The Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement inked between the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will come into effect today (March 21).

 

The agreement reflects the strong and growing ties between Bahrain and Hong Kong, particularly in the financial, economic, and investment sectors. 

 

It aims to create new and sustainable opportunities for cooperation and joint initiatives while reinforcing both sides’ commitment to expanding investment prospects that support economic growth and prosperity, reported BNA.

 

Nawaf Hashem Al Sadeh, Assistant Undersecretary for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Finance and National Economy, emphasised Bahrain’s commitment to fostering international partnerships to attract foreign direct investment, encourage joint ventures, and create high-value opportunities for citizens. 

 

The ministry, he stated, actively facilitates investment agreements, with nearly 40 agreements signed to date, ensuring safeguards for investors, the free movement of capital, and the transfer of profits and returns in freely convertible currencies between the contracting states.

 

Al Sadeh further highlighted that these agreements provide guarantees, including fair and prompt compensation for investors in cases of expropriation for the public interest, in accordance with established legal procedures. 

 

They also outline mechanisms for dispute resolution between investors and the contracting states, as well as between the states themselves, thereby reinforcing investor confidence and ensuring a secure and stable investment environment.-TradeArabia News Service

In 2024, the Middle East’s mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market demonstrated remarkable resilience and confidence, driving strategic investments in sectors such as AI, renewable energy and infrastructure, according to a report by PwC Middle East. 

 

According to the report, the region’s dealmaking landscape was driven by a growing emphasis on innovation and sustainability across various sectors.  

 

Despite global headwinds, Middle East deals volumes experienced a modest decline of only 4% - from 493 deals in 2023 to 475 in 2024 - significantly outperforming the global market’s decline of 17% and showcasing the region’s resilience in M&A activity. 

 

Large-scale transactions in Artificial Intelligence (AI), renewable energy and infrastructure have fueled the region’s M&A momentum and are expected to continue driving dealmaking, stated PwC Middle East in its latest TransAct Middle East report, titled, "Bold moves: Big bets, bigger growth," highlighting key M&A in the Middle East in 2024. 

 

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt have accelerated initiatives to attract private sector investment.

Sovereign wealth funds and corporations are actively expanding their global footprint, positioning themselves for an even bigger push in 2025.

 

In the Middle East, there was a slight uptick in private equity (PE) deal volumes with inbound deals playing a significant role in PE activity, totalling 108 transactions.

 

While only one regional deal exceeding $1 billion was recorded in 2023, 2024 saw five such deals, with the largest reaching $3.6 billion highlighting growing investor confidence in the region, it added.

 

Romil Radia, Deals Markets Leader, PwC Middle East, said: "In 2024, the Middle East’s M&A market demonstrated remarkable resilience and confidence, driving strategic investments in sectors such as AI, renewable energy and infrastructure."

 

"The region saw a notable rise in large-ticket deals, reflecting the bold ambitions of investors to accelerate regional diversification, bringing in new capabilities and strategic expertise to strengthen key industries and help develop the newer sectors," noted Radia.

 

"Sovereign wealth funds and Middle East corporates are actively expanding their global footprint, positioning themselves for an even bigger push in 2025," he added.

 

Key themes arose within the regional M&A market in 2024 with examples such as:

 

*Technology and AI drives business reinvention: Bayanat AI’s $1.5 billion acquisition of Al Yah Satellite Communication has reinforced its leadership in advanced technology. Moreover, Qatar’s Ooredoo secured $550 million to expand AI and data centre infrastructure, further strengthening the region’s digital transformation.

 

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s ‘Project Transcendence,’ a $100 billion AI investment initiative, underscores the country’s long-term commitment to deep tech and innovation.

 

*Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) continue to shape homegrown economic growth: SWFs continue to prioritise investments in local businesses, industries and projects, where dealmaking will likely increase in sectors critical to the region’s long-term economic goals. 

 

This could lead to a greater number of domestic deals as companies look to align with national priorities and regulatory frameworks that support local development.

 

*Green energy transitions drive new investment strategies: Masdar’s $2.7 billion acquisition of Greece’s Terna Energy highlights the Middle East’s leadership in renewable energy, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.

