abu dhabi tourism investment company

About ADTIC

Letter From The Chairman

Since the foundation back in 1988 , ADTIC has built and upheld a successful track record in boosting the Egyptian economy by being a prominent investor in the Egyptian tourism industry which immensely contributes (Approx. 12%) to Egypt’s GDP. 

As Egypt gradually entered a new renaissance era of economic prosperity in harmony with the world economy and in tune with the twenty first century. After a long journey Egypt is witnessing its reincarnation into a modern, liberal, private sector led, market driven economy. It is a new society that is respectful of private initiative, mindful of the needs of all, where government is the mediator of progress and the architect of an enabling environment, where prosperity is shared and steady growth assured.

Today, the Egyptian economy stands a new threshold instigated by its long journey of reforms; where its infrastructure is up to the needs of a modern economy, where all financial balances have been restored in a lasting sustainable fashion, and where foreign investment is welcomed, profitable and secured.

From this standpoint AND with the principal objective of  Perpetuating our pivotal role towards the Egyptian economy while Maximizing Shareholders’ Welfare, ADTIC is continuously modernizing its strategic plans of expansion & development as a solid strategy towards safeguarding those strategic objectives.

The strength of ADTIC is not only within our physical resources yet equally within the speed with which we perceive changes in our environment and adapt to these changes.

Mohamed Saif Al-Suwaidi

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• TDIC – The Tourism Development and Investment Company ( TDIC )

The Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC)

The Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) is a master developer of tourism, leisure, and residential destinations in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Established in 2006, TDIC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi).

TDIC’s mandate is to develop and manage a diverse portfolio of projects that contribute to Abu Dhabi’s economic growth and diversification, while preserving the emirate’s cultural heritage and natural environment. The company’s projects include iconic landmarks such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, and Sir Bani Yas Island.

ADM : 20230000095124  CN : 2301096

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Plots & land, about the tourism development & investment company (tdic).

TDIC – Tourism Development & Investment Company’s philosophy is based on delivering best practice across every segment in which it operates – whether it be luxurious desert resorts, nature-based tourism destinations, world class cultural hubs or mixed-use urban redevelopments. Each TDIC project is designed to live up to the company’s core values of environmental sustainability, progressive partnerships, cultural stewardship and enhancement and socio-economic viability.

These core values have impacted a range of projects throughout the emirate. These include the creation of mangrove rehabilitation and replanting nurseries, the sealing of multi-million-dollar joint ventures with leading Middle Eastern investors, the creation of Saadiyat Island’s world-renowned Cultural District to the staging of a vocational training centre for the population of Dalma Island.

In delivering on these core values, TDIC, and its private sector partners, are assisting Abu Dhabi in its goal of becoming a truly international destination of distinction. A destination which respects everyone and everything and where the values of the past enrich the present and shape the future.

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Aldar acquires aed 3.7 billion of assets from tdic.

Abu Dhabi, 7 May 2018: Aldar Properties PJSC (“Aldar”), Abu Dhabi’s leading listed property development, investment and management company, is pleased to announce that it has reached agreement with Tourism Development & Investment Company (“TDIC”) to acquire a portfolio of prime real estate assets worth AED 3.7 billion, in one of the largest real estate acquisitions in the country’s history.

Aldar has acquired assets located in key destinations, with a focus on Saadiyat Island. This comprises of 14 operating assets within various sectors ranging from hospitality, retail, residential, education and infrastructure, in addition to a selection of prime strategic land plots and projects under development on Saadiyat Island.

Talal Al Dhiyebi, Chief Executive Officer of Aldar Properties, commented:  “Acquiring assets on Saadiyat Island presents Aldar with an unprecedented opportunity to add significant value to its portfolio. The opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi has demonstrated the government’s commitment to make Saadiyat Island one of the most sought after destinations in the world. We believe this landmark acquisition will further advance Abu Dhabi’s real estate sector and accelerate the development of Saadiyat Island, taking it to the next level. This is a very exciting time for the market, and as its leading player, we’re well placed to take advantage, with the injection of these new assets representing a strong addition to our impressive portfolio.”

Saadiyat Island is commonly regarded as the jewel in the crown of Abu Dhabi’s real estate portfolio, and one of the most coveted in the entire Arabian Gulf. With long stretches of prime beach, and with iconic beachfront hotels, as well as high quality beach villas and apartments, Saadiyat Island has for some time been the destination of choice for many discerning residents and visitors.

The value of Saadiyat Island was more recently reinforced by the opening last year of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, to much international acclaim; and with Saadiyat Island’s cultural district to be extended further through the development in the coming years of the Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, the growth opportunities on offer are very clear.

The acquisition of TDIC’s operating assets will thus enhance Aldar’s high-quality asset management business with an additional stream of recurring revenue in line with its growth investment plan. The acquisition of the land and projects under development will form part of Aldar’s development destination strategy. The acquisition will immediately positively contribute to the performance of both the Development and Asset Management business in 2018 and beyond.

