Latest news with #UHNWIs
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Emirates Family Office Association sign agreement
ABU DHABI - The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and the Emirates Family Office Association (EFOA) have signed a strategic agreement to position Abu Dhabi as the preferred destination for global family offices and ultra-high net worth individuals (UHNWIs). The agreement formalises a long-term collaboration to attract and enable long-term private capital, enhance the emirate's wealth management ecosystem and support its economic vision. The partnership brings together ADIO's mandate to spearhead Abu Dhabi's economic transformation with EFOA's international family office networks and its expertise in policy dialogue, business development and wealth preservation. The two entities will work jointly to promote Abu Dhabi's compelling value proposition for family offices, delivering a more seamless, investor-led ecosystem for the deployment and long-term presence of capital in the region. At the heart of the agreement is a commitment to reduce friction for incoming investors. ADIO will provide investors with tailored support, ranging from market entry and business licensing to lifestyle integration and strategic partnerships. EFOA will identify and refer qualified investors, facilitate international introductions and co-develop investment propositions in high-growth sectors aligned with Abu Dhabi's long-term vision. Hareb Al Mheiri, Executive Director of the Investor Growth Sector at ADIO, said, 'This partnership reflects Abu Dhabi's role as a stable, credible and forward-looking hub for UHNWIs and global capital. By working closely with the Emirates Family Office Association, we are not only enhancing entry, we are also raising the ambition for family offices to contribute to global economic transformation from the emirate." The agreement also establishes a coordinated calendar of high-level investor delegations, private forums and strategic roadshows to position Abu Dhabi as a nexus for generational capital. These engagements will showcase the emirate's distinct value proposition, from economic stability to progressive regulations and access to high-growth markets across the Middle East, Asia and Africa. Adam Ladjadj, Founder and Vice Chairman at EFOA, commented, 'Family offices today are global operators looking for more than tax efficiency—they want trusted environments where capital, talent and ideas converge. Abu Dhabi offers that rare combination of access, vision and continuity. Our partnership with ADIO is designed to meet that demand, with investors at the centre of the strategy." ADIO and EFOA will also collaborate on policy dialogue and regulatory innovation, ensuring Abu Dhabi addresses the evolving priorities of international investors while reinforcing its role as a partner of choice for wealth preservation and long-term value creation.
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
ADIO partners with Emirates Family Office Association
Strategic partnership to streamline investor access, align private capital with the emirate's economic priorities and reinforce Abu Dhabi's position as a global hub for generational wealth Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and the Emirates Family Office Association (EFOA) have signed a strategic agreement to position Abu Dhabi as the preferred destination for global family offices and ultra-high net worth individuals (UHNWIs). The agreement formalises a long-term collaboration to attract and enable long-term private capital, enhance the emirate's wealth management ecosystem and support its economic vision. The partnership brings together ADIO's mandate to spearhead Abu Dhabi's economic transformation with EFOA's international family office networks and its expertise in policy dialogue, business development and wealth preservation. The two entities will work jointly to promote Abu Dhabi's compelling value proposition for family offices, delivering a more seamless, investor-led ecosystem for the deployment and long-term presence of capital in the region. At the heart of the agreement is a commitment to reduce friction for incoming investors. ADIO will provide investors with tailored support, ranging from market entry and business licensing to lifestyle integration and strategic partnerships. EFOA will identify and refer qualified investors, facilitate international introductions and co-develop investment propositions in high-growth sectors aligned with Abu Dhabi's long-term vision. H.E. Hareb Al Mheiri, Executive Director of the Investor Growth Sector, ADIO, said: 'This partnership reflects Abu Dhabi's role as a stable, credible and forward-looking hub for UHNWIs and global capital. By working closely with the Emirates Family Office Association, we are not only enhancing entry, we are also raising the ambition for family offices to contribute to global economic transformation from the emirate." The