 

Increasing private participation aids diversification: Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector now sees 53% of investments coming from the private sector, reflecting the country’s push toward economic diversification. 

 

Meanwhile, Egypt’s historic $35 billion ADQ-led investment deal marks a significant step in its privatisation efforts, attracting foreign capital and fostering private sector growth across key industries.

 

According to PwC report, the global private equity market saw a surge in large-scale transactions, with the number of deals valued over $1 billion rising from 430 in 2023 to over 500 in 2024, driving an 11% rise in average deal sizes. 

 

This reflects the global trend of increased asset supply expected to come to the market, driven by the increasing pressure on PE players to exit mature portfolio company investments. In the Middle East, there was a slight uptick in PE deal volumes with inbound deals playing a significant role in PE activity, totalling 108 transactions. 

 

Additionally, while only one regional deal exceeding $1bn was recorded in 2023, 2024 saw five such deals, with the largest reaching $3.6bn highlighting growing investor confidence in the region, it stated.

 

The Middle East's M&A landscape is expected to continue its expansion, with over 50% of regional CEOs planning acquisitions within the next three years. 

 

AI, digital transformation, and sustainability are expected to drive dealmaking, while Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt accelerate privatisation to attract private sector investment. Additionally, cross-border M&A and rising foreign investment are expected to reshape the market, further solidifying the region’s position as a global economic hub, he added.

 

The continued creation of new sectors and sustained investment in high-growth areas should provide globally-minded corporations with compelling incentives to invest in the region. These factors will empower dealmakers to unlock significant growth opportunities in 2025 and beyond.-TradeArabia News Service

Global Partners Limited, a DFSA-regulated institutional fund manager specialising in alternative investments, has signed up Dubai Contracting Company (DCC) for its premium project - Eden House The Park, featuring one- to four-bedroom apartments and penthouses set within a vibrant, walkable environment along the Dubai Water Canal. 

 

Designed to inspire connection and a balanced lifestyle, Eden House The Park features lush green spaces, top-tier wellness facilities, and a refined, contemporary living experience, said the statement from Global Partners Limited.

 

This is its second project under Global Partners Property Fund I (GPPFI).

 

With enabling works now completed at the project site, DCC will lead the delivery of construction on Eden House The Park, which is expected to be delivered in 2027, it stated. 

 

Global Partners had closed its first property fund in January 2023 after raising $212 million, with 35% originating from North America, 37% from Europe, and 27% from UAE. 

 

The fund’s two projects - Eden House The Canal and Eden House The Park - are setting new standards in upmarket luxury developments at the heart of Dubai, stated the key fund manager.

 

Meanwhile, the group’s second fund - Global Partners Property Fund II - will develop a mixed-use community in the second phase of Dubai Healthcare City in Al Jaddaf.

 

Martin Linder, Managing Partner and CEO at Global Partners, said: "The appointment of DCC is a further step for us at Global Partners in our ongoing mission to introduce exceptional developments that emphasize build quality, lifestyle, and long-term value."

 

"This marks a significant milestone for us, with one of the best-in-class contractors in the region taking the lead on Eden House The Park alongside our development partners, H&H Development," he stated.

 

Dubai Contracting Company CEO Abdallah Yabroudi said: "Dubai’s property investment landscape is achieving

unprecedented levels of sophistication, and we are honoured to have played a key role in extending this evolution across the region for over 63 years."

 

"We are confident that our partnership on Eden House The Park with Global Partners will further elevate the quality of lifestyle experiences in one of Dubai’s most sought-after neighbourhoods on Dubai Water Canal," he noted.

 

DCC has a distinguished track record, contributing to some of Dubai’s iconic landmarks, including Four Seasons Beach Resort and Business Hotel, Four Seasons Residences on the Dubai Canal, Rolex Tower and City Tower 1, remarked Yabroudi. 

 

"DCC has earned its reputation as a leader in Dubai's rapidly evolving real estate landscape. Its expertise and commitment to excellence will be integral to the success of Eden House The Park," he added.-TradeArabia News Service