The Daily Circuit

The Daily Circuit: Saudi United Carton heads for IPO + ADIA in Sweden

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed met with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, at Qasr al Bahr in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. (WAM)

By

Jonathan H. Ferziger

Omnia Al Desoukie

April 16, 2025

👋 Hello from the Middle East!

In the Daily Circuit today, we’re looking at IPO plans for Saudi Arabia’s United Carton Industries, World Bank support for Oman’s environmental agenda, the growing number of women in Dubai’s real estate industry and preparations in Jeddah for this weekend’s F1 Grand Prix. But first, U.S. higher education in Qatar.

Qatar is strengthening its embrace of American universities as Georgetown University commits to running its foreign service school in Doha’s Education City for another 10 years.

Francisco Marmolejo, President of Education at the Qatar Foundation, told Bloomberg that its contract with the Washington-based school could be expanded down the line with other programs.

Five other universities in the U.S. have operated in Qatar over the past two decades, while American schools such as New York University maintain programs in the UAE, bringing in money for the institutions and educating thousands of foreign students.

“This partnership is not only contributing here to the development of Qatar, but also in the home campus to a better understanding of what this region is for the rest of the world,” Marmolejo told the news agency.

In Qatar, the foundation pays for the cost of operating the school while Georgetown receives a management fee, Marmolejo said.

The relationship between Gulf states and American universities has generally remained untouched by the Trump administration’s battle with Harvard, Columbia and other institutions of higher learning, which face threats of losing billions of dollars in federal funding over accusations of antisemitism amid pro-Palestinian campus protests.

Still, Texas A&M said last year it would end its relationship with Qatar, which has been accused of trying to buy influence by lavishing money on U.S. schools and think tanks such as the Brookings Institution.

Welcome to the Daily Circuit. Kindly let us know your thoughts and feedback by replying to this newsletter or emailing us at [email protected].

📰 Developing Stories

START YOUR ENGINES

With Saudi Arabia’s Formula 1 Grand Prix ready to roar through Jeddah’s Corniche Circuit this weekend, sentiment is growing that the kingdom should consider owning its own F1 team. Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, President of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, raised the possibility that one of the Public Investment Fund’s companies may buy a team, Reuters reports. “We have a lot of interest – I wouldn’t be surprised if we see an announcement for a Saudi team,” Prince Khalid said during a video call with reporters this week. The PIF’s CYVN Holdings bought a stake in British sports car maker Mclaren in 2021 before selling it off a year later.

FEMALE POWER

Women have become a growing force in Dubai’s real estate boom. Female investors accounted for $32 billion of Dubai real estate transactions last year and women represent 34% of the city’s real estate investors, Arabian Business reports. Initiatives like Dubai Land Department’s Real Estate Empowerment Program and Brokers Program have already drawn more than 1,000 women into the sector and boosted female representation in brokerage. The DLD also has plans to promote a flexible investment environment through tailored financing, training, and awareness programmes to support women-led ventures.

💲 Sovereign Circuit

Abu Dhabi Investment Authority: ADIA has agreed to acquire a minority stake in Swedish industrial AI software firm IFS via a subsidiary as part of a transaction that values IFS at more than $16.5 billion.

M42: Abu Dhabi’s M42, co-owned by G42 and Mubadala, has taken a stake in U.K.-based longevity science startup Juvenescence for an undisclosed sum, which values the company at over $550 million.

ADQ: Shipping company Aramex, which was acquired last month by the Abu Dhabi sovereign fund, signed a Master Services Agreement with Shipsy, an AI-powered global logistics platform.

G42: UAE-based AI startup AIREV, backed by G42’s Core 42 technology unit, secured investment from Ireland’s Venturewave Capital to build up its AI-based “On-Demand” operating system and expand into new markets.

Mubadala: India’s Tata Power is considering floating its green energy arm, backed by Mubadala and BlackRock, on the stock exchange.

