Latest news with #Mandour
Web Release
29-04-2025
- Business
- Web Release
I Squared Capital Expands in Middle East with New Regional Platform and Riyadh Office
I Squared Capital, a leading global infrastructure investment manager, announced today a major expansion of its presence across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the broader Middle East. The firm is building a dedicated regional investment platform to drive infrastructure investments and related activities, underscoring its long-term commitment to one of the world's most dynamic and strategically vital regions. This next phase of I Squared's regional strategy builds on the successful launch of its Abu Dhabi office in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and marks a significant step toward establishing a fully integrated GCC-wide platform. As part of this expansion, I Squared will open a new office in Riyadh in 2025, deepening its engagement with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. The Riyadh office will focus on opportunities in energy transition, digital innovation, infrastructure development, and the development of capital markets—key pillars of the Kingdom's transformation agenda. To support this expansion, I Squared is pleased to welcome Ali Mandour as Managing Director. Mr. Mandour brings extensive investment banking experience and was most recently at Evercore, where he led a broad range of strategic transactions across sectors in Europe and the Middle East. He joins a growing Middle East investment team based in Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Delhi. 'Scaling our platform across the GCC is a strategic priority for I Squared,' said Sadek Wahba, Chairman and Managing Partner of I Squared Capital. 'The region's strong fundamentals, bold national visions, and commitment to infrastructure modernization make it a natural fit for our model. We're not just investing—we're partnering to attract Foreign Direct Investment along with operational expertise to build smart, sustainable, and future-ready infrastructure.' Wahba emphasized I Squared's aim to support global capital investment into the Middle East, particularly from the Global South, across both core infrastructure and the development of capital markets that enable long-term financing for infrastructure assets. 'Whether it's scaling clean energy platforms, deploying digital infrastructure, or modernizing logistics, we believe our hands-on, tech-driven approach aligns perfectly with the region's ambitions,' added Harsh Agrawal, Senior Partner overseeing Asia and the Middle East. Mahmoud Mohieldin, Senior Policy Advisor at I Squared and a former Minister of Investment for Egypt and Executive Director at the IMF representing 12 middle eastern economies, reinforced the region's current momentum and promising potential: 'The Middle East is well poised for sustained economic growth in light of decisive reforms currently underway that place its countries on the path to a more resilient and inclusive economic future.'
National Post
29-04-2025
- Business
- National Post
I Squared Capital Expands in Middle East with New Regional Platform and Riyadh Office
Article content MIAMI — I Squared Capital, a leading global infrastructure investment manager, announced today a major expansion of its presence across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the broader Middle East. The firm is building a dedicated regional investment platform to drive infrastructure investments and related activities, underscoring its long-term commitment to one of the world's most dynamic and strategically vital regions. Article content Article content This next phase of I Squared's regional strategy builds on the successful launch of its Abu Dhabi office in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and marks a significant step toward establishing a fully integrated GCC-wide platform. Article content As part of this expansion, I Squared will open a new office in Riyadh in 2025, deepening its engagement with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. The Riyadh office will focus on opportunities in energy transition, digital innovation, infrastructure development, and the development of capital markets—key pillars of the Kingdom's transformation agenda. Article content To support this expansion, I Squared is pleased to welcome Ali Mandour as Managing Director. Mr. Mandour brings extensive investment banking experience and was most recently at Evercore, where he led a broad range of strategic transactions across sectors in Europe and the Middle East. He joins a growing Middle East investment team based in Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Delhi. Article content 'Scaling our platform across the GCC is a strategic priority for I Squared,' said Sadek Wahba, Chairman and Managing Partner of I Squared Capital. 'The region's strong fundamentals, bold national visions, and commitment to infrastructure modernization make it a natural fit for our model. We're not just investing—we're partnering to attract Foreign Direct Investment along with operational expertise to build smart, sustainable, and future-ready infrastructure.' Article content Wahba emphasized I Squared's aim to support global capital investment into the Middle East, particularly from the Global South, across both core infrastructure and the development of capital markets that enable long-term financing for infrastructure assets. Article content 'Whether it's scaling clean energy platforms, deploying digital infrastructure, or modernizing logistics, we believe our hands-on, tech-driven approach aligns perfectly with the region's ambitions,' added Harsh Agrawal, Senior Partner overseeing Asia and the Middle East. Article content Mahmoud Mohieldin, Senior Policy Advisor at I Squared and a former Minister of Investment for Egypt and Executive Director at the IMF representing 12 middle eastern economies, reinforced the region's current momentum and promising potential: 'The Middle East is well poised for sustained economic growth in light of decisive reforms currently underway that place its countries on the path to a more resilient and inclusive economic future.' Article content About