Sheikh Khaled Appointed Chairman of Abu Dhabi Sovereign Fund

Abu Dhabi has taken a decisive step in shaping its long-term investment strategy by appointing Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as Chairman of the newly established sovereign wealth fund L’imad. The move highlights the emirate’s commitment to economic diversification, sustainable growth, and strengthening its position as a global investment powerhouse.

The announcement reinforces Abu Dhabi’s forward-looking approach to sovereign investment management and signals that L’imad will play a central role in supporting the emirate’s evolving economic priorities at both regional and international levels.

Sheikh Khaled’s Appointment and Leadership Role

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has been named Chairman of L’imad’s Board of Directors. His appointment places him at the helm of Abu Dhabi’s latest sovereign investment platform, underscoring the leadership’s confidence in the fund’s strategic importance.

The Supreme Council for Financial and Economic Affairs issued the resolution formally establishing the fund’s board and confirming Sheikh Khaled’s role as chairman. Under his guidance, L’imad is expected to align closely with Abu Dhabi’s long-term economic agenda, focusing on resilience, innovation, and global competitiveness.

Sheikh Khaled’s leadership is widely seen as a signal that L’imad will operate with strong governance, clear strategic direction, and a mandate to pursue high-impact investment opportunities.

What Is L’imad?

L’imad is a newly created sovereign investment platform wholly owned by the Abu Dhabi government. The fund has been established to complement the emirate’s existing sovereign wealth ecosystem while expanding its capacity to deploy capital in targeted growth areas.

Core Mandate of L’imad

L’imad’s mandate focuses on three primary objectives:

• Supporting sustainable economic growth

• Diversifying government revenue streams

• Generating optimal long-term investment returns

By pursuing these goals, L’imad aims to enhance Abu Dhabi’s economic resilience while contributing to national development priorities.

Board Composition and Governance Strength

In addition to Sheikh Khaled’s appointment as chairman, L’imad’s board includes a distinguished group of senior government officials and experienced investment leaders:

• Jassem Al Zaabi – Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

• Khaldoon Al Mubarak – Board Member

• Ahmed Mubarak bin Nawi Al Mazrouei

• Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa

• Saif Saeed Ghobash

• Waleed Al Muhairi

• Kamal Ishaq Almaazmi

This board composition brings together deep expertise in finance, public policy, and global investment, ensuring robust oversight and strategic decision-making.

Strategic Investment Priorities

L’imad plans to pursue a diversified investment strategy that supports both Abu Dhabi’s domestic priorities and global opportunities. The fund will focus on sectors that generate long-term value and align with future economic trends.

Infrastructure and Real Estate

L’imad will invest in critical infrastructure and property projects that enhance economic competitiveness, urban development, and long-term asset value. These investments are expected to support sustainable city growth and infrastructure resilience.

Financial Services and Asset Management

The fund will play a role in strengthening financial ecosystems by investing in asset management platforms, financial services innovation, and capital market development.

Advanced Industries and Technology

Recognising the importance of innovation, L’imad will target advanced industries such as:

• Technology and digital transformation

• Advanced manufacturing

• Innovation-driven enterprises

These investments aim to position Abu Dhabi at the forefront of next-generation industries.

Urban Mobility and Smart Cities

L’imad will also invest in future-ready infrastructure that integrates smart mobility, digital services, and sustainable urban planning, supporting Abu Dhabi’s ambition to develop world-class smart cities.

Supporting Abu Dhabi’s Broader Economic Vision

The launch of L’imad aligns closely with Abu Dhabi’s long-term economic strategies, which emphasise diversification, innovation, and sustainable development.

Abu Dhabi already operates some of the world’s most influential sovereign investment institutions, including:

• Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA)

• Mubadala Investment Company

L’imad adds depth to this ecosystem by providing a focused platform for strategic investments that complement existing portfolios and address emerging opportunities.

Early Global Investment Activity

Although L’imad is a newly established fund, it has already been linked to several high-profile investment activities.

Reports indicate that the fund has:

• Acquired a significant stake in Modon Holding from International Holding Company (IHC)

• Joined a consortium of Gulf sovereign funds exploring a bid for Warner Bros. Discovery

These early moves demonstrate L’imad’s ambition to participate in major global transactions and collaborate with leading international partners.

Why the Appointment Matters

The establishment of L’imad and the appointment of Sheikh Khaled as chairman carry significant implications for Abu Dhabi’s economic future.

Key Signals From the Decision

• Strong commitment to economic diversification

• Continued leadership in global sovereign investment

• Emphasis on robust governance and strategic oversight

• Expansion of Abu Dhabi’s international investment footprint

As sovereign wealth funds increasingly influence global capital flows, L’imad positions Abu Dhabi to remain at the forefront of long-term investment strategy.

Role of Sovereign Wealth Funds in Global Markets

Sovereign wealth funds play a crucial role in shaping global investment trends. They provide patient capital, support large-scale infrastructure projects, and stabilise economies during periods of volatility.

By launching L’imad, Abu Dhabi:

• Enhances its ability to deploy strategic capital

• Strengthens partnerships with global investors

• Supports innovation-led economic growth

This approach aligns with global best practices in sovereign investment management.

Long-Term Outlook for L’imad

Looking ahead, analysts expect L’imad to grow into a major player within Abu Dhabi’s investment architecture. Its focus on future-oriented sectors and sustainable returns positions it well to contribute meaningfully to long-term prosperity.

Key expectations include:

• Increased cross-border investment activity

• Strong alignment with national development goals

• Expanded public-private partnerships

• Greater integration into global value chains

Conclusion: A Strategic Step Toward Future Growth

Abu Dhabi’s appointment of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as Chairman of L’imad marks a significant milestone in the emirate’s economic journey. By establishing a new sovereign wealth fund with a clear mandate, strong leadership, and diversified investment focus, Abu Dhabi reinforces its commitment to sustainable growth and global economic leadership.

As L’imad evolves, it is poised to become a key pillar of Abu Dhabi’s investment strategy—driving innovation, attracting capital, and supporting long-term economic resilience in an increasingly competitive global landscape.