↪↩ Closing Circuit

📦 Cardboard Capital: Saudi Arabia’s United Carton Industries, the biggest maker of corrugated cardboard in the Middle East, said on Tuesday it plans to sell a 30% stake through an IPO.

🏗️ Riyadh Plans: Dubai’s Majid Al Futtaim plans to launch a $4.7 billion commercial and residential project in Riyadh, with design work underway and construction set to begin in early 2026, Al Arabiya reports.

🏡 Property Intelligence: Dubizzle, the UAE’s top platform for real estate classifieds, said it acquired Property Monitor, which provides market intelligence and analytics on the industry.

🏭 Chemical Footprint: China’s Befar Group has broken ground on a $500 million chemical factory in Egypt’s Sokhna Industrial Zone.

🖥️ Cloud Nine: CloudShare, an Israeli software company that provides virtual training for tech firms, was acquired by Bow River Capital, a Denver-based private equity firm, for as much as $80 million, Calcalist reports.

🗣 Circuit Chatter

💲Sustainable Finance: The World Bank’s International Finance Corp. signed three agreements to strengthen Oman’s sustainable finance market, including a $120 million investment in the National Finance Company to support clean transport, renewable energy, and SME projects.

💸 Investment Okay: BlueCrest, the private investment firm of billionaire British hedge fund manager Michael Platt, received full regulatory approval to operate in Dubai, Bloomberg reports.

💰 Arab Business: Egypt has granted special golden licenses to all new Saudi projects to simplify investment procedures and raise Saudi investments to a target of $50 billion.

🤔 So Wrong: U.S. President Donald Trump’s February appearance at Saudi Arabia’s FII Priority conference in Miami is the setting for a Financial Times story titled “How Wall Street Got Trump Wrong.”

📈 Startup Funds: Startups across the MENA region raised $1.5 billion in the first quarter of the year, with the UAE accounting for 82% of March’s total, according to Wamda and Digital Digest.

🌍 Power Circuit

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed held a meeting in Abu Dhabi with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in which they conducted a broad review of national goals. Among those present were Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court; Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, UAE Minister of Finance and First Deputy Ruler of Dubai; and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister.

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, approved the launch of the emirate’s new Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine cluster as the annual Abu Dhabi Global Health Week conference got underway. The program was spearheaded by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office and the emirate’s Department of Health to strengthen health services and position Abu Dhabi as a hub for medical innovation, pharmaceuticals, and biotech.

Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, UAE Minister of the Interior, met with Igor Krasnov, Prosecutor-General of Russia, in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

➿ On the Circuit

Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, delivered an opening address at the World Cargo Symposium, held in Dubai on Tuesday in the presence of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airlines.

Aija Mayrock, the bestselling writer and poet, touts medical innovation in an Instagram post promoting Abu Dhabi Global Health Week.

Hussain Altajir was named CEO of Lazard’s new financial advisory office in Abu Dhabi. He was previously Head of Dubai Coverage, Global Banking, at HSBC.

Ahmed El Shamy, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim- Properties, told Asharq Business that the company plans to develop a new commercial and administrative project in 6th of October City, West of Cairo, investing $293 million.

Dr. Habil Khorakiwala, Founder and Chairman of India’s Wockhardt pharmaceutical company, said the group wants to develop strategic partnerships with healthcare providers and governments in the Gulf to expand its international presence in manufacturing and research.

Aditya Saraswat, Senior Vice President and Head of Research at Rystad Energy said that the widening global disparity in financing costs is a key barrier to developing solar photovoltaic projects in North Africa.

🎶 Culture Circuit

🧑‍🎨 Art Dubai: A digital installation inspired by pioneering Emirati artist Mohammed Kazem’s experience of being lost at sea is among the highlights of this year’s Art Dubai festival, which starts on Friday and runs for three days. Through the work “Directions (Merging),” commissioned by Swiss wealth management company Julius Baer, Kazem shares his fascination with GPS coordinates and the interconnectedness of the modern world by projecting the latitudes and longitudes of shorelines across the globe onto the walls of a purpose-built room.