The operating assets being acquired include Eastern Mangroves complex, Saadiyat Island district cooling assets, Cranleigh School Abu Dhabi, Westin Golf & Spa and other community retail and leisure assets, and will deliver an incremental net operating income of approximately AED 120 million to Aldar’s Asset Management portfolio on an annualised basis. The gross development value of the projects under development on Saadiyat Island is AED 2.5 billion. The land being acquired is located on Saadiyat Island, is infrastructure enabled and includes approximately 1.1 million sqm gross floor area.

Source – https://www.aldar.com/en/news-and-media/aldar-acquires-aed-billion-of-assets-from-tdic

SAADIYAT ISLAND

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AL REEM ISLAND

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RAMHAN ISLAND

Al maryah vista, al raha beach.

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ADM : 20220060938 CN : 2301096

Headquarter - Office #903 Airport Road – Al Niyadi Tower Abu Dhabi – UAE Tel: +971 2 666 0553 Toll Free - 800 795 [email protected]

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Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Development & Investment Company - The driver for change

The TDIC is overseeing $40bn worth of developments that will help Abu Dhabi achieve its aim of becoming a global tourism destination.

With some of Abu Dhabi’s most powerful people in attendance, Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Zayed officially opened the 1.4 kilometre-long Sheikh Khalifa bridge linking Abu Dhabi city with Saadiyat Island on 14 October.

The new bridge provides a high-speed route into the congested capital of the UAE from the main highway to Dubai. It also delivers a message: Saadiyat, a hugely ambitious masterplanned tourism development, is open for business.

Saadiyat, Arabic for ‘happiness’, is an uninhabited, flat and largely featureless island. But in little more than a decade, it will be home to the Gulf’s largest cluster of major museums and art galleries (see feature, page 8).

Saadiyat is not the only project being developed by Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC). The company’s portfolio encompasses more than a dozen high-end hotel, residential and commercial developments, mainly in Abu Dhabi city itself.

But the island is its keynote project, the one that sets the tone for everything else the emirate is attempting, and is intended to be an iconic expression of Abu Dhabi’s long-term vision.

TDIC, which was created in 2006, is a master developer of large tourism destinations in different parts of the emirate. The likely cost of completing the Saadiyat masterplan is estimated to be about $27bn. Add the other projects under way and planned, and the total investment in TDIC developments could be more than $40bn, making the company the world’s leading investor in tourism projects.

Close links

TDIC’s close connection with the Abu Dhabi government’s tourism development vision is reflected in the fact that the company’s chairman, Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon al-Nahyan, is also chairman of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (Adta). Mubarak al-Muhairi, the authority’s director general, is also TDIC’s managing director.

TDIC is the largest developer involved in executing Abu Dhabi’s Vision 2030, a highly ambitious urban development strategy for Abu Dhabi city and the surrounding area.

The company’s projects are also an important part of the Al-Gharbia 2030 plan for Abu Dhabi’s Western Region, which is due to be announced by the end of 2009.

Cultural focus

TDIC’s most distinctive contribution to Gulf tourism, apart from the sheer scale of what it is doing, is its mandate to focus on culture rather than simply promoting holidaymaking. It is the opposite of the type of opportunistic hotel and resort builder responsible for ruining coastlines across the world.

“Since the establishment of TDIC, our vision has always focused on supporting a sustainable, prosperous and cultural future for Abu Dhabi,” Lee Tabler, chief executive officer of TDIC, tells MEED. “I believe that our significant progress to date and our determination to deliver our projects on time clearly indicates TDIC’s commitment to this vision and to maintaining its leading position in the tourism development sector.”

TDIC is more than just a government department. Capitalised with a massive endowment of land, TDIC acts like a commercial enterprise and has leveraged its assets to raise some of the finance it needs.

Three rating agencies have awarded the company investment grades: Moody’s Investor Services with Aa2, and Standard & Poor’s and Fitch both with AA.

This places TDIC among the most credit- worthy businesses in the Middle East, and at the top of the list of real estate companies to which banks most want to lend.

The agencies say their rating is equal to that given to the government of Abu Dhabi itself, despite the fact the company has not received an unconditional state liability guarantee. TDIC’s status as a wholly owned Adta subsidiary helped to convince them that state financial support would always be there if needed.

Having secured a credit-rating, TDIC quickly tapped the global market, and in July launched $1bn worth of five-year sukuk (Islamic bonds) under a $3bn global medium-term note programme. The notes attracted more than $6bn in orders from about 300 investors.

The deal was organised by a syndicate of arrangers and book runners that comprised French bank BNP Paribas, the US’ Citi, and the UK’s HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank. The banks acted with Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and National Bank of Abu Dhabi as joint lead managers for the issue. The local Allied Investment Partners was TDIC’s financial adviser.

