Raising Capital from the Middle East? Here is Where To Start.

The allure of the golden sands extends beyond the picturesque desert dunes to the lucrative investment landscape of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Nestled between the pristine waters of the Arabian Gulf ?? and the vast desert expanses ???, the UAE is a nation where tradition intertwines with modernity, creating a vibrant economic canvas brimming with opportunities.

The UAE has evolved into a global financial hub ??, with its skyscrapers housing numerous multinational corporations and its marketplaces bustling with entrepreneurs from across the globe. Here's a glimpse into the nation’s rich investment milieu:

• Global Financial Nexus: The robust regulatory frameworks and strategic geographic location serve as a magnet for global investors, making the UAE a financial nexus between the East and the West ??.
• Diverse Investment Landscape: The country’s investment ecosystem is as diverse as its cultural tapestry, offering a myriad of opportunities for High-Networth Individuals (HNWIs) and Family Offices.
• Innovation Meets Tradition: A culture of innovation thrives alongside a deep-rooted respect for traditional business practices, echoing in the investment predilections of HNWIs and Family Offices in the UAE ??.

Within this economic oasis, a culture of innovation thrives alongside a deep-rooted respect for traditional business practices. The investment predilections of HNWIs and Family Offices in the UAE echo this synthesis, embodying a balanced blend of conventional asset classes and contemporary, growth-oriented sectors.

Spotlight on Obediah Ayton, the UAE's bridge between the East and the West ??:

As you delve deeper into the investment corridors of the UAE, you may cross paths with notable figures like Obediah Ayton, a British entrepreneur and the Director of Dhabi Hold Co, who has etched a significant mark in the UAE’s investment domain. Ayton’s ventures span diverse sectors including fintech, wealth management, agriculture, and software, reflecting the broad spectrum of investment avenues in the UAE.

As someone who transitioned from the UK to the heart of the Middle East's burgeoning financial epicenter, Obediah Ayton’s journey epitomizes the fusion of Western expertise with the Middle Eastern entrepreneurial spirit that's characteristic of the UAE's vibrant economic landscape.

The Past and the Present

Obediah's initial ventures included an accounting firm and a media company, before branching into food and beverage management. Today, he spearheads a holding company dedicated to investing in start-ups. With over 80,000 followers on LinkedIn, Ayton generously shares his insights on the UAE investment landscape, offering tips for budding entrepreneurs and elucidating the intricacies of ruling families, local family offices, and groups in the region.

Check out the video below about some of his tips on setting up a company and raising capital from the Emirates:

Within this economic oasis, a culture of innovation thrives alongside a deep-rooted respect for traditional business practices. The investment predilections of Private and Institutional Investors in the UAE echo this synthesis, embodying a balanced blend of conventional asset classes and contemporary, growth-oriented sectors like the following:

1. Strategic Asset, Fund, and Wealth Management ??:

Family Offices and HNWIs prioritize strategic asset allocation aiming for wealth preservation. Private equity is a focal point with 83% of Family Offices in the Middle East investing in it. Equities, investment, and mutual funds constitute a notable portion of the investment portfolio.

2. Real Estate Investments ??:

The allure of real estate investments in the UAE has long been recognized by Family Offices and global investors alike. Particularly, the cosmopolitan hubs of Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer a blend of residential, commercial, and hospitality real estate opportunities. The following points delve into the thriving real estate scene in the UAE:

1. Property Diversity ????: The UAE boasts a diverse range of real estate assets from luxurious residential properties and high-rise office spaces to sprawling retail complexes and hospitality establishments.
2. Foreign Ownership Encouragement ??: The introduction of freehold ownership laws in certain areas has significantly attracted foreign investors, simplifying the process of owning property in the UAE.
3. Investment in Iconic Projects ??: Family Offices often invest in iconic projects such as the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and Yas Island which are not only architectural marvels but also promising investment avenues.
4. Robust Regulatory Framework ??: The UAE has a well-established regulatory framework that protects the interests of investors and promotes transparency in real estate transactions.
5. Yield-Generating Assets ??: Compared to other global cities, properties in the UAE often offer attractive rental yields, making it an appealing destination for real estate investment.
6. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) ??: The emergence of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) has provided investors with a way to invest in real estate without the necessity of physical ownership, further broadening the investment spectrum.
7. Sustainable Developments ??: The focus on sustainable and smart developments like Masdar City in Abu Dhabi aligns with the global trend towards eco-friendly real estate investments.
8. Government Initiatives ???: Government initiatives like the Expo 2020 in Dubai are driving infrastructure development and real estate demand, presenting ample investment opportunities.
9. Real Estate Technology Adoption ???: The adoption of Proptech (Property Technology) in the UAE real estate sector is enhancing operational efficiencies and attracting tech-savvy investors.
10. Market Resilience and Recovery ??: The UAE real estate market has shown resilience in the face of global economic challenges, and proactive measures by the government often help maintain market stability and investor confidence.