I Squared Article content I Squared Capital is a leading global infrastructure investor managing $45 billion in assets. We build and scale essential infrastructure businesses that deliver critical services to millions of people worldwide. Our portfolio includes over 90 companies operating in more than 70 countries and spanning sectors such as energy, utilities, digital infrastructure, transport, environmental and social infrastructure. Headquartered in Miami, our team of over 300 professionals is based across offices in Abu Dhabi, London, Munich, New Delhi, São Paulo, Singapore, Sydney and Taipei. Learn more at Article content This document does not constitute advice or a recommendation or offer to sell or a solicitation to deal in any security or financial product. It is provided for information purposes only and on the understanding that the recipient has sufficient knowledge and experience to be able to understand and make their own evaluation of the proposals and services described herein, any risks associated therewith and any related legal, tax, accounting or other material considerations. To the extent that the reader has any questions regarding the applicability of any specific issue discussed above to their specific portfolio or situation, prospective investors are encouraged to contact I Squared Capital or consult with the professional advisor of their choosing. There is no guarantee that the investment objectives will be achieved. Moreover, the past performance is not a guarantee or indicator of future results. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content
Business Wire
29-04-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
I Squared Capital Expands in Middle East with New Regional Platform and Riyadh Office
MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--I Squared Capital, a leading global infrastructure investment manager, announced today a major expansion of its presence across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the broader Middle East. The firm is building a dedicated regional investment platform to drive infrastructure investments and related activities, underscoring its long-term commitment to one of the world's most dynamic and strategically vital regions. This next phase of I Squared's regional strategy builds on the successful launch of its Abu Dhabi office in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and marks a significant step toward establishing a fully integrated GCC-wide platform. As part of this expansion, I Squared will open a new office in Riyadh in 2025, deepening its engagement with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. The Riyadh office will focus on opportunities in energy transition, digital innovation, infrastructure development, and the development of capital markets—key pillars of the Kingdom's transformation agenda. To support this expansion, I Squared is pleased to welcome Ali Mandour as Managing Director. Mr. Mandour brings extensive investment banking experience and was most recently at Evercore, where he led a broad range of strategic transactions across sectors in Europe and the Middle East. He joins a growing Middle East investment team based in Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Delhi. 'Scaling our platform across the GCC is a strategic priority for I Squared,' said Sadek Wahba, Chairman and Managing Partner of I Squared Capital. 'The region's strong fundamentals, bold national visions, and commitment to infrastructure modernization make it a natural fit for our model. We're not just investing—we're partnering to attract Foreign Direct Investment along with operational expertise to build smart, sustainable, and future-ready infrastructure.' Wahba emphasized I Squared's aim to support global capital investment into the Middle East, particularly from the Global South, across both core infrastructure and the development of capital markets that enable long-term financing for infrastructure assets. 'Whether it's scaling clean energy platforms, deploying digital infrastructure, or modernizing logistics, we believe our hands-on, tech-driven approach aligns perfectly with the region's ambitions,' added Harsh Agrawal, Senior Partner overseeing Asia and the Middle East. Mahmoud Mohieldin, Senior Policy Advisor at I Squared and a former Minister of Investment for Egypt and Executive Director at the IMF representing 12 middle eastern economies, reinforced the region's current momentum and promising potential: 'The Middle East is well poised for sustained economic growth in light of decisive reforms currently underway that place its countries on the path to a more resilient and inclusive economic future.' About I Squared I Squared Capital is a leading global infrastructure investor managing $45 billion in assets. We build and scale essential infrastructure businesses that deliver critical services to millions of people worldwide. Our portfolio includes over 90 companies operating in more than 70 countries and spanning sectors such as energy, utilities, digital infrastructure, transport, environmental and social infrastructure. Headquartered in Miami, our team of over 300 professionals is based across offices in Abu Dhabi, London, Munich, New Delhi, São Paulo, Singapore, Sydney and Taipei. Learn more at Disclaimers This document does not constitute advice or a recommendation or offer to sell or a solicitation to deal in any security or financial product. It is provided for information purposes only and on the understanding that the recipient has sufficient knowledge and experience to be able to understand and make their own evaluation of the proposals and services described herein, any risks associated therewith and any related legal, tax, accounting or other material considerations. To the extent that the reader has any questions regarding the applicability of any specific issue discussed above to their specific portfolio or situation, prospective investors are encouraged to contact I Squared Capital or consult with the professional advisor of their choosing. There is no guarantee that the investment objectives will be achieved. Moreover, the past performance is not a guarantee or indicator of future results.