The money raised provides the funds required by TDIC’s accelerating real estate investment programme. Existing TDIC commitments include projects being carried out in joint ventures with other investors.

The 301-room Traders Hotel, which is located between the Maqta and Mussafah bridges on the eastern side of the channel separating Abu Dhabi Island from the mainland, was developed in partnership with the local Al-Jaber Group.

The nearby 360-room Fairmont Bab al-Bahr is the fruit of a partnership with the Al-Fahim Group, also of Abu Dhabi.

Further developments

TDIC’s developments outside the capital include the Qasr al-Sarab desert resort in Liwa, which opened in October 2009, and plans for the Desert Islands programme, which also encompasses tourism developments on Sir Bani Yas Island.

The cultural projects such as those on Saadiyat and Bani Yas, on which work is now getting under way, represent a huge challenge for TDIC’s management.

“TDIC has a considered approach to development and is committed to sustainability and respect for local traditions,” says James Pringle, executive director of the company.

“We build our diverse project portfolio in line with Abu Dhabi’s broader vision and mission, and are committed to delive ing on time, on budget and to the highest quality standards.”

What is on offer is the chance to be in at the beginning of one of the biggest tourism investment programmes ever undertaken.

“In line with the 2030 vision of the Abu Dhabi government, which places importance on economic diversification through partnering with the private sector, TDIC offers investment opportunities in its tourism and leisure assets,” says Tabler.

The prize is a big one. “TDIC’s developments are helping to realise Abu Dhabi’s considerable tourism potential and its strategic goal of delivering 2.7 million hotel guests annually by 2012,” says Tabler. “There is no doubt that TDIC is playing an integral role in Abu Dhabi’s transformation and will continue to do so for years to come.”

TDIC key projects

Saadiyat island projects.

• Saadiyat Cultural District Centrepiece of the island. Four centres for arts and culture.
• Louvre Abu Dhabi Bids invited in October for the $1bn construction contract.
• Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Prequalifying bids have been invited for the contract to build the 45,000-square-metre museum.
• Zayed National Museum Designs by -Norman Foster & Associates due late 2009; museum set to open 2013.
• Abu Dhabi Performing Arts Centre -Designs are being finalised.
• Saadiyat Beach5.3-square-kilometre district with nine five-star beach -resort hotels and luxury housing.
• Saadiyat Marina 3.7 sq km district that will be home to Maritime -Museum Abu Dhabi.
• Saadiyat Promenade 930,000 sq m promenade.
• Saadiyat Lagoons 3.5 sq km development of low-rise residences.
• Saadiyat Reserve 4.8 sq km district with low-density, low-rise housing.
• Saadiyat Retreat 750,000 sq m district in the island’s far northeast.

Infrastructure

• 10-lane highway from the Abu Dhabi—Dubai road opened in October.
• 400Kv power grid is in place, four 132Kv substations planned.

Other projects

• Qasr al-Sarab 154-room desert resort and associated 52 villas in the Liwa oasis area.
• Desert Islands Development of a group of islands off the western coast of Abu Dhabi.
• Other hotel and real estate projects
• Abu Dhabi Island Four hotels
• Al-Bateen WharfRedevelopment
• Abu Dhabi Golf Resort Refurbishing
• Bridgeway Abu Dhabi Development along the Abu Dhabi airport road
• Regent Emirates Pearl Abu Dhabi Hotel
• Adta /TDIC New headquarters

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• Developers in United Arab Emirates

The Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) 

The Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) is the master developer of major tourism cultural and residential destinations in Abu Dhabi. TDIC was created to be the dedicated tourism asset management and development arm of the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), in order to drive the investment, growth and development of the Emirate's tourism sector. Since 2006, we have been actively involved in many of the Emirate's most prestigious and high profile projects.

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Abu Dhabi starts fund to boost business tourism in the emirate

It will provide additional financial incentives and support to corporate meeting planners.

Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau signed an initial pact with Adnec Group as part of its future business development strategy. Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office

Abu Dhabi has launched a new fund aimed at further increasing corporate events and incentive travel in the emirate, as the UAE capital seeks to expand business tourism .

The fund will leverage public-private partnerships to boost business-to-business events , providing financial support and incentives to event organisers, agencies and companies to host their meetings in the emirate, the Abu Dhabi Media Office said in a statement on Monday.

Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau (ADCEB), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), signed an initial agreement with Adnec Group, owner and operator of Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, to jointly form the fund.

The partnership is “a tremendous step in further solidifying our position as a leading global destination for business events of all kinds”, said Saleh Al Geziry, director general of the tourism sector at DCT Abu Dhabi.

“Together we can create the ultimate destination package that showcases the best of the emirate and attracts ever greater numbers of large-scale and high-profile events to Abu Dhabi.”

The emirate has increased efforts to attract global business events that gather top investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, company executives and start-ups.