Ready to venture into a real estate journey in the heart of the Middle East? The UAE, with its diversified property offerings, friendly regulations, and innovative projects, opens up a realm of enticing investment opportunities for both local and international investors. As the country paces forward towards a sustainable and technologically advanced real estate landscape, the potential for rewarding investments and capital growth only amplifies. This vibrant market not only promises a lucrative venture but also an opportunity to be part of the UAE's dynamic and forward-thinking urban narrative.

3. Sustainable and Technological Investments ????:

91% of younger investors already allocate to Islamic investment strategies, and 88% plan to increase their allocations to sustainable assets.

81% of younger investors consider sustainability factors in their investment decisions, and 74% see new business opportunities in sustainable sectors in the region.

79% of younger Middle East investors see significant opportunities in the digital and tech sectors.

4. Infrastructure and Renewable Energy ??:

The commitment to sustainability is echoed in investments in infrastructure projects and renewable energy sectors.

5. Tourism, Hospitality, and Lifestyle Ventures ??:

In H1-2023, HNWIs, Family Offices, and specialist hotel-focused investors accounted for 70% of the transaction volume in hotel investments.

6. Financial Services and Venture Capital ????:

The evolving financial services landscape provides a fertile ground for venture capital investments, particularly in technology, as indicated by the active engagement of Family Offices in venture capital over the last four years.

Summary

The investment milieu in the UAE unfolds a meticulous blend of traditional financial instruments, contemporary sectoral endeavors, and a progressive approach toward sustainability and technological innovation. The outlined statistics accentuate a sophisticated and diversified investment narrative that aligns with the broader economic aspirations of the region.

Dubai's Women in Tech: Spotlight on Anastasia Lit

Anastasia Lit stands as a notable Tech figure in Dubai, melding a solid foundation in finance with a keen understanding of emerging technologies. With over 15 years of experience in investor relations, business development, and project management, Anastasia's trajectory is one of continuous evolution and meaningful contributions to the tech sector. Her expertise, refined through dual master's degrees in finance and international trade, finds its expression in the realms of DeepTech, FinTech, and Investment Management.

Serving as the Head of Investor Relations at TechPharus and SpaceTech in Gulf, Anastasia navigates the intricate dialogues between the investor community, media, and the pioneering DeepTech sector. Through diligent market research and consulting, she ensures a stream of accurate and insightful information to investors, partners, and stakeholders, fostering informed decision-making.

Her endeavor into the FinTech arena has seen her supporting innovative startups, leveraging her marketing acumen to enhance their journey. Beyond the corporate sphere, Anastasia's narrative reflects a commitment to societal and planetary betterment.

?? Anastasia's Insights on AI in Life Sciences and the Longevity Industry:

During her presentation at the 2023 National Pharma Congress Winter Webinar, Anastasia elucidated the transformative potential of AI in life sciences. Here are some key takeaways from her discourse:

• ?? Medical and Diagnostic Imaging: Anastasia highlighted the role of AI in unveiling patterns through advanced intelligence-gathering in medical imaging, facilitating more precise and timely diagnoses.
• ??? Telemedicine and Wearable Biotech: The acceleration in telemedicine and wearable biotech development, spurred by the pandemic, stands as a testament to AI's potential in remote patient monitoring and care delivery.
• ?? Drug Discovery: AI's capabilities in expediting drug discovery by analyzing chemical compound datasets were underscored, with a mention of UK-based startup Receptor.AI’s innovative approach in blending AI with precision medicine.
• ??? Challenges and Ethical Considerations: Anastasia acknowledged challenges like privacy concerns and potential job displacement, underscoring the necessity for ethical development and implementation.
• ?? Longevity Industry in the Middle East: Anastasia's focus extends to the burgeoning Longevity Industry in the Middle East, hinting at a future where AI, coupled with intelligent analytics and automated diagnostics, could make healthcare more accessible and affordable.

Anastasia Lit's venture embodies the promise of what the fusion of tech, finance, and a passion for societal betterment can achieve in Dubai's tech ecosystem.

In subsequent spotlights, we will explore Anastasia’s endeavors and how her efforts are reshaping the investment and technological landscape in the Middle East.

?? Stay tuned for more spotlights on influential figures in the tech and investment domains of the Middle East.

Dive deeper into the innovative ventures spearheaded by Anastasia Lit by visiting SpaceTech Gulf and Techpharus, and explore the cutting-edge projects they are engaged in.

#WomenInTech #DubaiTechScene #InvestorRelations #DeepTech #FinTech #AIInHealthcare #LongevityIndustry

Post by?Lachezar Zanev?(Luke), Ambassador at THE INTEGRITY FILM FINANCE FUND & De Bacci Capital

Join Lachezar (Luke) Zanev's Startups & Investors Discord server called Venture Network here:?https://discord.gg/4yzsFfnJjQ

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