Page 69 - INVESTOPIA ENGLISH PR REPORT FEBRUARY - MARCH 2025

Toufic Kreidieh confirmed that his company’s choice of the UAE was due to the strong
infrastructure it provides, flexible legislation that supports entrepreneurship, and a stimulating
environment for the growth of emerging companies. He pointed out that artificial intelligence
is not a substitute for humans but rather accelerates the pace of growth and creates new
opportunities in the business world, adding that concepts such as “sustainability” have become
pivotal in the world of unicorns. He added that his group was able to achieve rapid growth
starting from the Emirates and expanding in the GCC, with the ambition to spread globally and
add new economic value.

Innovative strategies for managing risk and investing opportunities in emerging
markets

In a session titled “What’s New in Private Equity Investments? Strategies, Opportunities and
Risks”, Khalil Charles Massoud, Chief Investment Officer at Alpha Dhabi Holding; Jad
Eloun, Head of the Middle East at Brookfield; Rishi Kapoor, Vice Chairman and Chief
Investment Officer at Investcorp; and May Nasrallah, CEO of PJT deNovo participated.

During the discussion, the speakers reviewed recent developments in the private equity sector,
strategies for adapting to current market conditions, and the impact of geopolitical and
economic shifts on investments. They discussed the latest trends in the private equity sector
with a focus on sustainable investing and the role of technology in enhancing efficiency and
profitability. Participants also stressed the importance of environmental, social and governance
(ESG) standards, the importance of diversifying investment portfolios and improving risk
management in companies.

In this context, Khalil Masoud said that economies need more foreign investment and work to
attract more liquidity to ensure the sustainability of national economies, while Rishi Kapoor
said: “The UAE economy is characterized by continuous diversification, driven by a noticeable
growth in the small and medium-sized enterprises sector, a pioneering legislative environment
and a global infrastructure that has contributed to transforming the UAE into a regional
business hub in the Gulf region, and one of the most important markets in the world for
establishing businesses.”

May Nasrallah said: “The Middle East is one of the most important regions in the world
economically as it has succeeded in attracting considerable investments over the past 20 years,
especially with the Gulf region transforming into a major economic power represented by many
vital economic markets, the most important of which is the UAE.” Jad Alwan pointed out
during the session that developing the process of exiting companies begins first with the
strength of the company and its assets.

Investment Prospects and Opportunities in Africa

Yet another session titled "Unlocking Investment Opportunities in Africa" witnessed the
participation of Her Excellency Manuela Santos, Minister of Industry and Investment
Promotion of the Republic of Togo; and Her Excellency Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of
Industry, Trade and Investment of Nigeria, exploring strategic investment opportunities and
economic growth prospects in Africa, highlighting national priorities, sectoral opportunities
and policy frameworks that can enhance trade and investment flows across the continent, and
focusing on how governments can facilitate private sector participation, address regulatory
challenges and drive sustainable development in Africa.