Abu Dhabi will host the Annual Investment Meeting next month as it focuses on attracting more foreign direct investment and diversifying its economy away from oil. It will also host the UN Conference on Trade and Development's eighth World Investment Forum in October.

Abu Dhabi’s meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (Mice) industry is “growing very fast” on the back of government policies, as well as the availability of good infrastructure for hosting business events, Mubarak Al Shamsi, director of ADCEB at DCT Abu Dhabi, told The National in September last year.

“We have a 10-year strategy that focuses on growing and positioning Abu Dhabi as a Mice international hub,” he said at the time.

The new joint fund is aimed at organisers of international corporate meetings and events who are interested in holding their events at Adnec.

“This comes as part of our efforts to strengthen the business tourism in Abu Dhabi and the UAE, and attract more companies to choose Abu Dhabi as an ideal destination for hosting any meetings, conferences, exhibitions, or events,” Humaid Al Dhaheri, managing director and group chief executive of Adnec Group, said.

For events planned between May 1, 2023 and December 31, 2024, applicants can submit their inquiry or request for proposal to either ADCEB or Adnec Group for eligibility of support towards their events through the joint fund, according to the statement.

ADCEB’s existing initiatives that target the growth of the Mice sector include the Advantage Abu Dhabi Meetings & Incentives 2.0, an upgraded programme that stimulates Mice activities in the region.

“The ADCEB and Adnec Group joint fund is an added tool for international and domestic agencies to promote Abu Dhabi and fills a gap in Advantage Abu Dhabi’s support for groups of over 500 delegates,” the statement said.

DCT-Abu Dhabi's 'Experience Abu Dhabi, Find Your Pace' tourism video

Passenger traffic across Abu Dhabi's five airports exceeded annual forecasts and tripled in 2022 from the previous year, amid a broad recovery in leisure and business travel from the coronavirus pandemic.

A total of 15.9 million passengers used Abu Dhabi International, Al Ain International, Al Bateen Executive, Delma Island and Sir Bani Yas Island airports last year, up 202 per cent from the 5.26 million passengers in 2021, according to Abu Dhabi Airports.

“We are working towards readiness to accommodate even greater passenger traffic in 2023, which, we anticipate, as higher numbers of international visitors come to the UAE for key events, including the coming Cop28 [climate conference],” Jamal Al Dhaheri, managing director and chief executive of Abu Dhabi Airports, said in February.

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Abu Dhabi entity powers ahead with Dh89b in new funding, including into AI, for 2023

Dubai: The assets under management held by the Abu Dhabi wealth fund Mubadala closed 2023 at Dh1.1 trillion, compared to Dh1.01 billion a year ago. During this period, the fund continued to expand its reach into sectors and across geographies, trying to secure pole position as new investment trends came to the fore.

All this in a year marked by 'persistent global inflation and sporadic disruptions to supply chains', said the UAE entity. “Mubadala had a strong year across the portfolio, making investments in areas essential to growth and innovation around the world," said Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director and Group CEO.

During the year, it deployed Dh89 billion into multiple sectors 'shaping the future', including, of course, into AI, digital infrastructure, life sciences and clean energy. Mubadala also expanded its private credit business through some well-honed alliances.

"The company capitalized on market opportunities to execute on its monetization strategy, generating total proceeds of Dh99 billion for the year," said a statement. "Investments to accelerate the transformation of the UAE economy through AI-enabled innovation in sectors such as healthcare and space technology remained central to Mubadala’s strategy."

UAE investments

In the UAE, Mubadala founded two new businesses along with Abu Dhabi tech group G42.

Space42 is a  space and satellite technology entity, created through the merger of its satellite company Yahsat and Bayanat.

Mubadala and G42 also combined to create M42, a 'tech-enabled' healthcare company. They are also foundational partners in Abu Dhabi’s MGX, an investment vehicle to 'accelerate' the development and adoption of AI and other advanced tech.

America push

One of Mubadala's high-profile investments during 2023 was in Aligned, a data center provider in the Americas. 

Through Mubadala Capital, the UAE fund operator will acquire Fortress, an investment manager and part of the Softbank Group. Masdar, the clean energy firm founded by Mubadala in 2006, closed a 50 per cent stake in the Big Beau combined solar and battery storage entity in California from EDF Renewables North America.

"Globally, we continue to strengthen our presence and partnerships in key markets, ramping up investments across a range of sectors in line with our convictions," said Al Mubarak.

The investment mix

• Of the Mubadala portfolio mix, 38 per cent went into private equity, direct and indirect. Another 25 per cent was assigned for public markets and 16 per cent in real estate and infrastructure.
• Dh99 billion came through a mix of divestments of certain legacy assets and capital recycling into priority investment areas 'in line with strategy and responsible investing agenda'.

Mubadala's debt load

The UAE entity took on more debt, but in 'prudent' ways.

"We successfully executed almost Dh30 billion of funding commitments obtained across a diverse range of products, strategically issued to refinance maturing debt, and to also to support Mubadala’s investment activities in line with our exciting growth plans," said Carlos Obeid, Group CFO.

