Aqueel Bohra, CFA

GCC Real Estate, with a Focus on the UAE: Current Trends and Future Outlook The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, especially the UAE, has seen a remarkable surge in real estate activity over recent years. In cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, demand has often outpaced supply, resulting in rapid sales of newly released projects. This trend is driven by unique factors within the UAE, making its real estate market particularly resilient and attractive to both regional and international buyers. The UAE’s emphasis on economic diversification and sustainability—anchored in its Vision 2030—continues to attract foreign direct investment, bolstering demand for residential and commercial spaces. Sectors like finance, technology, and green energy are seeing rapid growth, drawing expatriates, businesses, and high-net-worth individuals looking for stable investment options in an economically resilient market. Investor-friendly regulations, including long-term residency options, relaxed ownership laws, and favorable tax policies, have increased the appeal of the UAE’s real estate market. These measures, provide stability amid global uncertainty and fuel consistent demand for new properties, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The UAE’s luxury real estate sector remains one of the most sought-after globally, with exclusive locations attracting high-net-worth buyers. Developers are also focusing on sustainable, family-friendly, and eco-conscious communities, catering to shifting buyer priorities. The country’s strategic focus on attracting 25 million visitors by 2025 supports the hospitality and residential markets, contributing to rising property demand. The UAE offers lower borrowing costs, a stable currency, and favorable tax policies. These factors, alongside the UAE’s resilience to global economic fluctuations, make it a secure and attractive option for international investors. Additionally, the UAE’s cosmopolitan environment, robust infrastructure, and high quality of life set it apart as a desirable investment destination. Geopolitical and global political dynamics are playing a pivotal role in driving demand for the UAE. As instability, economic challenges, and high inflation affect Western and emerging markets, investors and expatriates are increasingly viewing the UAE as a safe haven for capital and a stable location to live and do business. In conclusion, the UAE’s unique blend of investor-friendly policies, strong economic fundamentals, and luxury appeal is expected to keep demand high in 2024 and 2025. While price increases are likely, the UAE’s real estate market will continue to stand out as a top choice for buyers and investors seeking stability and growth in an increasingly complex global landscape. #UAEResidentialMarket #DubaiRealEstate #GCCInvestment #LuxuryLivingUAE #MiddleEastEconomy #GlobalInvesting #RealEstateTrends2024 #UAEPropertyBoom #SafeHavenInvestment #ExpatsInUAE #DubaiSkyline #GeopoliticsAndInvestment

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Corporatization Gains Momentum in Kuwait As per the attached, and much to my liking, a Kuwait MEW official calls for corporatization. Below is his list of all now-too-familiar remedies: Ministerial Solutions: - Immediate recovery of 3,855-4,560 MW in disrupted capacity. - Fast-tracking tenders for new power plants delayed by government oversight. - Exploring the feasibility of importing electricity via Gulf grid connectivity. - Leveraging floating power stations to boost capacity during peak summer months. - Loosening regulatory constraints to expedite energy projects. But what caught my attention is his spot-on call for corporatization! Corporatization: The Path Forward: Transforming MEW into a corporatized, independent entity operating on commercial principles offers multiple benefits: - Commercialization & Efficiency: Like the UAE and UK, corporatization introduces market-driven efficiencies, improving service delivery while reducing operational costs. - Governance & Accountability: Corporatization brings enhanced governance structures, as seen in the UAE's utility reforms, ensuring transparency and stricter oversight. - Attracting FDI: Foreign investment would flow into modernizing Kuwait’s infrastructure, with corporatization freeing up capital for strategic upgrades. - Subsidy Reforms: Eliminating subsidies from the corporate structure will enable market-based pricing and sustainable revenue generation, while reforming subsidies outside the corporate framework to target only the needy and promote conservation. Big Picture: Kuwait’s electricity woes reflect systemic inefficiencies. Corporatization offers not just a solution to the energy crisis but a blueprint for restructuring the rentier economy, paving the way for broader reforms and economic diversification.

