Latest news with #ADQ-led
Al Etihad
17-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE tops Forbes' Most Impactful Real Estate Leaders list for the region
18 Apr 2025 00:19 MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)The UAE has topped the 2025 edition of Forbes Middle East's Most Impactful Real Estate Leaders list, with 42 company heads recognised for their influence and achievements. The list highlights key figures who are driving the future of real estate across the MENA region. Following the UAE's lead are Saudi Arabia and Egypt, with 21 and 16 entries, rankings reflect a year of remarkable growth for MENA's property sector in 2024, underscored by record-breaking transactions, major mega-projects, and soaring investor confidence, according to Forbes Middle East. 'The region positioned itself as a driving force in the global property market, with Dubai leading the charge as one of the most dynamic and resilient real estate markets worldwide,' it said. Dubai's real estate sector saw a 20% surge in transaction value, reaching $207.2 billion in 2024. Investor activity soared, with 110,000 new investors entering the market – a 55% increase from 2023. Residential transactions alone witnessed a 47% year-on-year jump, according to Savills Middle East, driven by robust demand for premium properties and continued government Dhabi also posted solid gains, recording a 10.45% increase in real estate transactions, totalling $26.2 billion, as per the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's residential real estate market experienced unprecedented growth across Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Dammam Metropolitan Area, with transactions hitting $32 billion – up 50% year on year, according to broader MENA region was defined by bold development strategies, including multi-billion-dollar mega-projects in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. One of the most high-profile deals was a $35-billion investment partnership between Egypt and the UAE's ADQ-led consortium to build the $24-billion Ras El Hekma city on Egypt's North Coast. Top Real Estate Figures Ranking first on the UAE's list of real estate leaders is Hussain Sajwani, Founder and Chairman of DAMAC Properties. Sajwani, whose net worth doubled to $10.2 billion over the past year, recently led the firm's largest-ever Sukuk issuance of $750 million and unveiled a bold $20-billion data center investment in the US through Alabbar, Founder and Managing Director of Emaar Properties in the UAE, placed second on the list. Emaar owns Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Address Dubai Mall, among other landmarks in Dubai. In 2024, Emaar hit record highs with $9.7 billion in revenue and $19 billion in property sales – a 72% increase from the previous year. Third on the list is Talal Al Dhiyebi, Group CEO of Aldar Properties. In 2024, Aldar reported total assets of $23.3 billion and generated $6.3 billion in revenue. That same year, the company expanded its strategic partnership with Mubadala, launching four new ventures worth $8.2 billion. Leaders were evaluated based on a range of metrics, including years of experience, company assets and revenues, ownership stakes, the value and scale of projects completed or underway, and the size of the landbank and unit inventory.
Arabian Business
23-03-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Middle East M&A market resilient in 2024 as AI, renewables and infrastructure deals stand out
Middle East mergers and acquisitions (M&A) deals volumes experienced a modest decline of only 4 per cent, from 493 deals in 2023 to 475 in 2024, according to a PwC report. Despite the decline, the region significantly outperformed the global market's decline of 17 per cent. The PwC report, titled 'Bold moves: Big bets, bigger growth, highlighting key mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the Middle East in 2024', highlights resilience and optimism in the region. Middle East M&A activity Large-scale transactions in AI, renewable energy, and infrastructure fuelled the region's M&A momentum. Romil Radia, Deals Markets Leader, PwC Middle East, said: 'In 2024, the Middle East's M&A market demonstrated remarkable resilience and confidence, driving strategic investments in sectors such as AI, renewable energy and infrastructure. 'The region saw a notable rise in large-ticket deals, reflecting the bold ambitions of investors to accelerate regional diversification, bringing in new capabilities and strategic expertise to strengthen key industries and help develop the newer sectors. 'Sovereign wealth funds and Middle East corporates are actively expanding their global footprint, positioning themselves for an even bigger push in 2025.' Key themes arose within the regional M&A market in 2024 with examples such as: Technology and AI drives business reinvention: Bayanat AI's $1.5bn acquisition of Al Yah Satellite Communication has reinforced its leadership in advanced technology. Moreover, Qatar's Ooredoo secured $550mn to expand AI and data centre infrastructure, further strengthening the region's digital transformation. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's 'Project Transcendence,' a $100bn AI investment initiative, underscores the country's long-term commitment to deep tech and innovation Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) continue to shape homegrown economic growth: SWFs continue to prioritise investments in local businesses, industries and projects, where dealmaking will likely increase in sectors critical to the region's long-term economic goals. This could lead to a greater number of domestic deals as companies look to align with national priorities and regulatory frameworks that support local development Green energy transitions drive new investment strategies: Masdar's $2.7bn acquisition of Greece's Terna Energy highlights the Middle East's leadership in renewable energy, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability Increasing private participation aids diversification: Saudi Arabia's healthcare sector now sees 53 per cent of investments coming from the private sector, reflecting the country's push toward economic diversification. Meanwhile, Egypt's historic $35bn ADQ-led investment deal marks a significant step in its privatisation efforts, attracting foreign capital and fostering private sector growth across key industries Global PE could