"As part of these debt issuances, we successfully executed our inaugural green bond in October following the establishment of our green financing framework to commemorate Mubadala’s decision to align with the UAE’s commitment to Net Zero by 2050.

"We continue to maintain a relatively interest rate immune debt portfolio with a conservative gearing ratio of 10.3 per cent and a strong liquidity position to navigate through this cycle.”

Private credit play

A Mubadala joint venture with US headquartered Ares is to deploy around $1 billion to capitalize on the 'substantial demand' for customized liquidity solutions for the credit secondaries asset class.

With Ares and Abu Dhabi's Aldar, Mubadala plans to jointly invest $1 billion in European private real estate credit. (Ares, an alt-investment firm, and Mubadala have had a partnership since 2017.)

Another long-term partnership Mubadala entered into is with the fund manager Apollo to invest - alongside partners - up to Dh9 billion over the next five years in credit opportunities.

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Manufacturing.

Over the past 15 years, Abu Dhabi has invested more than AED 51 billion ($ 13.8b) to establish a robust industrial infrastructure in the emirate.

The sector benefits from consistent commitment by the Abu Dhabi Government in line with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 and offers businesses innovative facilities and advanced manufacturing techniques.

An established manufacturing ecosystem, favourable business conditions and strong support from the government have resulted in key industrial players establishing operations in Abu Dhabi.

With over 11 million annual visitors, tourism is a burgeoning sector in Abu Dhabi offering unparalleled experiences across turquoise seas and into the golden desert. Currently supporting more than 300,000 jobs, Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector enjoys significant investment of $7 billion per year. The sector is forecast to grow by more than 5% per year over the next decade. We are committed to evolving the sector into a world-class destination through conserving, promoting and leveraging its natural landscapes, deep heritage, culture and leisure assets. Why tourism in Abu Dhabi?

• 200+ unique islands with 2,500 hectares of mangrove forest
• 11.35 million tourists (2019)
• 89% of visitors say they would visit again

With year-round sunshine and plentiful land, Abu Dhabi is an attractive place for agriculture companies focusing on desert and arid climates.

AgTech companies come to the emirate to harness its ambition, ideas and innovation, taking on global food security challenges with cutting-edge solutions.

In 2020, ADIO announced partnerships under its  Innovation Programme  with  AeroFarms ,  Madar Farms ,  RDI ,  RNZ ,  FreshToHome ,  Pure Harvest  and  Nanoracks  to support innovative R&D projects in the AgTech sector.

Why AgTech in Abu Dhabi?

• 24,000+ farms across 75,000 hectares of land
• 200+ food processors are already active in the UAE 
• The world's largest R&D indoor vertical farm being built in Abu Dhabi
• UAE is 1 st  in the region and 11th globally on the World Bank's  Global Logistics Performance Index  (2018) 

Financial Services

Abu Dhabi is the region's leading financial hub, distinguished by access to global markets and talent, complemented with a supportive regulatory framework.

The emirate’s banking, insurance and asset management sectors are driving the region's tremendous growth.

The most notable organisations in the sector include the  Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) ,  First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)  - the second-largest bank in the Middle East, the  Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)  and the  Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) .

Why Financial Services in Abu Dhabi?

• Abu Dhabi contributes  60% of the UAE’s GDP
• There are 120+ financial service providers in the emirate 
• Home to the region’s only  digital sandbox for financial services
• ADGM has been accorded ' Best International Financial Centre (EMEA) 2020 ' for two consecutive years

Abu Dhabi offers unmatched connectivity at the heart of global trade and transportation.

The soon-to-be-open Abu Dhabi International Airport Midfield Terminal will boost Abu Dhabi's aviation sector to meet increased demand and diversify the economy with numerous opportunities for the private sector and international investors.

Abu Dhabi is further investing in extensive improvements to its existing ground infrastructure. New projects include the light rail, metro, ferries, railroad and a commercial high-speed hyperloop system.

Supported by consistent government investment and public-private partnerships, Abu Dhabi offers world-class education facilitates from early stages to graduate school.

Supported by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) , education is a key priority with concrete steps being taken to ensure that future generations are equipped with the tools and skills they need to lead across industries.

In addition to K-12 education, academic research has received significant investment and support.

Our world-class higher-education institutions are fostering the next generation of innovators and leaders. The capital is home to more than 16 universities including Khalifa University , Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi , INSEAD , New York University Abu Dhabi and the UAE University in Al Ain.

Abu Dhabi is committed to fostering and harnessing the potential of its youth and providing the opportunities for the next generation of innovators to make their mark in the world.

Healthcare & Biopharma

Significant government investment in the healthcare industry is evident in the advanced medical care and research facilities serving Abu Dhabi.

We have established several prestigious partnerships to bring advanced healthcare technologies, best practices and world-class standards to the Abu Dhabi community.