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Saudi Entertainment Sector to Create 450,000 Jobs by 2030. Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector is emerging as a key driver of economic growth, expected to generate 450,000 jobs and contribute 4.2% of GDP by 2030, according to the Ministry of Investment. 🔹 Sector Highlights: 34 investment licenses issued in Q3 2024, marking a 13% increase from the previous quarter. Since 2020, the Kingdom has issued 303 entertainment licenses, with a total of 2,189 licenses in the past five years. The General Entertainment Authority, established in 2016, has been pivotal in driving the sector’s rapid development, including the reopening of cinemas in 2018. 🔹 Entertainment’s Impact on Tourism: 6.2 million inbound tourists in 2023, a 153.3% rise from 2022. Inbound tourist spending reached SR4 billion ($1.07 billion), up 29% year-over-year. 35 million local tourists participated in entertainment activities in 2023, boosting tourism and the local economy. 🔹 Cultural Milestones: Over the past five years, the Kingdom hosted 26,000 events, attracting 75 million attendees, cementing its reputation as a vibrant cultural hub. The sector plays a vital role in promoting Saudi culture and tourism, aligning with Vision 2030 goals to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on oil revenues. 🔹 Looking Ahead: The entertainment sector is not just a standalone success but a catalyst for growth in tourism and local spending, ensuring Saudi Arabia’s transformation into a global destination for leisure and culture. 💡 Explore opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s thriving entertainment and tourism sectors—be part of the growth story. #SaudiVision2030 #EntertainmentIndustry #Tourism #EconomicDiversification #CulturalEvents #JobCreation #SaudiArabia

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I was delighted to contribute to The National News latest feature on the UAE's thriving solar power market. In this article, I highlight how the UAE's unique combination of high solar irradiation levels and a transparent regulatory framework has established it as a global leader in renewable energy and decarbonization efforts. However, the increasing competitiveness of the market presents challenges for developers, particularly with rising project costs. In this landscape, forming strategic partnerships is crucial for driving large-scale projects, as collaboration can mitigate risks and enhance competitiveness. It's an exciting time for renewable energy in the region, and I'm eager to see how these dynamics unfold. Together, let's harness the power of the sun and drive the renewable energy revolution. For more insight, read the full article: https://lnkd.in/diguBFnk #SolarPower #UAE #RenewableEnergy #Sustainability #EnergyTransition Johnny Ayoub Adel Alfalasi Arnaud Delamare Alejandro Longueira Steffen Frerichs Loren Naish Mohaned Mahgoub

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Saudi Arabia is making ambitious strides to become one of the top 10 economies globally. By focusing on key strategies like economic diversification, Vision 2030, foreign investment, technological advancement, human capital development, strategic partnerships, and infrastructure projects, the nation aims to modernize its economy, enhance quality of life, and boost trade and investment. #SaudiArabia #Economy #Vision2030 #InfrastructureDevelopment #GlobalEconomy #mbs Saudi Vision 2030 Ministry of Investment Ministry of Energy Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development - KSA Ministry of Education,Riyadh,KSA Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia Ministry of Commerce - Saudi Arabia #ksa #saudi

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The Saudi capital is set to witness the partial official launch of the Riyadh Metro on Wednesday, November 27, as reported by Al Eqtisadiah daily. This significant development marks the beginning of the first phase, which will see operations on three lines. The subsequent phase, scheduled for mid-December, will involve the opening of the remaining three lines. The Riyadh Metro stands out as the world’s longest driverless metro system, with a primary goal of offering an alternative mode of transportation to reduce dependency on vehicles. This initiative aligns with Riyadh's ambition to evolve into a prominent trade and business hub, supporting the Kingdom's economic diversification objectives. In a move towards sustainability, solar panels have been strategically installed at stations and depots, contributing to the generation of 20% of the energy required for crucial electrical systems. This eco-friendly feature underscores the project's commitment to environmental responsibility and energy efficiency, reflecting a broader initiative to promote sustainable practices within the transportation sector.

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Rawabi Holding Group is a global enterprise that follows a deciplined governance framework and distinguishes itself by following market best practices. In an environment that is biased, we tend to rely on credible independent assessments following scientific approach while we showcase our quality. Thank you Simah Rating Agency (Tassnief) for being one of the key pillars of the future of the capital markets in Kingdom. Your rating service does provide our key stakeholders with a professional opinion that is consistent, sound and build based on facts and fundamentals. Thanks to my ("A") team in Treasury who works consistently and tirelessly with our advisors to deliver such quality (Zaid Al Zaid Ahmad Al Sadah Ahmed A. Saad Mazen Alshubbar and Fatima Alzaher). #poweredbypeople #growth #national_champion #maritime #oilfield #innovation #safety #fleetmanagement #smartvessel #hybrid #integrity #theHub #NIDLP #vision2030 #dcm #capitalmarkets #green #carbonoffsets #carboncapture #syndication #loans #bonds #sukuk #social #governance #sustainability #socialresponsibility #creditRating #saA #BondsLoans #BL&S