📷 Photo of the Day

📅 Circuit Calendar

April 15-17, Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi Global Health Week. A worldwide forum dedicated to shaping the future of health. ADNEC.

April 16-17, Dubai. FastBull Finance Summit Dubai. Focused on global finance, emphasizing areas such as forex and blockchain financial technology. Coca-Cola Arena.

April 17-19, Dubai. World Art Dubai. The annual retail art fair features more than 10,000 works for sale. Dubai World Trade Centre.

April 18-20, Dubai. Art Dubai. The three-day city festival spotlights more than 100 contemporary, modern and digital galleries from the UAE and over 40 other countries. Madinat Jumeirah.

April 18-20, Jeddah. STC Saudi Arabian GP. The Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix by STC returns, promising an electrifying high-speed spectacle on the Red Sea. Jeddah Corniche Circuit.

April 18-20, Abu Dhabi. Middle East Film and Comic Con 2025. The region’s largest pop culture festival returns for its 13th year. ADNEC.

April 21-23, Abu Dhabi. Electric Vehicle Innovation Summit 2025. The Middle East’s largest annual event dedicated to shaping the future of electric mobility. ADNEC.

April 23-34, Dubai. Dubai AI Festival. Bringing together the brightest minds to explore and expand the commercial and economic possibilities of AI technology.” Madinat Jumeirah.

April 27-29, Abu Dhabi. Culture Summit. The annual event features panels, case studies, creative conversations, artist talks and workshops. Manarat Al Sadiyat.

April 29-30, Abu Dhabi. Digital Transformation Summit UAE 2025. In its 37th edition, the summit is expected to be attended by over 300 C-suite executives, directors, and technology leaders. Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resorts.

April 30- May 1, Dubai. Token2049 Dubai. A global conference dedicated to the crypto and blockchain ecosystem. Madinat Jumeirah.

May 5-6, Abu Dhabi. Governance of Emerging Technologies Summit. Shaping Responsible Governance of AI & Emerging Technologies in a Future Digital Economy. St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort.

May 6-7, Dubai. MENA Capital Market Summit. The event will bring together 1,500 businesses, decision-makers and global financial leaders to discuss the capital market. Madinat Jumeirah.

May 6-8, Dubai. Airport Show. Showcasing the latest technological advancements in the airport industry. Dubai World Trade Center.

May 16-17, Tirana, Albania. FII Priority Europe 2025. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund sponsors a regional business summit focused on Europe and is affiliated with the annual Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh. National Theater of Opera and Ballet.

May 20-22, Doha, Qatar. Qatar Economic Forum. Annual conference gathers brings together Qatari government and business leaders with corporate executives, investors and policymakers from around the world. Media City Qatar.

PROPERTY FORCE

Dubai’s women power 34% of investment in real estate market

New government initiatives have drawn more than 1,000 women into the real estate industry and boosted female representation in brokerage

GETTY IMAGES

An aerial view showing other Dubai skyscrapers from the top of the Burj Khalifa

By

Omnia Al Desoukie

April 16, 2025

Women are becoming a growing force in Dubai’s real estate boom.

Female investors accounted for $32 billion of Dubai real estate transactions last year and women represent 34% of the city’s real estate investors, Arabian Business reports.

Initiatives like Dubai Land Department’s Real Estate Empowerment Program and Brokers Program have already drawn more than 1,000 women into the sector and boosted female representation in brokerage.

The DLD also has plans to promote a flexible investment environment through tailored financing, training, and awareness programs to support women-led ventures.

Syria Bailout

Saudi Arabia offers to pay the bill for Syria’s World Bank debt

As a first step, the kingdom could provide $15 million to cover Syria’s arrears, paving the way for more international aid to the war-ravaged country

Getty Images

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani met in January with Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan in Damascus

By

Omnia Al Desoukie

April 15, 2025

Saudi Arabia is taking the lead in helping Syria’s new government pay off its debts.

