedicated infrastructure fund manager based in Oman, has joined the UN-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI). This move reaffirms Rakiza's commitment to building sustainable infrastructure through a disciplined, responsible investment approach. Rakiza is currently the only infrastructure fund manager among signatories in the GCC and becomes one of only two UNPRI signatories based in Oman. 'ESG is not new to us — it's built into our investment process, asset management and decision-making,' said Muneer al Muneeri, CEO of Rakiza. 'Becoming a UNPRI signatory is about reinforcing that commitment publicly and contributing to the global benchmark for responsible infrastructure investment.' Rakiza co-manages Rakiza Fund I, which targets essential infrastructure sectors such as renewable energy, utilities, telecommunications, digital infrastructure, transport and logistics; and social infrastructure in Oman and Saudi Arabia. As fund manager, Rakiza prioritises long-term value creation, responsible stewardship and alignment with regional sustainability goals — with ESG principles integrated across the full investment lifecycle. 'We are delighted to welcome Rakiza as a PRI signatory,' said David Atkin, CEO of the PRI. 'Responsible investment is naturally aligned with infrastructure, given its long-term horizon as an asset class and its potential to shape sustainability outcomes. We look forward to working with Rakiza as part of our global signatory base.' The UNPRI's six principles offer a global framework for institutional investors to incorporate ESG factors into their investment and ownership decisions. By becoming a signatory, Rakiza commits to these principles and to reporting transparently on how ESG is embedded into its investment practices. Caption: Muneer al Muneeri, CEO of Rakiza

International tourist arrivals up 5% in Q1, 2025, 1% in Middle East
International tourist arrivals up 5% in Q1, 2025, 1% in Middle East

Observer

time27-05-2025

  • Observer

International tourist arrivals up 5% in Q1, 2025, 1% in Middle East

Over 300 million tourists travelled internationally in the first three months of 2025, about 14 million more than in the same months of 2024, according to the May 2025 World Tourism Barometer from UN Tourism. That represented a 5 percent % rise on last year and is 3% more than in the pre-pandemic year 2019. The robust performance came despite the sector facing a range of geopolitical and trade tensions, as well as high inflation in travel and tourism services. UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: 'In every global region, tourism stands out as a major services sector, supporting millions of jobs and businesses of all sizes. The continued good performance in international arrivals combined with stronger visitor spending in many destinations highlights the resilience of the sector in the face of numerous challenges and is good news for economies and workers everywhere.' The Middle East recorded 1% growth compared to 2024, a more modest increase following the extraordinary performance in recent years. However, arrivals stood 44 percent above pre-pandemic levels this first quarter of the year. The latest UN Tourism Confidence Index reflects cautious optimism for the period May-August 2025. Some 45 percent of Panel experts point to better (40 percent) or much better (5 percent) prospects for these 4 months, while 33 percent foresee similar performance to that in the same period of 2024. Some 22 percent expect tourism performance to be worse. Experts highlighted the uncertainty and unpredictability derived from trade tariffs and their potential impact on travel sentiment. Revised data shows that total export revenues from international tourism (receipts and passenger transport) grew by 11% (real terms) to reach a record USD 2.0 trillion in 2024, about 15% above pre-pandemic levels. This represents about 6% of the world's total exports of goods and services and 23% of global trade in services. According to IATA, international air travel demand grew 8 percent in January-March 2025 versus Q1 2024, while international air capacity was up 7%. Global occupancy rates in accommodation establishments reached 64 percent in March, about the same level as in March 2024 (65%). It may be noted that Oman's airports, by the end of March 2025, reached approximately 3,541,038 passengers, compared to 3,840,354 passengers by the end of March 2024, according to preliminary data issued by the National Center for Statistics and Information. The number of passengers traveling through Muscat International Airport by the end of March 2025 reached 3,183,817 passengers, compared to 3,482,325 passengers during the same period in 2024, recording a decrease of 8.6 percent.

Oman real estate market poised for growth amidst economic diversification
Oman real estate market poised for growth amidst economic diversification

Observer

time26-05-2025

  • Observer

Oman real estate market poised for growth amidst economic diversification

MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman's real estate market demonstrated resilience in the first half of 2025, despite global economic uncertainties, according to the latest market research report by Hamptons International. ​The report highlights steady performance across key submarkets, driven by infrastructure investments, Oman Vision 2040-aligned reforms and a growing emphasis on sustainability and economic diversification. ​These initiatives have bolstered investor confidence and contributed to the recovery of logistics, tourism and mixed-use assets. ​ SUBMARKET PERFORMANCE AND SECTOR HIGHLIGHTS ​ Muscat emerged as the most active real estate hub, benefitting from government-backed urban development projects and increased demand for high-end residential and commercial properties. Al Duqm continued to attract industrial and logistics investments, leveraging its strategic location and the expansion of the Duqm Special Economic Zone. ​Suhar maintained steady demand for warehousing and manufacturing spaces, while Salalah's real estate sector thrived on tourism-related developments. ​ The industrial and logistics sector remains one of the most attractive for long-term investors, with yields ranging from 9.5% to 11%. ​Cold storage, e-commerce fulfilment centres and facilities near free zones such as Suhar and Al Duqm are in high demand, supported by infrastructure growth and trade expansion under Oman Vision 2040. ​However, Oman still lags behind regional peers like the UAE in ESG-compliant industrial stock. ​ ECONOMIC GROWTH AND MARKET TRENDS ​ Oman's economy expanded by an estimated 2.3% in H1 2025, driven by growth in logistics, manufacturing and tourism. ​Brent crude oil prices stabilised at an average of $62 per barrel, ensuring fiscal stability and supporting government revenues. ​Non-oil GDP contributions rose above 35%, signalling progress in reducing reliance on hydrocarbons. Inflation remained moderate at 1.8%, while private sector activity and job creation in emerging industries showed positive momentum. ​ The residential market saw stable demand for mid-income apartments and villas, with rents rising slightly in core Muscat districts such as Al Mouj and Al Qurum. ​Affordable housing initiatives aligned with Oman Vision 2040 gained traction, while professionally managed gated communities commanded a 10-15% premium over standalone properties. The report projects a compound annual growth rate of 9.19% for the residential real estate market, increasing from $4.75 billion in 2024 to $6.60 billion by 2029. ​ HOSPITALITY AND RETAIL SECTOR INSIGHTS The hospitality sector recorded a rebound in business travel and regional tourism, with hotel occupancy in Muscat averaging 59% in H1 2025. ​Boutique and eco-resorts gained popularity in Dhofar and Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, supported by government-led sustainable tourism initiatives. ​The Average Daily Rate for 4- to 5-star hotels grew by 7%, while luxury and eco-tourism hotels reported above-average occupancy rates. ​ Retail performance stabilised in urban malls and destination centres, with Mall of Oman and Oman Avenues Mall maintaining high occupancy rates. A clear trend towards F&B and experiential retail emerged, with landlords adopting hybrid leasing models to attract new tenants. ​ OUTLOOK FOR H2 2025 ​ Looking ahead, Oman's real estate market is expected to maintain steady growth in the second half of 2025, supported by government initiatives, infrastructure expansion and increasing investor interest. Key growth themes include sustained demand for industrial and logistics assets, affordable housing initiatives, tourism-led investments and ESG integration. ​Strategic projects in Al Duqm, Suhar and Muscat will play a catalytic role, while Salalah and Dhofar are set to benefit from tourism expansion. ​ With Oman Vision 2040 shaping real estate policy and infrastructure spending, Oman's commitment to economic diversification and sustainability positions the sector for continued growth, offering lucrative opportunities for developers and investors alike.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store