fuel Middle East M&A boom: The global private equity market saw a surge in large-scale transactions, with the number of deals valued over $1bn rising from 430 in 2023 to more than 500 in 2024, driving an 11 per cent rise in average deal sizes. This reflects the global trend of increased asset supply expected to come to the market, driven by the increasing pressure on PE players to exit mature portfolio company investments. In the Middle East, there was a slight uptick in PE deal volumes with inbound deals playing a significant role in PE activity, totalling 108 transactions. Additionally, while only one regional deal exceeding $1bn was recorded in 2023, 2024 saw five such deals, with the largest reaching $3.6bn highlighting growing investor confidence in the region The Middle East's M&A landscape is expected to continue its expansion, with more than 50 per cent of regional CEOs planning acquisitions within the next three years. AI, digital transformation, and sustainability are expected to drive dealmaking, while Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt accelerate privatisation to attract private sector investment. Additionally, cross-border M&A and rising foreign investment are expected to reshape the market, further solidifying the region's position as a global economic hub. The continued creation of new sectors and sustained investment in high-growth areas should provide globally-minded corporations with compelling incentives to invest in the region. These factors will empower dealmakers to unlock significant growth opportunities in 2025 and beyond.
Khaleej Times
20-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Bold and bigger deals fuel transformative growth in the Middle East
Despite global headwinds, Middle East deals volumes experienced a modest decline of only four per cent - from 493 deals in 2023 to 475 in 2024 - significantly outperforming the global market's decline of 17 per cent and showcasing the region's resilience in M&A activity. According to PwC Middle East's latest TransAct Middle East report, titled Bold moves: Big bets, bigger growth, large-scale transactions in AI, renewable energy, and infrastructure have fueled the region's M&A momentum. The report highlights key mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the Middle East in 2024. According to the report, the region's dealmaking landscape was driven by a growing emphasis on innovation and sustainability across various sectors. The Middle East's M&A landscape is expected to continue its expansion, with over 50 per cent of regional CEOs planning acquisitions within the next three years. AI, digital transformation, and sustainability are expected to drive dealmaking, while Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt accelerate privatisation to attract private sector investment. Additionally, cross-border M&A and rising foreign investment are expected to reshape the market, further solidifying the region's position as a global economic hub. Key themes arose within the regional M&A market in 2024 with examples such as: Technology and AI drives business reinvention: Bayanat AI's $1.5 billion acquisition of Al Yah Satellite Communication has reinforced its leadership in advanced technology. Moreover, Qatar's Ooredoo secured $550 million to expand AI and data centre infrastructure, further strengthening the region's digital transformation. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's 'Project Transcendence,' a $100 billion AI investment initiative, underscores the country's long-term commitment to deep tech and innovation. ● Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) continue to shape homegrown economic growth: SWFs continue to prioritise investments in local businesses, industries and projects, where dealmaking will likely increase in sectors critical to the region's long-term economic goals. This could lead to a greater number of domestic deals as companies look to align with national priorities and regulatory frameworks that support local development. ● Green energy transitions drive new investment strategies: Masdar's $2.7 billion acquisition of Greece's Terna Energy highlights the Middle East's leadership in renewable energy, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability. ● Increasing private participation aids diversification: Saudi Arabia's healthcare sector now sees 53 per cent of investments coming from the private sector, reflecting the country's push toward economic diversification. Meanwhile, Egypt's historic $35 billion ADQ-led investment deal marks a significant step in its privatisation efforts, attracting foreign capital and fostering private sector growth across key industries. ● Global PE could fuel Middle East M&A boom: The global private equity market saw a surge in large-scale transactions, with the number of deals valued over $1 billion rising from 430 in 2023 to over 500 in 2024, driving an 11 per cent rise in average deal sizes. This reflects the global trend of increased asset supply expected to come to the market, driven by the increasing pressure on PE players to exit mature portfolio company investments. In the Middle East, there was a slight uptick in PE deal volumes with inbound deals playing a significant role in PE activity, totalling 108 transactions. Additionally, while only one regional deal exceeding $1 billion was recorded in 2023, 2024 saw five such deals, with the largest reaching $3.6 billion highlighting growing investor confidence in the region. Romil Radia, Deals Markets Leader, PwC Middle East, stated: 'In 2024, the Middle East's M&A market demonstrated remarkable resilience and confidence, driving strategic investments in sectors such as AI, renewable energy and infrastructure. The region saw a notable rise in large-ticket deals, reflecting the bold ambitions of investors to accelerate regional diversification, bringing in new capabilities and strategic expertise to strengthen key industries and help develop the newer sectors. Sovereign wealth funds and Middle East corporates are actively expanding their global footprint, positioning themselves for an even bigger push in 2025.' The continued creation of new sectors and sustained investment in high-growth areas should provide globally-minded corporations with compelling incentives to invest in the region. These factors will empower dealmakers to unlock significant growth opportunities in 2025 and beyond.