As a first step, the kingdom will put up $15 million to cover Syria’s arrears to the World Bank and unlock international aid money to begin the country’s reconstruction, Reuters reports.

The plans would be the first known instance of Saudi Arabia providing financing for Syria since Islamist-led rebels toppled former leader Bashar al-Assad last year.

It may also be a sign that Gulf Arab support for Syria is beginning to materialize after previous plans, including an initiative by Qatar to fund salaries, were held up by uncertainty over U.S. sanctions, according to Reuters.

ATOMIC ACTION

Saudi Arabia seeks nuclear technology in talks with Wright

Saudi leaders have also explored obtaining the sensitive technology from Russia or China, but they’ve expressed a preference for working with the U.S.

Saudi Press Agency

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright talks with Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar bin Ibrahim Alkhorayef in Riyadh

By

Jonathan H. Ferziger

April 15, 2025

Saudi Arabia and the U.S. are back in talks over helping the kingdom to develop a commercial nuclear power industry.

The on-again, off-again idea that Saudi Arabia has vigorously pursued is being revived during the ongoing Gulf visit by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who met with Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar bin Ibrahim Alkhorayef in Riyadh on Sunday.

Wright told reporters that the Trump administration may be willing to give Saudi Arabia access to U.S. nuclear technology and allow it to enrich uranium, The New York Times reports.

“We’ve not reached the details on an agreement, but it certainly looks like there is a pathway to do that,” Wright said. “The issue is control of sensitive technology. Are there solutions to that that involve enrichment here in Saudi Arabia? Yes.”

Saudi Arabia has been seeking access for years to U.S. nuclear technology that would help it generate electricity and diversify its economy beyond dependence on oil revenues. The U.S. has attached conditions to ensure that its technology is not used to produce nuclear weapons, terms Saudi Arabia has resisted, citing Iran’s pursuit of atomic arms.

In their quest for nuclear capability, Saudi leaders have also explored obtaining the technology from Russia or China, but they’ve expressed a preference for working with the U.S.

Alkhorayef said his meeting with Wright focused on identifying investment opportunities with the U.S. while building cooperation in mining, especially for minerals needed for production of electric vehicles and their components, Arab News reports.

👋 Hello from the Middle East!

In the Daily Circuit today, we’re looking at the QIA’s new $4 billion joint fund with Indonesia, Saudi help for paying Syria’s World Bank debt, Kuwait’s oil refinery reorganization and Morocco’s invitation for bids to help build and run Africa’s biggest shipyard. But first, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright reaches Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia and the U.S. are back in talks over helping the kingdom to develop a commercial nuclear power industry.

The on-again, off-again idea that Saudi Arabia has vigorously pursued is being revived during the ongoing Gulf visit by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who met with Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar bin Ibrahim Alkhorayef in Riyadh on Sunday.

Wright told reporters that the Trump administration may be willing to give Saudi Arabia access to U.S. nuclear technology and allow it to enrich uranium, The New York Times reports.

“We’ve not reached the details on an agreement, but it certainly looks like there is a pathway to do that,” Wright said. “The issue is control of sensitive technology. Are there solutions to that that involve enrichment here in Saudi Arabia? Yes.”

Saudi Arabia has been seeking access for years to U.S. nuclear technology that would help it generate electricity and diversify its economy beyond dependence on oil revenues. The U.S. has attached conditions to ensure that its technology is not used to produce nuclear weapons, terms Saudi Arabia has resisted, citing Iran’s pursuit of atomic arms.

In their quest for nuclear capability, Saudi leaders have also explored obtaining the technology from Russia or China, but they’ve expressed a preference for working with the U.S.

Alkhorayef said his meeting with Wright focused on identifying investment opportunities with the U.S. while building cooperation in mining, especially for minerals needed for production of electric vehicles and their components, Arab News reports.

Editor’s Note: The next edition of the Daily Circuit will arrive in your mailboxes on Tuesday, April 15. Kindly let us know your thoughts and feedback by replying to this newsletter or emailing us at [email protected].

