SALT Voices: May Nasrallah | Founder & Executive Chairman, deNovo Corporate Advisors

TL;DR

The UAE offers investment opportunities that are often overlooked due to lack of information and misconceptions about risks, but international investors are beginning to recognize the potential.

Transcript

this isn't Asha de Sousa reporting for salt voices and I'm here at the inaugural salt Abu Dhabi with Mei Nasrallah the executive chairman of de novo corporate advisors based in Dubai welcome to south of 11:00 good to have you with us thank you now you understand a panel order earlier today talking about exciting investment opportunities that are ac... Read More

Key Insights

• 🔠 The UAE not only attracts foreign capital but also offers its own investment opportunities.
• 🖤 Misconceptions and lack of information have hindered recognition of these opportunities, but this is changing.
• 🤗 The government's efforts to open up the region and improve legal status and corporate governance are attracting international investors.
• ❓ Technology is a major growth area in the UAE, with the region becoming a hub for startups.
• 🫢 Sectors like oil and gas and finance offer potential investment opportunities.
• 😵 The presence of organizations like Salt Voices showcases Abu Dhabi's role as a cross-border discussion hub.
• ❓ The government's welcoming attitude and efforts to create opportunities benefit the region's investment ecosystem.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are some of the challenges in recognizing investment opportunities in the UAE?

One challenge is the lack of perfect information spread between the UAE and international investors. Additionally, the region has had a politically-charged image, which creates concerns about risks. However, this perception is changing as the government opens up and allows foreign investments.

Q: Are international investors more aware and better able to analyze UAE investment opportunities now?

While historically regional investors have had a better understanding, international investors are starting to take notice. The decline in asset values and company expectations has made these opportunities more attractive, leading to a rise in cross-border transactions.

Q: How does the presence of organizations like Salt Voices benefit Abu Dhabi and the UAE?

The presence of organizations like Salt Voices, along with international investors and opportunities they bring, showcases Abu Dhabi as a hub for cross-border discussions. The welcoming attitude of the government organizations like Mubadala and ADGM helps attract investments and exchange of ideas.

Q: What are some investment classes that investors should pay more attention to in the UAE?

Oil and gas, particularly with the potential IPO of Aramco, can be an interesting asset class. The financial sector offers opportunities through consolidations and other developments. Additionally, technology is a rapidly growing sector in the region, attracting entrepreneurs and creating potential for international buyouts.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The UAE is known for attracting capital from all over the world, but it also presents interesting investment opportunities within its own ecosystem.

• Historically, regional investors have been more aware of and better able to analyze these opportunities, but international investors are increasingly showing interest.

• The region is opening up, with government institutions allowing foreign investments and collaborations with global firms.

• The UAE is becoming a hub for technology startups, and sectors like oil and gas and finance are also ripe for investment.