agreement also establishes a coordinated calendar of high-level investor delegations, private forums and strategic roadshows to position Abu Dhabi as a nexus for generational capital. These engagements will showcase the emirate's distinct value proposition, from economic stability to progressive regulations and access to high-growth markets across the Middle East, Asia and Africa. Adam Ladjadj, Founder and Vice Chairman at Emirates Family Office Association, commented: 'Family offices today are global operators looking for more than tax efficiency—they want trusted environments where capital, talent and ideas converge. Abu Dhabi offers that rare combination of access, vision and continuity. Our partnership with ADIO is designed to meet that demand, with investors at the centre of the strategy." In addition to supporting the capital inflows, ADIO and EFOA will collaborate on policy dialogue and regulatory innovation, ensuring Abu Dhabi addresses the evolving priorities of international investors while reinforcing its role as a partner of choice for wealth preservation and long-term value creation. About the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO): The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) is the government vehicle responsible for accelerating Abu Dhabi's growth and enabling the emirate's economic transformation. Through comprehensive support services, ADIO enables both local and foreign investors to shape industries of the future set to transform liveability, technology, resources, and value-added services. Initiatives focused on supporting tourism and retail development, as well as public-private partnerships, ensure that community well-being is at the centre of Abu Dhabi's economic transformation. With a robust network of investors, strong collaboration with key stakeholders, and a global presence, ADIO is committed to empowering those who invest with Abu Dhabi to make a lasting global impact. About Emirates Family Office Association: The Emirates Family Office Association is an independent, not-for-profit, membership organisation designed to support the UAE and global family office communities. EFOA strives to provide resources, education, and support to family offices, with no associated membership fees, while fostering collaboration and innovation among its member organisations.
India.com
7 days ago
- Business
- India.com
Luxury Housing Sales In India Clock Record 85% Growth In Jan-June, Delhi-NCR Leads
New Delhi: The luxury housing segment in India clocked an 85 per cent (year-on-year) growth in sales in the first six months this year, with approximately 7,000 units being sold across the top seven cities, a report showed on Friday. During the January-June period, Delhi-NCR led in sales with 4,000 luxury units accounting for a share of 57 per cent share, recording a threefold growth compared to the corresponding period in the previous year, according to the report by CBRE South Asia Pvt. Ltd, India's leading real estate consulting firm, and apex business Chamber Assocham. Mumbai followed with sales of 1,240 luxury units, constituting 18 per cent of the overall luxury sales during H1 2025 and registering 29 per cent growth during the period. Furthermore, traditionally mid-end dominated markets such as Chennai and Pune cumulatively recorded 5 per cent of the overall luxury sales during H1 2025. The January-June period this year also witnessed 7,300 luxury unit launches, recording 30 per cent annual increase. 'India's residential market has entered a phase of strategic resilience. While macroeconomic fundamentals remain strong, the standout growth of luxury and premium housing indicates rising consumer confidence and lifestyle aspirations,' said Gaurav Kumar, Managing Director, Capital Markets and Land, CBRE India. Developer focus has realigned toward quality, transparency, and experience, all of which are key to unlocking the sector's next wave of growth. 'The remarkable rise in luxury housing, both in demand and supply, reflects a structural shift in homebuyer preferences and reaffirms India's position as a high-potential market for global and domestic investors alike,' said Kumar. India's luxury housing market is increasingly attracting HNWIs (High Net Worth Individuals), UHNWIs, and NRIs, driven by the need to safeguard assets amid global uncertainties and benefit from a strengthening US Dollar. The report also points out that overall housing sales across the top seven cities remained robust in Hi 2025, with 132,000 units sold and 138,000 new units launched, indicating a well-balanced market. 'This report is a vital roadmap for stakeholders in India's housing landscape. The housing boom, coupled with policy evolution, highlights the need for reforms that ease approvals, redefine affordable housing in urban India, and incentivise sustainable development. Housing is no longer just shelter, it's an engine for inclusive growth,' said Manish Singhal, Secretary General, Assocham.