📰 Developing Stories

KUWAIT ADAPTS

Kuwait is reorganizing its energy industry amid concerns over plunging oil prices and U.S. trade tariffs. State-owned Kuwait National Petroleum Co. is planning to acquire Kuwait Integrated Petroleum Industries Co. (KIPIC), the Kuna news agency reports, citing KNPC Chief Executive Officer Wadha Al-Khateeb. KNPC is in charge of Kuwait’s refining industry while KIPIC runs the Al Zour refinery. Al-Khateeb said Kuwait’s oil and gas industries need to adapt to changing market conditions while offering assurance that obligations to clients will be met.

SYRIA BAILOUT

Saudi Arabia is taking the lead in helping Syria’s new government pay off its debts. As a first step, the kingdom will put up $15 million to cover Syria’s arrears to the World Bank and unlock international aid money to begin the country’s reconstruction, Reuters reports. The plans would be the first known instance of Saudi Arabia providing financing for Syria since Islamist-led rebels toppled former leader Bashar al-Assad last year. It may also be a sign that Gulf Arab support for Syria is beginning to materialize after previous plans, including an initiative by Qatar to fund salaries, were held up by uncertainty over U.S. sanctions, according to Reuters.

💲 Sovereign Circuit

Qatar Investment Authority: Indonesia’s Danantara sovereign wealth fund said it will form a $4 billion joint fund with the QIA to invest in the Indonesian economy, focusing on commodities, renewables, health facilities and technology.

Dubai Holding: Azadea Group, which operates the Zara and Virgin Megastore chains in the Middle East and is part-owned by the Dubai royal family’s investment company, has decided to pause plans for an IPO, Bloomberg reports.

Public Investment Fund: Newcastle City Council has defended seeking Saudi investment as it faces criticism from local campaigners over the kingdom’s human rights record.

↪↩ Closing Circuit

🤝 Gulf Aid: Qatar and Egypt agreed to “work toward” developing a $7.5 billion package of Qatari investments in the Egyptian economy. The two countries announced the plan during a visit on Sunday by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to Doha, where he met with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim.

💰 Across Borders: Menzies Aviation, a subsidiary of Agility Global, which trades on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, has agreed to acquire U.S.-based G2 for $305 million. This will boost Menzies’ global reach and its revenue by 20% to $3.1 billion.

💲 Media Business: Saudi Research and Media Group signed a $67 million, three-year deal with Taoq Public Relations to provide operational services for media platforms.

📈 AI Stockbot: BridgeWise, a New York-based AI startup whose chatbot provides stock advice to 25 million users around the world, said it is opening a Middle East regional headquarters in Dubai after Emirates NBD, the city’s biggest lender, invested in the company.

🤖 AI Veteran: Safe SuperIntelligence, the artificial intelligence startup led by OpenAI co-founder Ilya Sutskever with offices in Tel Aviv and Palo Alto, Calif., raised $2 billion in a funding round led by Greenoaks, the Financial Times reports.

🗣 Circuit Chatter

💻 Legal AI: The UAE Cabinet approved the creation of the Regulatory Intelligence Office, which will use AI to unify federal and local laws, enabling real-time legislative updates and tracking of impacts through large-scale data.

🚜 Bioplastic Expertise: Dubai-based Emirates Biotech appointed South Korea’s Samsung E&A to handle engineering, procurement, and construction for its Polylactic Acid plant in Abu Dhabi’s KEZAD free zone.

⚓ Ship Shape: Morocco’s state-owned National Ports Agency invited global firms to bid on developing and operating what it says will be Africa’s largest shipyard in Casablanca, Bloomberg reports.

🔴 No Business: Abu Dhabi Global Market regulators fined crypto platform Hayvn Group, its related entities and former CEO Christopher Flinos a total of $12 million for regulatory breaches, banning the executive indefinitely from doing business in the financial zone.