Investment opportunities continue to emerge due to the robust growth potential of the healthcare sector in Abu Dhabi.

Building on the work of the Abu Dhabi Department of Health (DoH) , the past decade has witnessed a remarkable increase in the number of health centres and clinics in the emirate, including Cleveland Clinic  (operated by Mubadala Healthcare) and Al Tawam Hospital in Al Ain (operated by Johns Hopkins University).

Why Healthcare & Biopharma in Abu Dhabi?

• 1 st in healthcare testing capacity globally
• FDI investment in the healthcare sector enables 100% ownership of hospitals and clinics 
• Home to world-class healthcare infrastructure and talent

Abu Dhabi is one of the world's largest and most strategically placed energy producers. In addition to ongoing programs by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) , Masdar and others, the Abu Dhabi government has invested in cutting-edge renewable projects facilitating a transition to sustainable energy solutions.

In an attempt to address the growing demand for clean energy, the emirate has witnessed the creation and growth of a number of large-scale solar and nuclear projects. Abu Dhabi remains committed to making long-term investments in innovation and development of renewable energy and carbon capture technologies.

Why Energy in Abu Dhabi?

• Noor Abu Dhabi is the world’s largest single-site solar plant
• I n March 2020, Abu Dhabi marked the commissioning of nuclear operations with its Barakah nuclear power plant

Abu Dhabi offers an advanced technology and telecommunications infrastructure with one of the world's highest mobile telephone penetration rates.

According to the  Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TRA) , there were approximately 2.3 million fixed lines in operation in the UAE, with 18.2 million active mobile subscribers (216% penetration) and 3.0 million broadband internet subscribers (2019).

We were the 1 st  capital city in the world to achieve 100% fibre-to-home broadband connectivity and are considered the smartest city in the MENA region.

Abu Dhabi champions innovation in the ICT sector, supported by the  Abu Dhabi Digital Authority (ADDA) , the UAE’s telecom leader Etisalat and many private sector players. This makes the capital an attractive prospect for ICT investment.

Why ICT in Abu Dhabi?

• Fastest mobile network operator in the world  (Etisalat)
• Smartest City  in the Middle East and North Africa
• Home to the world’s first  AI university
• Hub71  is Abu Dhabi's global tech ecosystem

Real estate

The construction and real estate sectors benefit from diverse opportunities for investment and living in the heart of Arabia.

New developments on Al Maryah, Saadiyat, Yas and Al Reem islands, as well as the newly planned Zayed City, promise exciting opportunities for the real estate sector.

Key industries:

• Public utilities
• Engineering architecture and maintenance service
• Residential and commercial
• Urban planning
• Real estate developers
• Construction

Other sectors

Abu Dhabi supports a vibrant knowledge economy with high-growth opportunities across a range of emerging sectors and industries.

The Abu Dhabi government actively supports the development of the emirate’s knowledge economy. The government is heavily invested in workforce enrichment programmes and other initiatives to catalyse both technological and non-technological innovation across a variety of sectors in the emirate.

Key focus areas:

• Cutting-edge technologies and services
• Robotics & AI
• Smart city applications and solutions
• Digital economy and e-commerce
• Green economy
• Innovative SMEs

• Partner with AGBI

Travel startups seen as ‘high risk’ by VC investors

• Small fraction of funding goes to startups
• Travel ‘not sexy’ says Dharma CEO
• Regional sector receives 5% of funding

The co-founder and CEO of Dharma, an Abu Dhabi business travel management platform, has claimed the tourism sector isn’t seen as attractive enough for investors. 

Dharma, which was one of the first startups accepted into Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 incubation programme , closed a $4.7 million Series A funding round last year.

“I think for venture capital travel is not sexy,” co-founder Charaf El Mansouri said this week at Arabian Travel Market. “ It’s not AI, it’s not Web3, it’s not crypto. I do think travel is seen as this high-touch, unscalable industry.”

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While Dharma investors included Mubadala-backed Shorooq Partners, Matt Higgins from Shark Tank and football icon Eric Cantona, El Mansouri said 85 percent of the company’s funding actually came from the US.

Latest figures reveal that just a fraction of funding makes its way to tourism industry startups.

The travel sector contributes roughly 10 percent to global GDP and yet receives around 1 percent of funding, according to research from McKinsey. In the Middle East that number is slightly higher at 5 percent, although it has grown from just 1 percent back in 2019.

“It’s really tiny compared to how big this industry is to our economy,” said Margaux Constantin, partner at McKinsey & Company.

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Over half the funding in the last three years in the Middle East has gone into booking-related startups, with 17 percent on transport and 24 percent on hospitality.

“There is a high-risk perception among investors. There’s a perceived longer time to get that investment back. In travel and tourism the sales cycle is longer and it takes a bit longer to get things going,” said Danny Cohanpour, CEO of Trove Tourism Development Advisors.