Khaleej Times
10-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Wealth beyond borders: Why the UAE is a leading gateway to global investment for UHNWIs
The UAE has cemented its reputation as a magnet for ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs). Driven by a blend of financial opportunity, regulatory clarity, and unmatched global connectivity, the influx of private wealth is evident in the rising number of family offices and specialist advisors located in the country, reflecting the UAE's evolution into a destination for international investment and cross-border growth. Record wealth migration and the rise of Family Offices Recent years have seen a surge in both individual UHNWIs and family offices choosing the UAE as their base. Independent data and official statistics show a record influx of wealthy individuals with estimates suggesting the country welcomed more than 6,700 millionaires in 2024. This is supported by a steady stream of private wealth managers and advisory firms that create a robust ecosystem for wealth preservation and growth. This trend is not just about numbers; it's about the infrastructure and expertise that follow. The UAE's appeal goes far beyond its well-known tax advantages. The stable economic environment, strategic location, and business-friendly policies all play a part, but the presence of world-class advisers and a supportive regulatory framework also make a difference. Key drivers A critical factor in the thinking of UHNWIs and their advisors is the UAE's forward-thinking regulatory environment because it delivers what markets need and supports long-term stability. The country – driven in part by government policy — has demonstrated a commitment to capital market reform and has enthusiastically embraced environment, social, and governance (ESG) principles. Strong ESG governance is now mandated for listed companies , which in turn adds to investor confidence. Geopolitical factors also play a role. The UAE enjoys relative stability in comparison to some of the more traditional financial hubs. This stability is being enhanced by the country's growing economic diversification and transitioning political situation. As tensions continue to rise around the world and geopolitical risks are increasingly in focus for investors, the UAE is viewed as a fairly safe and secure country in which to do business, invest and live. Of equal importance, the UAE's global connectivity is a key driver for UHNWIs. The country offers direct access to emerging markets and established financial centres and is supported by world-class physical and digital infrastructure. Dubai International Airport remains the world's busiest for international traffic, and the nationwide transport and logistics network makes cross-border business seamless. This connectivity is central to the UAE's appeal, providing UHNWIs with a launchpad for regional and global investment. Thriving financial markets In tandem with the emergence of world-leading infrastructure and a globally competitive regulatory landscape is a capital market ecosystem that is maturing at breakneck speed. The UAE's capital markets have significantly expanded since the pandemic, offering a diverse range of opportunities for investors. In 2024, the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) ranked among the world's top 20 bourses, with a market capitalisation of Dh2.97 trillion ($809 billion). ADX listed 28 new securities and raised approximately $3.35 billion in 2024, with foreign investors accounting for about 40 per cent of trading activity. As part of this mix, trading volumes and investor participation have both seen double-digit growth. Importantly, ADX and the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) work in tandem, creating a complementary ecosystem, rather than competing platforms. DFM's market capitalisation grew by 32 per cent in 2024 to Dh907 billion, onboarding over 138,000 new investors. 85 per cent of these were foreign nationals. The DFM has raised Dh10.48 billion ($2.9 billion) through major IPOs and also achieved its highest average daily trading value in over a decade during Q1 2025. UHNWIs benefit from this positive sentiment and sustained growth. They also benefit from the UAE's broad spectrum of investment options, from state-backed giants such as ADNOC to innovative private firms. Partnerships with Nasdaq and advanced trading technologies have further increased the appeal of both exchanges for institutional and high-frequency investors. As more UHNWIs choose the UAE, the country's investment management ecosystem also matures, feeding an appetite for best practices to help clients navigate cross-border investment, legacy planning, and regulatory compliance. Their presence is both a cause and an effect of the UAE's growing status as a global wealth hub. Future outlook As 2025 progresses, the UAE's commitment to innovation, transparency, and international collaboration will continue to attract UHNWIs seeking both opportunity and stability. Even within the context of an uncertain global economic and geopolitical environment, the UAE's diverse economy, leadership in sectors such as renewables and advanced technology, and a sharp vision for the future ensure that the Emirates stands out as a rare gateway to global investment. Ali Sandila is CEO of EFG International's Dubai office. He leads the firm's strategy for serving HNW and UHNW clients in the Middle East, with a focus on cross-border investment and legacy planning.
