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Gulf SWFs Build their EV Empires

2nd April, 2024

The Gulf region’s sovereign wealth funds have pursued very different strategies towards the rise of electric vehicles.

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Going Electric: Gulf SWFs Boost Capital in Luxury Carmakers

26th March, 2024

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Bahrain’s Mumtalakat have stumped up more money in their automotive interests in return for equity as they support plans for growth in a challenging market.

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PIF Forges Bahrain Alliance, While Qatar’s QIA Explores Central Asia

5th March, 2024

Gulf states have tended to use soft power to gain geopolitical influence via economic and cultural relations, particularly in the MENA and Central Asian regions. The cold war within the GCC has subsided with a deal between Doha and a Saudi-led alliance over Qatar’s alleged closeness to the Muslim Brotherhood. Yet, rivalries are still heated and they are vying for regional influence and at a time of heightened geopolitical sensitivities, with this week seeing Saudi Arabia cement its ties with Bahrain via their sovereign funds while Qatar's QIA is deepening its exposure to Uzbekistan.

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Abu Dhabi and Bahrain Sovereign Funds Pledge Billions in Strategic Bilateral Deals

20th July, 2023

Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds are fond of multi-billion-dollar bilateral agreements and this week was no exception with Bahrain’s Mumtalakat party to a US$1.3 billion pledge to invest in the UK economy while the UAE’s ADQ has promised to stump up US$11.5 billion to support the Turkish economy.

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Mumtalakat Extends Control of Carmaker McLaren as PIF Sells

22nd June, 2023

Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund Mumtalakat has consolidated its hold on British carmaker McLaren by buying stakes from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Ares Management for GBP400 million (US$510 million).

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PIF Accelerates its Automotive Drive with Aston Martin Deal

15th July, 2022

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is continuing its drive in the luxury vehicle markets, becoming the second-largest shareholder in Aston Martin Lagonda.

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Most English Fans Feel Negative About SWFs, but Newcastle and Man City Reap Rewards

30th March, 2022

Most English football fans advocate an independent regulator with the power to ban ownership by sovereign wealth funds or individuals linked with foreign governments, according to a survey of 10,500 supporters of Premier League clubs by The Mail on Sunday newspaper.

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Mumtalakat Renews Itself to Boost Bahrain's Economic Diversification

21st March, 2022

Bahrain’s US$18 billion Mumtalakat has undergone a makeover and organizational shake-up, separating assets into portfolios with very different objectives.

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Abu Dhabi's SWFs Strengthen Ties with UAE Allies Bahrain and Egypt

15th December, 2021

Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth funds strengthened ties with regional peers as the Emirate’s government cements economic ties with its allies.

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SWFs Cement Intra-GCC Economic Ties, But Qatar Is Left On A Limb

12th November, 2021

An agreement signed this week between Bahrain’s Mumtalakat and Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala to create a joint investment fund for both countries marks the latest development in intra-GCC economic ties.

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Mumtalakat Set to Double Contributions to Bahrain Budget

2nd March, 2021

In common with other oil-producing Gulf states, Bahrain is facing a financial crunch with a forecast deficit of BHD1.2 billion (US$3.2 billion) this year, following a 5.4% slump in GDP last year.

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