Globally, VCs are leading the push for travel innovation. With $72 billion of investment between 2015 and 2021, they spent nine times more than travel corporates – companies such as Airbnb or booking.com that offer in-house incubators, ventures or provide direct support or partnerships.

In total Dharma, launched in 2018, has raised $10 million in equity funding. The most recent, a $4.7 million pre-Series A round in October last year, included notable investors such as Mubadala-backed Shorooq Partners, Matt Higgins from Shark Tank, football icon Eric Cantona, consumer fund Goodwater and Skift founder Rafat Ali.

“The PR story is often very different from the internal story, but we were two weeks either way to shutting down (before the initial raise in 2020),” said El Mansouri.

“And I think that’s an important story to tell because by the time you write the press release you’ve made it.

“But it’s important to understand the turbulence behind the reason why we have such a varied and diverse capital. At the time of our initial raise in April 2020, we made about 200 calls with whoever would talk to us.”

Constantin said during the Nurturing Travel and Tourism Entrepreneurship to Drive Economic Growth panel discussion at ATM that 90 percent of McKinsey’s clients interested in investing in travel and tourism in the Middle East have three parameters: asset-light, Ebitda-positive and minimum-ticket-size companies.

“The reality is that this intersection is incredibly thin, so investors are going after the same very small pool of companies. We need a change in expectations and interests from investors to fuel entrepreneurship in [the region’s travel] sector,” she said.

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• Shareholder agreement to construct Omani-Emirati railway network enhancing UAE and Oman relations

10 May 2024

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His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan , Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development, Chairman of the Office of Development and Martyrs Affairs at the Presidential Court, and Chairman of Etihad Rail , said the agreements signed during the recent state visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the UAE were in line with the wise directives of the leadership of the two neighbouring countries, enhancing the longstanding historical relations between them, supporting economic and commercial integration, and strengthening their social and cultural ties. Etihad Rail, Oman Rail and Mubadala Investment Company signed a shareholder agreement during the visit, marking the commencement of construction works of the joint railway project with immediate effect.

His Highness emphasised that the project is another step forward in a long history of joint cooperation and will open a new phase of planning for a better future for the two neighbouring countries and their people.

His Excellency Abdulsalam bin Mohammed Al Murshidi, President of the Oman Investment Authority, said that the joint railway network is a significant addition to the logistics sector, and will play a role in stimulating various industrial sectors and economic activities, providing increased commercial and investment opportunities for the private sector, supporting the integration of Omani port activities and linking them to regional and international markets, in addition to its contribution to attracting national and foreign investments. This will drive the competitiveness of the two neighbouring countries at a global trade level, which will in turn enhance their economic prosperity.

An agreement was also signed to award the civil works and construction tender for the joint network to an Omani-Emirati alliance led by Trojan Construction Group and Galfar Engineering and Contracting, aligning with joint efforts to build national capabilities and drive in-country value, which includes the involvement of the private sector in the implementation of the joint project. The alliance will also include Tristar Engineering and Construction, and the National Infrastructure Construction Company.

A tender for the systems and integration of the railway network was awarded to a joint venture between Siemens and HAC. The trains will be equipped with the European Train Control System Level 2. The network’s advanced infrastructure will include full digital train control and tracking through GPS technology, enhancing the network's reliability.

Etihad Rail, Oman Rail, and Mubadala Investment Company also unveiled the new corporate identity of their joint venture, which will now be known as Hafeet Rail (formerly Oman and Etihad Rail Company). The name pays homage to Jebel Hafeet, stretching between Oman and the UAE.

His Excellency Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure of the UAE, emphasised the significance of the accomplishments achieved by the company since its inception. He highlighted its commendable levels of efficiency and dedication in taking early steps to establish a safe and sustainable joint railway network, in alignment with the strong bilateral relations and ties between the two nations. He also underscored the vital role of the network in facilitating local and regional trade, whilst also opening new opportunities in the infrastructure, transportation, and logistics sectors. This, in turn, contributes to the diversification of the national economy and fosters sustainable development across both countries, he concluded.

His Excellency Mohamed Hassan Al Suwaidi, Minister of Investment of the UAE and Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ADQ, underscored the joint venture’s accomplishments in the 18 months since its announcement, chiefly the completion of engineering and preparatory work for the network, which has paved the way for the commencement of construction. He emphasised the network's role in facilitating local and regional trade, unlocking new opportunities in infrastructure, transportation, and logistics sectors, and fostering economic diversification and comprehensive development. He also highlighted the tourism benefits that the project will provide, through the facilitation of easier travel between the two countries.

Abdulrahman Al Hatmi, Chief Executive Officer of Asyad Group, highlighted the role of the project in reaffirming Oman and the UAE’s position as strategic logistical hubs for import and distribution of good to regional and global markets. He commended the strategic vision of both countries, which aim to foster an integrated transportation ecosystem that will reshape the logistics landscape in the region.