Al Bawaba
20-03-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Bold and bigger deals fuel transformative growth in the region: PwC's 2025 TransAct Middle East report
PwC Middle East has released its latest TransAct Middle East report titled, Bold moves: Big bets, bigger growth, highlighting key mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the Middle East in 2024. According to the report, the region's dealmaking landscape was driven by a growing emphasis on innovation and sustainability across various sectors. Despite global headwinds, Middle East deals volumes experienced a modest decline of only 4% - from 493 deals in 2023 to 475 in 2024 - significantly outperforming the global market's decline of 17% and showcasing the region's resilience in M&A activity. Large-scale transactions in AI, renewable energy, and infrastructure have fueled the region's M&A momentum. Romil Radia, Deals Markets Leader, PwC Middle East, stated: 'In 2024, the Middle East's M&A market demonstrated remarkable resilience and confidence, driving strategic investments in sectors such as AI, renewable energy and infrastructure. The region saw a notable rise in large-ticket deals, reflecting the bold ambitions of investors to accelerate regional diversification, bringing in new capabilities and strategic expertise to strengthen key industries and help develop the newer sectors.' He continued, 'Sovereign wealth funds and Middle East corporates are actively expanding their global footprint, positioning themselves for an even bigger push in 2025.' Key themes arose within the regional M&A market in 2024 with examples such as: Technology and AI drives business reinvention: Bayanat AI's US$1.5bn acquisition of Al Yah Satellite Communication has reinforced its leadership in advanced technology. Moreover, Qatar's Ooredoo secured US$550mn to expand AI and data centre infrastructure, further strengthening the region's digital transformation. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's 'Project Transcendence,' a US$100bn AI investment initiative, underscores the country's long-term commitment to deep tech and innovation. Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) continue to shape homegrown economic growth: SWFs continue to prioritise investments in local businesses, industries and projects, where dealmaking will likely increase in sectors critical to the region's long-term economic goals. This could lead to a greater number of domestic deals as companies look to align with national priorities and regulatory frameworks that support local development. Green energy transitions drive new investment strategies: Masdar's US$2.7bn acquisition of Greece's Terna Energy highlights the Middle East's leadership in renewable energy, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability. Increasing private participation aids diversification: Saudi Arabia's healthcare sector now sees 53% of investments coming from the private sector, reflecting the country's push toward economic diversification. Meanwhile, Egypt's historic US$35 billion ADQ-led investment deal marks a significant step in its privatisation efforts, attracting foreign capital and fostering private sector growth across key industries. Global PE could fuel Middle East M&A boom: The global private equity market saw a surge in large-scale transactions, with the number of deals valued over US$1bn rising from 430 in 2023 to over 500 in 2024, driving an 11% rise in average deal sizes. This reflects the global trend of increased asset supply expected to come to the market, driven by the increasing pressure on PE players to exit mature portfolio company investments. In the Middle East, there was a slight uptick in PE deal volumes with inbound deals playing a significant role in PE activity, totalling 108 transactions. Additionally, while only one regional deal exceeding US$1bn was recorded in 2023, 2024 saw five such deals, with the largest reaching US$3.6bn highlighting growing investor confidence in the region. The Middle East's M&A landscape is expected to continue its expansion, with over 50% of regional CEOs planning acquisitions within the next three years. AI, digital transformation, and sustainability are expected to drive dealmaking, while Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt accelerate privatisation to attract private sector investment. Additionally, cross-border M&A and rising foreign investment are expected to reshape the market, further solidifying the region's position as a global economic hub. The continued creation of new sectors and sustained investment in high-growth areas should provide globally-minded corporations with compelling incentives to invest in the region. These factors will empower dealmakers to unlock significant growth opportunities in 2025 and beyond.