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UAE & India: Leading Destinations for Saudi Arabia's Non-Oil Exports. Saudi Arabia is making waves in global trade, with the UAE and India emerging as the top destinations for its non-oil exports in September. This marks a significant step forward in the Kingdom's Vision 2030 economic diversification journey, reducing reliance on oil revenues. 🔹 Key Highlights: UAE topped the list, importing SR6.54 billion worth of goods, including mechanical and electrical equipment, transport parts, and chemical products. India followed closely, receiving SR2.35 billion in exports, dominated by chemical products, plastics, and jewelry. China secured third place with imports valued at SR1.73 billion, while Singapore, Turkey, and Belgium were other prominent destinations. 🔹 Vision 2030 in Action: Saudi Arabia’s focus on non-oil exports aligns with its Vision 2030 goals to modernize the economy and expand non-oil sectors, which now contribute 52% of GDP, growing at a robust 20% since Vision 2030's launch. 🔹 Impressive Growth: Non-oil exports surged by 22.8% YoY in September, reaching SR25.95 billion. Exports through sea routes led the way at SR16.52 billion, followed by land and air shipments. 🔹 Global Connectivity: Saudi Arabia’s growing trade partnerships with the UAE, India, and China showcase the Kingdom’s strategic push to strengthen its position in global markets. This milestone is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s ambition and progress under its transformative vision. The future of trade in the Kingdom looks brighter than ever! #Vision2030 #SaudiExports #GlobalTrade #EconomicDiversification #NonOilEconomy #SaudiUAE #SaudiIndia #TradeLeadership

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On the sidelines of the World Future Energy Summit 2024, Masdar announced that it is intensifying its commitment to green hydrogen by establishing a dedicated unit for specialized projects locally, regionally, and globally. This step solidifies Masdar's leading role in renewable and clean energy initiatives worldwide and reinforces Abu Dhabi's prominence in the green hydrogen sector. According to Mr. Mohammad Abdelqader El Ramahi, Chief Green Hydrogen Officer, this period presents an opportune moment for UAE projects, aiming to allocate half of Masdar's targeted production capacity by 2030-2033, equivalent to one million metric tonnes annually. Mr. El Ramahi also highlighted the burgeoning status of the green hydrogen sector as a promising new frontier globally. The World Bank estimates project investments will soar to US$11 trillion by 2050. This is a pivotal step by Masdar, which is looking to expand into the MENA region and Europe. https://lnkd.in/eu3Zx2PU #WFES2024 #Masdar #GreenHydrogen #RenewableEnergy #CleanEnergy #AbuDhabi #Sustainability #ClimateAction #SustainableSolutions #SinnthyaMacek #Sinnthya

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The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) was established by the Dubai Government to enhance the emirate's position as a global hub for commodity trade. Since its inception, DMCC has grown into a dynamic ecosystem that supports innovation, trade, and investment across various industries. DMCC has significantly impacted Dubai's economy by accounting for 15% of all foreign direct investment (FDI) in the emirate, up from 11% last year. Additionally, DMCC contributes 7.0% to Dubai's GDP, which was estimated at Dh430 billion in 2023. This growth highlights DMCC's role in enhancing Dubai's position as a global hub for trade and investment. DMCC attracts foreign investment by offering a dynamic ecosystem that supports innovation, trade, and investment across various industries. It provides world-class infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and business-friendly policies, making it an attractive destination for global businesses looking to establish a presence in Dubai.

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This week on episode 237 of eRENEWABLE and The Green Insider Podcast, our guest is Ms. Hala Ballouz , CEO of Electric Power Engineers. The energy transition is at a pivotal moment in our time, shaping the future of how we generate and consume power. https://lnkd.in/geBQQ-fH https://lnkd.in/gkvfFc4C Spotify https://lnkd.in/gMU-ATTs Ms. Ballouz sheds light on the intricate challenges of grid interconnection and the surging power demands from data centers, AI, and cryptocurrency mining. These factors are putting a significant strain on our power supply, necessitating innovative solutions and robust infrastructure to ensure a successful transition to sustainable energy sources. It’s a dynamic era where innovation and adaptability are key to navigating the energy landscape. CleanTX #datacenters #ai #cryptocurrencymining #crypto #bitcoin

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Understand the potential of #LongevityTech in revolutionizing health and aging, making it an attractive sector for innovative #investments.