🌍 Power Circuit

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed held a meeting in Abu Dhabi on Monday with Hristijan Mickoski, Prime Minister of North Macedonia, to discuss trade and broader economic cooperation in the Balkans.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Ruler of Dubai and UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, chaired the UAE Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

Lt. Gen. Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, met with Ulan Karypbekov, Director of the State Agency for Vehicle and Driver Registration at the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic.

Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, held a meeting with Eric Anziani, Chief Operating Officer of Crypto.com, on Monday.

➿ On the Circuit

David Petreaus, the former CIA director, was named Chairman of KKR & Co.’s Middle East unit and is setting up a new deals team in the Gulf.

Carmen Haddad, a 25-year veteran banker in Citigroup’s Middle East division, was named Vice Chairman of the company’s private bank with authority over its wealth management operations.

Ari Emanuel, CEO of the Endeavor talent and management agency, is leading a group that won the auction for a portfolio of assets that includes the Miami Open and the Madrid Open tennis tournaments, Bloomberg reports. The consortium, which includes Apollo Global Management and Redbird Capital Partners, said it’s ready to pay more than $1 billion for the assets that Endeavor is selling off.

Nabeel Koshak, the CEO of Saudi Venture Capital, said during a panel discussion at the Human Capabilities Initiative in Riyadh that the firm has invested in more than 56 funds, emphasizing the growth of startups and entrepreneurship in the kingdom.

🎶 Culture Circuit

🛍️ Mall Space: An abandoned shopping mall built in the 1980s now hosts some of Riyadh’s leading galleries after it was transformed into a bustling arts hub, The National reports. Al Mousa Centre, which features nostalgic design elements of Gulf malls of the era, including latticed ceilings and blue-tinted windows, houses 20 galleries and is a key venue for Art Week Riyadh, which runs until Sunday.

📷 Photo of the Day

**U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright** met with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar bin Ibrahim Alkhorayef at the Ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh on Sunday. (SPA)

📅 Circuit Calendar

April 13-15, Riyadh. Saudi Food Manufacturing. Back for a second year, the focus turns to logistics solutions, including advancements in AI-driven supply chains, robotics, and sustainable automation technologies. Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre.

April 14-16, Dubai. IPS Congress. The Middle East’s largest international property sales event. Dubai World Trade Centre.

April 15-17, Dubai. Abu Dhabi Global Health Week. A critical worldwide forum dedicated to shaping the future of health. ADNEC.

April 16, Qatar. Startup Grind Qatar. Qatar Investment Authority presents new startups selected as part of its Fund of Funds program. Workinton Alfardan Centre.

April 16-17, Dubai. FastBull Finance Summit Dubai. Focused on the depth and breadth of global finance, emphasizing areas such as forex and blockchain financial technology. Coca-Cola Arena.

April 17-19, Dubai. World Art Dubai. Annual retail art fair featuring more than 10,000 works for sale. Dubai World Trade Centre.

April 18-20, Dubai. Art Dubai. Three-day city festival spotlights more than 100 contemporary, modern and digital galleries from the UAE and over 40 other countries. Madinat Jumeirah.

April 18-20, Jeddah. STC Saudi Arabian GP. The Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix by STC returns, promising an electrifying high-speed spectacle on the Red Sea. Jeddah Corniche Circuit.

April 18-20, Abu Dhabi. Middle East Film and Comic Con 2025. The region’s largest pop culture festival returns for its 13th year. ADNEC.

April 21-23, Abu Dhabi. Electric Vehicle Innovation Summit 2025. The Middle East’s largest annual event dedicated to shaping the future of electric mobility. ADNEC.

April 21-25, Dubai. Dubai AI Festival. Bringing together the brightest minds to explore and expand the commercial and economic possibilities of AI technology.” Madinat Jumeirah.

April 29-30, Abu Dhabi. Digital Transformation Summit UAE 2025. In its 37th edition, the summit is expected to be attended by over 300 C-suite executives, directors, and technology leaders. Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resorts.

April 30. May 1, Dubai. Token2049 Dubai. A global conference dedicated to the crypto and blockchain ecosystem. Madinat Jumeirah.