Arab News
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
MBC launches second season of reality survival show ‘Million Dollar Land'
DUBAI: MBC's reality survival game show 'Million Dollar Land' has returned for a second season, with 30 contestants from across the Arab world navigating grueling challenges in Saudi Arabia's NEOM desert for a shot at the grand $1 million prize. The show, comprising 13 episodes and 60 dailies, promises unpredictable and jaw-dropping twists as participants compete over 30 days in new games that will be revealed throughout the series. 'The second season brings with it numerous surprises — from structural changes to the format, to new layers of competition, narrative, and thrill,' said Bassam Al-Braikan, general manager of public relations and corporate communications at MBC Group. He noted that the second season comes after the show's overwhelming success two years ago, with updates and enhancements introduced. The game show, a spin-off of the Dutch 'Million Dollar Island' from Talpa Studios, will see participants from different countries and professions partaking in challenges that test their endurance in the harsh desert life, survival skills and mental and physical resilience. Upon arrival, participants receive bracelets worth $10,000 each. Their goal is to collect as many bracelets as possible through various challenges. To survive, they need to form the right alliances, friendships, and secret pacts as they chase the grand prize. 'While the main rules of building alliances and strategies to gather the biggest number of bracelets are the same in the second season, viewers can expect new twists and turns. There are changes in the gameplay, unexpected twists, and new clashes among contestants,' Jenane Mandour, the show's director, told Arab News at the program's exclusive screening at Vox Cinemas at the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai. Mandour added that the number of contestants has been reduced to 30 from the first season's 100 participants 'to introduce a change from the first season and to get to know each and every candidate more and focus on their stories.' Contestants were selected through a wide casting search of candidates between 18 and 70 years old, provided they had no pre-existing health issues. 'Conditions are harsh in the desert, and not anyone can handle the hot and dry climate. Participants need to have mental resilience and strategic thinking to be able to gather as many bracelets as possible,' said Mandour. However, to ensure players' safety, organizers set clear guidelines and kept a 24-hour medical team on site for any emergencies. On the question of whether only one winner walks away with the grand prize, Mandour said 'you have to watch till the end to know. 'Like in all game shows, participants have to play hard and well to earn the $1 million.' The Dubai-based TV company Blue Engine Studios executive produced the Arabic version of the show for MBC and the third season of the Dutch 'Million Dollar Desert' for NET5 in NEOM, which has emerged as a burgeoning audiovisual production hub. Ziad Kebbe, CEO of Blue Engine Studios, said that 'Million Dollar Land' fills a gap in regional reality TV and aims to respond to viewer demand. 'Reality competitions are a major component of television content globally. These shows put everyday people in unpredictable and sometimes harsh conditions, prompting the audience to ask: 'What would I do in their place?',' said Kebbe. On choosing NEOM as the filming location, Kebbe described it as 'visually cinematic and historically significant. It's not just filming a show; it's capturing the story of a nation reinventing itself.' Saudi actor Mohammed Al-Shehri, who hosted the show, told Arab News that 'Million Dollar Land' presented 'a mini model of reality,' making it a layered social experiment. 'It was fascinating to see how people changed on a daily basis physically and mentally under pressure.' The reaction of contestants to participants who withdrew also served as a reminder of the impact people make on each other, said Al-Shehri. 'What surprised me consistently was seeing people cry when someone withdraws even though they haven't known each other for a long time. Difficult conditions create powerful bonds, and the reason why people cried over some people and not others reminded me that it's the impact you have on people that makes you unforgettable,' he added. The program also highlighted the importance of withholding judgment, he said. 'Viewers might see a participant's choice as wrong, but in that moment — with limited information — it may have been their only option. Right or wrong is subjective.' For Al-Shehri, the show helped expand his reach to different audiences across the Arab world, beyond Saudi Arabia. The second season of 'Million Dollar Land' will broadcast every Wednesday night on MBC Group's TV channels and on Shahid from April 9.
Egypt Today
19-03-2025
- Business
- Egypt Today
Suez Canal Univ. among best 1000 global universities in URAP 2025 ranking
Suez Canal University - file CAIRO - 19 March 2025: Suez Canal University has made new strides in international academic rankings, ranking 997th globally in the University Ranking by Academic Performance (URAP) 2025. The URAP ranking evaluated 2,500 universities out of 3,000 educational institutions. Suez Canal University also ranked 14th among 37 Egyptian universities, advancing 13 places from last year. The URAP ranking is based on six key indicators of academic performance, including the quality and quantity of research publications and international research collaborations. It is based on global databases such as Web of Science (Clarivate – Incites), making it one of the most accurate and objective rankings. In this context, Dr. Nasser Mandour, President of Suez Canal University, expressed his pride in this progress, stressing that it is the result of continuous efforts to promote scientific research and international cooperation. Dr. Mandour pointed out that this achievement reflects the university's commitment to providing high-quality research, supporting researchers, and creating an academic environment that stimulates creativity, contributing to the achievement of Egypt's 2030 vision for higher education. For his part, Dr. Mohamed Saad Zaghloul, Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research, emphasized that the university's focus on the quality of research and international scientific publishing played a significant role in improving the university's ranking. Dr. Zaghloul added that the university provides full support to researchers to publish in prestigious journals and promotes international research cooperation, which has positively impacted our global ranking.