He emphasised that the project reaffirms the strategic and economic visions of both countries, reflecting their positions as logistical hubs for the import and distribution of goods to regional and global markets. The project aims to transform the logistics landscape, increasing economic competitiveness. By offering a dependable and sustainable transportation solution, it aims to reduce time and costs, whilst also improving the connectivity of sea and land ports to local and regional markets.

The network also aims to increase job opportunities throughout various sectors in both countries, fostering the development of national talent pools. The network will drive efficiencies within the supply chain, facilitating cross-border trade, and connecting commercial ports to railways within the two countries.

Hafeet Rail aims to contribute to the development of various sectors in both countries, such as mining, iron and steel, agriculture and food, retail, e-commerce, and the petrochemical sector. This is in large due to its ability to provide fast, safe, and sustainable transportation services for goods of various sizes and weight via rail.

The passenger rail services will serve to connect population centres, fostering social and familial cohesion whilst also supporting the tourism sector. The speed of the passenger train can reach speeds of up to 200 kilometres per hour, covering the distance between Sohar and Abu Dhabi in 100 minutes, and 47 minutes between Sohar and Al Ain . The passenger capacity of one train can accommodate up to 400 passengers.

The signing of the agreements reinforces the unwavering support of both governments for the project and demonstrates their commitment to its implementation and advancement. This commitment reflects the shared goal of strengthening the longstanding ties, and historical relations between the two nations. The agreements align with efforts aimed at bolstering collaboration and coordination across economic, commercial, investment, cultural, and developmental domains, supporting their long-term sustainable development. The agreements also support the long-standing directives of the leadership of both countries to establish a joint railway network.

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Abu Dhabi, once an untapped desert city, sees its first brewery open as UAE relaxes its alcohol laws

In 2018, Chad McGehee opened Side Hustle Brews and Spirits, an Abu Dhabi-branded brewery and distillery with funky camels on its cans and playful names familiar to anyone living in the United Arab Emirates.

The only problem was it was illegal to produce alcohol in the country, so his company made its hoppy India pale ale in the United States and then imported it to the UAE for sale.

That’s all changed as Abu Dhabi has overhauled its laws to allow for the micro and craft breweries that have taken the rest of the world by storm, part of a wider reconsideration of alcohol policies in the Islamic nation increasingly drawing tourists. And McGehee’s dream of IPAs in Arabia became a reality — though it took hard work as they were the first to open.

“The government had created a regulation around fermentation, but the steps of getting a permit, the steps of inspection, all of these things were not put on paper yet. So that had to be built out as we were going through this process,” McGehee said on a recent afternoon at his brew pub on Abu Dhabi’s Al Maryah Island.

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Abu Dhabi long has been considered by those living in the UAE to be more buttoned-up than the rambunctious neighboring emirate of Dubai, home to night clubs, beach bars and pubs drawing tourists and residents to imbibe. In the seven emirates of the UAE, Sharjah outright bans the sale and consumption of alcohol, like neighboring Saudi Arabia, as well as Iran and Kuwait.

But beginning in 2020, Abu Dhabi changed its policies. It eliminated its licensing system for alcohol purchases for drinkers to boost sales and tourism during the coronavirus pandemic. Eliminating the licenses allowed Muslims, if they chose, to drink, as well as decriminalized alcohol possession for those without a license.

“I think progression in this country is par for the course, they’re always moving things forward,” said Nadeem Selbak, one of the partners at Craft, which is Side Hustle’s brew pub.

The Emirates still maintains a strict no-tolerance policy on drunken driving and public intoxication. Islam also considers alcohol consumption as “haram,” or forbidden.

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But alcohol sales long have been a major driver of tax revenue and a moneymaker for the UAE. Dubai Duty Free, for instance, sold 6 million cans of beer last year, as well as 3.8 million bottles of liquor and 2.3 million bottles of whiskey for thirsty travelers.

But despite that demand, there was no local equipment available to open a brewery in the UAE. McGehee ended up importing almost everything for the brewery, nearly all of it coming from the U.S.

Abu Dhabi represents a completely untapped market for Side Hustle.

“The idea for me was like going back in time, when I started almost 20 years ago,” said Mitchell Dougherty, Side Hustle’s brewmaster.

At any given point, Craft has 14 beers on tap. So far this year they have brewed 34 and aim to reach up to 100 by the end of the year. The names of the beers include some winking reminders of life in the UAE, including one called “Massage Card Ninja” — a nod to business cards showing scantily clad women that appear under car windshield wipers in some Dubai neighborhoods.

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McGehee said the different types of beers include ingredients from the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, Japan and the U.S., covering a variety of palates for their international customers.

“If you look at Abu Dhabi, you have people from almost 200 countries,” he said. “They all have their own definition of what beer is, what craft beer is, or what lager is, or what IPA is, so we’re trying to cater to as many of them as possible.” 

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