Arabian Business
10-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Art as an asset: How Middle East investors are redefining the global market
For a growing number of investors, art is no longer just a cultural passion but an alternative asset class, increasingly factored into wealth portfolios. In the Middle East, with a growing number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) and family offices expanding allocations to alternative investments, art is emerging as a serious play, both for its diversification potential and for its geopolitical soft power. The global art market posted sales of $65 billion in 2023, up 4 per cent from 2022, according to the Art Basel & UBS Art Market Report 2024. The US accounted for 42 per cent of sales, China 19 per cent, and the UK 17 per cent. Although the Middle East represents a small share of total transactions by volume, regional buyers have become more prominent in high-value segments, especially for modern and contemporary works. Art can serve as a hedge in periods of inflation or equity market volatility. Research by Sotheby 's shows that between 1950 and 2021 the Mei Moses All Art Index returned an average of 8.5 per cent annually, with contemporary art delivering higher returns but also greater volatility. Auction houses have reported strong demand for trophy works: in 2023, Sotheby's sold Gustav Klimt's Lady with a Fan for $108.4 million – the highest price achieved at auction that year. Middle East buying power Over the past 15 years, Middle Eastern collectors and institutions have been among the most active buyers at the top end of the market. Qatar Museums reportedly paid over $250 million for Cézanne's The Card Players between 2011-2012, still among the highest prices ever paid for a painting. The Gulf state has also amassed works by Rothko, Bacon, and Richter. The UAE has also positioned itself as a regional art hub. Dubai's annual Art Dubai fair has grown into a key fixture on the global calendar, attracting galleries from 40+ countries and collectors from across Asia, Europe, and the US. In a previous interview with Arabian Business, Benedetta Ghione, Executive Director of Art Dubai, said: 'Since its founding in 2008, Art Dubai has evolved into a key institution, serving as a catalyst and important driver of Dubai's creative economy.' 'The city has truly emerged as a capital of the Global South, particularly within the creative industries,' Ghione explained. Louvre Abu Dhabi, which opened in 2017, has acquired significant pieces from European and Islamic art traditions, often through high-profile auctions. In Saudi Arabia, cultural spending has accelerated under Vision 2030. The Ministry of Culture launched the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale in 2021, and the Royal Commission for AlUla has commissioned large-scale installations and permanent collections to support the area's development as a cultural tourism destination. Investment vehicles and risks Institutional investors and private banks are also starting to formalise art investment. Platforms such as Masterworks allow fractional ownership of blue-chip works, lowering entry barriers. Major banks, including UBS, JPMorgan Private Bank, and Citi, have dedicated art advisory and lending desks that offer valuations, sales support, and loans against art assets, treating them as collateral. However, art remains an illiquid and opaque market. Prices can be highly sensitive to trends and taste, provenance issues can damage value, and transaction costs — including buyers' premiums, insurance, and storage — can erode returns. Unlike publicly traded securities, valuations are subjective and disclosures are limited. In the Middle East, art investments are also influenced by regulatory and tax environments. The UAE has no capital gains tax, making it attractive for art transactions. Free zones such as Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) have developed infrastructure to facilitate high-value sales and art-related legal structures, including trusts. In Saudi Arabia, import duties and cultural property laws are evolving, and the government has moved to strengthen intellectual property and heritage protections. Global UHNWIs allocated about 1.6 per cent of their wealth to art in 2023, according to Knight Frank's Wealth Report, with allocations expected to rise. In the Middle East, this figure is slightly higher, as cultural and prestige considerations often accompany investment objectives. The increasing presence of regional collectors at international auctions, coupled with large-scale state-backed initiatives to build cultural capital, suggests the Middle East's role in the global art market will continue to expand both as a buyer of last resort for headline works and as a growing hub for transactions, exhibitions, and storage.