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Had a wonderful catch-up with Pankaj Gupta, Director at SMC COMEX INTERNATIONAL DMCC, Executive Director at BNI Deira Dubai, and Director at Corporate Connection. Our discussions always leave me with fresh perspectives, whether it's about the fascinating world of arbitrage trading, exploring the nuances of Dubai's real estate market, or reflecting on work-life balance. We also dove into thought-provoking conversations around ethics—what’s legal vs. ethical and the grey areas in between. Looking forward to more insightful discussions and shared knowledge! #Networking #Leadership #WorkLifeBalance #DubaiRealEstate #ArbitrageTrading #BusinessEthics

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EIU's latest report entitled, The Gulf Co-operation Council’s expanding African footprint, was covered by leading regional paper, Khaleejtimes, https://lnkd.in/dddwQBep. The report examines the industries that GCC investors are watching closely in Africa. Understand the economic and political motives driving investments and the implications of deepening ties between the GCC and African countries. The themes covered in the report include: 📍 The economic trends shaping bilateral trade between the GCC and Africa 📍 Which logistics routes the GCC states aim to secure 📍 How the GCC states plan to target African resources  📍 The benefits that GCC investments will bring to African markets You can download the report using this link: https://bit.ly/3yvVbZ2.

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Alpha Dhabi Holding's strategy is to acquire, grow and elevate its portfolio companies to achieve sustainable growth. A key part of this growth is for the companies to list on Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange. With the successful listing of NPCC the number of subsidiary or associate companies within our portfolio increased to 7. #alphadhabi #abudhabi #adx #markets #investments

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🔝🇸🇦Today, under the esteemed Royal Patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, I extend my best wishes to all participants of the 8th Edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII). With its theme, ‘Infinite Horizons: Investing Today, Shaping Tomorrow,’ this conference promises to inspire transformative discussions on harnessing investment for a sustainable and prosperous future. May FII8 be a successful platform for innovative ideas and impactful collaborations that will push the boundaries of what is possible for humanity. #FII8 #InfiniteHorizons #InvestingInTheFuture

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🔍 Understanding Economic Differences Between the GCC & Africa for Investors 🔸 Market Size 🌐 GCC: Smaller population, high per capita income driven by oil exports.   🌍 Africa: Larger, younger population with increasing consumer demand and untapped market potential. 🔸 Economic Drivers 💼 GCC: Dominated by oil & gas; diversifying into finance, tech, and tourism (e.g., Saudi Vision 2030).   🚜 Africa: Agriculture, natural resources, and fintech are leading sectors with growing focus on infrastructure and manufacturing. 🔸 Investment Climate 💹 GCC: High ease of doing business, developed infrastructure, tax incentives, but market saturation in some sectors.   🔧 Africa: Rising investment in energy, telecoms, and retail, with growth opportunities in emerging markets but infrastructure gaps remain. 🔸 Regulatory Environment 📜 GCC: More streamlined processes with government-driven initiatives to attract FDI.   📈 Africa: Varies greatly between countries; reform is ongoing in some nations but can be bureaucratic. 🔸 Risk Profiles ⚖️ GCC: Generally lower political risk but more exposure to global oil price fluctuations.   🌍 Africa: Political and economic stability is improving in many countries, but risk management is key. 🔸 Growth Potential 🚀 GCC: Stronger in established industries, yet moving towards high-tech and sustainability projects.   🌱 Africa: Frontier markets with rapid urbanization, digitalization, and demographic growth—high potential for long-term gains. #GCC #Africa #EmergingMarkets #InvestmentStrategy #FrontierMarkets #InvestorTips #BusinessLeadership #MarketTrends #ThoughtLeadership #GrowthPotential #GlobalEconomy #FDI #InvestmentOpportunities

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KSA INVESTMENT #STRATEGY; Saudi Arabia plans to #invest $1 trillion in its non-oil economy by 2030, according to a Goldman Sachs report. This "capex super cycle" will allocate 73% of spending to sectors like clean #energy, mining, and #logistics, with clean energy #investments alone #projected to reach $235 billion.

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