May 6-7, Dubai. MENA Capital Market Summit. The event will bring together 1,500 businesses, decision-makers and global financial leaders to discuss the capital market. Madinat Jumeirah

May 20-22, Doha, Qatar. Qatar Economic Forum. Annual conference gathers brings together Qatari government and business leaders with corporate executives, investors and policymakers from around the world. Media City Qatar.

FAMILY FEUD

UAE urges families to tackle succession risks amid wealth shift

UAE’s richest families are on track to controling a combined $1 trillion by the end of next year, U.S. venture firm says

Getty Images

View of skyline in Dubai

By

Omnia Al Desoukie

April 11, 2025

The UAE is making an attempt to prevent the squabbling between heirs that often damages family businesses, which make up 90% of the country’s private companies.

Economy Ministry officials recently met with the heads of prominent business families to encourage them to improve succession planning by establishing formal structures around their wealth, Bloomberg reports.

While there are no official estimates, U.S.-based Dash Venture Labs projects that the UAE’s richest families will control a combined $1 trillion by the end of next year.

The increased involvement of family business in private equity and venture capital deals – riskier than the supermarkets and car dealerships favored by previous generations – has made it critical to introduce more formalized internal governance and processes, the news agency said

👋 Hello from the Middle East!

In the Daily Circuit today, we’re looking at Masdar’s buyout of Terna Energy in Greece, Mubadala’s deal with Kimmeridge to pave its way for new U.S. acquisitions, Apple’s new hiring drive in the Gulf and Tesla’s debut in Saudi Arabia. But first, the Trump administration’s energy secretary lays the groundwork for a presidential tour of the region.

U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright kicked off his tour of the Gulf this week with a palace visit in Abu Dhabi and a tour of the UAE’s state oil company.

Wright, setting up parts of President Donald Trump’s trip to the region that is expected next month, was received by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed on Thursday for talks that focused on joint investments in artificial intelligence and other technologies, The National reports.

The U.S. energy chief, founder of an oil fracking company, also paid a visit to the Abu Dhabi headquarters of ADNOC, where he said partnerships with the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar were key to meeting growing global demand for oil and gas. He also plans to visit Riyadh and Doha during the trip.

“You’re going to see a lot of energy cooperation between the United States and the UAE,” Wright told reporters. “You’re going to see a huge cooperation on AI.”

Also meeting Wright at Qasr Al Shati Palace in the UAE capital were Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, the ADNOC Chairman and Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; and Yousef Al Otaiba, Minister of State and the UAE’s Ambassador to Washington.

Editor’s Note: The next edition of the Daily Circuit will arrive in your mailboxes on Tuesday, April 15. Kindly let us know your thoughts and feedback by replying to this newsletter or emailing us at [email protected].

📰 Developing Stories

FAMILY FEUD

The UAE is making an attempt to prevent the squabbling between heirs that often damages family businesses, which make up 90% of the country’s private companies. Economy Ministry officials recently met with the heads of prominent business families to encourage them to improve succession planning by establishing formal structures around their wealth, Bloomberg reports. While there are no official estimates, U.S.-based Dash Venture Labs projects that the UAE’s richest families will control a combined $1 trillion by the end of next year. The increased involvement of family business in private equity and venture capital deals – riskier than the supermarkets and car dealerships favored by previous generations – has made it critical to introduce more formalized internal governance and processes, the news agency said.

MISSING MUSK

Tesla kicked off operations in Saudi Arabia this week with a display of its Model Y sedan and Cybertruck but without its multibillionaire founder. The opening of a sales office in Riyadh appeared to signal that Elon Musk and the Public Investment Fund have put aside a 10-year feud, The National reports. Though Musk was a no-show at the Tesla debut on Thursday, he’s planning to visit the kingdom next month and has appeared with PIF Governor Yasir Al Rumayyan and U.S. President Donald Trump while working as White House adviser on government efficiency. The PIF is the majority owner of Lucid Motors, a smaller California-based EV maker that competes with Tesla.

💲 Sovereign Circuit

Masdar: The Abu Dhabi-owned renewable energy company said on Thursday it had fully acquired Greece’s $3.5 billion Terna Energy after buying a 70% stake last year.

Mubadala Energy: The Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund’s energy arm signed a deal on Thursday with New York-based investment firm Kimmeridge that will give it ownership stakes in gas and LNG facilities in the U.S., in line with the company’s growth plans.

Qatar Investment Authority: The Qatari sovereign wealth fund denied a newspaper report it was seeking to buy a prestigious building in Milan worth $1.4 billion from Gucci parent Kering SA.

↪↩ Closing Circuit

🏦 Branching Out: UAE-based Al Ansari Financial Services completed its $200 million acquisition of BFC Group Holdings, making Al Ansari the largest non-banking financial institution in the Gulf by branch network and expanding its presence in Bahrain, Kuwait, and India.

🌍 Africa Aid: The 22-member-nation Arab Monetary Fund signed a $307 million debt relief agreement with Somalia to support the African country’s economic reform program.

💰Islamic Funds: The International Islamic Trade Finance Corp. signed a $45 million financing agreement with the African nation of Comoros to support its energy sector.

🏭New Look: OQ Chemicals, a wholly state-owned Omani producer of Oxo chemicals, has been acquired by UK-based investment firms Strategic Value Partners and Blantyre Capital and will be rebranded as OXEA.

🗣 Circuit Chatter

🧳 Baggage Limits: Flydubai signed an agreement with Boeing to retrofit 21 of its 737 MAX airliners with bigger onboard storage compartments, providing room for six bags per unit instead of four.

🇹🇷Turkey Trade: The Gulf Cooperation Council and Turkey have begun free trade talks, building on Ankara’s existing agreements with the UAE and Qatar according to UAE state news agency WAM.

📈 Equity Focus: Cogence, the BlackRock-backed South African fund manager, plans to make stock investments in Saudi Arabia, India and other emerging markets over the next three to five years, Bloomberg reports.
👥Local Talent: Apple launched a hiring drive across Saudi Arabia and the UAE, offering a wide range of roles in retail, operations, marketing, and leadership amid its regional expansion, Gulf News reports.

🌍 Power Circuit

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed held a phone conversation with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, on Thursday to launch negotiations towards a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the UAE and European Union.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Minister of Defense, inaugurated DP World’s Free Trade Warehousing Zone in India’s capital of Mumbai.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, the Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, received a delegation from the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company, headed by CEO Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi, at Al Nakheel Palace in Abu Dhabi.

➿ On the Circuit

Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad, the former Saudi owner of Britain’s Sheffield United football club, is returning to the sports market with a $266 million fund he aims to invest in new soccer teams, Arabian Gulf Business Insight reportsreports.

Futoon Al Mazrouei, Group Head for Consumer Banking at First Abu Dhabi Bank, the UAE’s largest lender, has assumed responsibility for wealth management and business banking as part of a shakeup of the bank’s Executive Committee.

Isa Al Khalifa, Director of MENA real estate at Arcapita, a Bahrain-based asset manager, told Zawya that the firm will increase investments in Saudi Arabia’s logistics and warehouse sector.

Naomi Campbell, the British supermodel in the midst of opening a talent agency in Dubai, talks to the Financial Times about why the charity she founded, Fashion for Relief, was shut down by U.K. authorities.

🎶 Culture Circuit

🏍️ Speed Racer: Reigning MotoGP champion Jorge Martin, recovering from a pre-season crash, is returning from injuries to compete in the Qatar Grand Prix motorcycle racing event, which runs from today through Sunday. The 27-year-old Spaniard missed races in Thailand, Argentina and the United States after sustaining a broken hand and foot in February during a crash on the opening day of pre-season testing in Malaysia, The Peninsula reports.

📷 Photo of the Day

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright meets with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed at Qasr Al Shati Palace in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.