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ADQ Chief Joins Lunate; Saudi Stocks Surge; Dubai Rebrands Awaan to Dubai+
Friday, January 30, 2026
Happy Friday everyone!
Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth ecosystem is in flux after the head of ADQ stepped down to join fast-growing alternatives manager Lunate, underscoring the emirate’s ambition to cement itself as a global financial hub. In Riyadh, Saudi stocks are enjoying their strongest month in five years as foreign-investment rules loosen and commodity prices climb, potentially unlocking billions in new inflows. Meanwhile in Dubai, authorities have approved the launch of Dubai+, a family-focused digital streaming platform designed to bolster the emirate’s creative economy and digital media ambitions.
Markets
EGX 30 | 47,821.99 | 0.66% |
DFMGI | 6,465.67 | 0.303% |
ADX | 10,355.31 | 0.887% |
Tadawul | 11,381.83 | 0.99% |
Dubai Approves Launch Of Dubai+ To Strengthen Its Global Digital Media Ambitions
What’s it About?
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has approved the launch of Dubai+, a new family-focused digital media platform offering local, Arab and international films and series. The announcement came during the Dubai Media Council’s first 2026 meeting, which reviewed strategies to boost content creation, innovation and production, positioning Dubai Media at the heart of the emirate’s expanding digital and creative ecosystem.
Why it Matters?
Officials said Dubai+ reflects shifting viewing habits and reinforces Dubai’s ambition to be a global hub for digital media and the creative economy. Sheikh Ahmed described media as a strategic force shaping awareness and development, while stressing innovation, skills building and partnerships. The move complements wider efforts to support film, creative industries and advanced broadcast technologies entering the region for the first time.
What’s Next?
The Council outlined plans to expand local production, support cinema and showcase Emirati and international talent, alongside initiatives such as the UAE–Kuwait Media Celebration and national campaigns by Brand Dubai. Leaders said progress on strategic projects will be closely monitored, with a focus on attracting private investment, accelerating content development, nurturing talent and deploying next-generation production tools to drive long-term sector growth.
Ai Everything Egypt Registration is LIVE - Get Your Pass Now
AI Everything MEA Egypt is the region's largest AI platform, scheduled for 11-12 February 2026 in Cairo. Organized by GITEX GLOBAL alongside Egypt's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the event brings together decision-makers, global corporations, startups, and experts from over 60 countries. With over 200 venture capitalists managing more than $1 trillion in assets expected to attend, this summit positions Egypt as a regional hub for AI innovation, aligning with the country's National AI Strategy 2025-2030 targeting $42.7 billion in AI contribution to GDP by 2030. Get your pass now.
Saudi Stocks Surge To Five-Year High As Market Liberalization Nears
What’s it About?
Saudi Arabia’s main stock index is heading for its strongest month since 2020, buoyed by rising oil and metals prices, a rally in emerging markets and impending changes to foreign-investment rules. The Tadawul All Share Index has gained 9% in January, led by heavyweight stocks including Saudi Aramco, Al Rajhi Bank, Saudi National Bank and Saudi Arabian Mining Co.
Why it Matters?
From Feb. 1, Saudi Arabia plans to ease Qualified Foreign Investor rules, allowing non-residents to invest directly in the market and potentially take majority stakes. JPMorgan and Franklin Templeton estimate the reforms could trigger at least $10 billion in inflows. The rebound follows a weak 2025, when Saudi stocks fell 13%, underscoring how policy shifts and commodity prices are reshaping investor sentiment.
What’s Next?
Analysts expect further foreign inflows if the liberalization proceeds as planned, supported by higher oil prices and stronger emerging-market demand. With the Tadawul trading near its decade-average valuation, attention will turn to whether sector reforms, project recalibrations and improved liquidity can sustain the rally through the rest of the year.
$263B Wealth Fund ADQ Chief is Moving to $115B Alternative Investment Firm Lunate
What’s it About?
The chief executive officer of Abu Dhabi’s $263 billion wealth fund ADQ is stepping down to take a senior role at Lunate, the UAE’s $115 billion alternative investment firm. Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi has been appointed executive chairman and managing partner, where he will oversee dealmaking at one of the region’s fastest-growing asset managers as it aims to more than double assets over the next five years.
Why it Matters?
Lunate is central to Abu Dhabi’s ambitions to become a global financial hub, with investments spanning artificial intelligence, hedge funds and partnerships with Wall Street firms. Alsuwaidi brings experience from rapidly expanding ADQ, whose assets more than doubled under his leadership. Analysts say the move strengthens Lunate’s ability to attract global capital and accelerate growth in an increasingly competitive alternatives market.
What’s Next?
ADQ has yet to name a successor as it continues focusing on domestic economic development and international investments. At Lunate, Alsuwaidi is expected to push fundraising after the firm raised about $17 billion last year and targets more in 2026. The shift comes as Abu Dhabi builds new sector-focused vehicles and expands its sovereign investment network, now approaching $2 trillion in assets.
🦄 World of Startups
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🔍In other news…
LIV Golf Plans to Sell Stakes in Franchises for First Time: Bloomberg
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Syria needs $100B in investment to rebuild tourism sector, minister says
Oil demand to hold through to 2040, says Adnoc CEO
🗓️ Plan Your Events (Jan-Feb 2026)
UAE
26-30 January: Gulfood 2026, Dubai
31 January-February 1: Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (Media Partners)
3-5 February: The World Governments Summit, Dubai.
9-12 February: World Health Expo (WHX), Dubai.
11-12 February: STEP Dubai Conference, Dubai Internet City. (Media Partners)
Saudi Arabia
28-30 January: Jeddah International Travel and Tourism Exhibition (JTTX), Jeddah.
2-4 February: Saudi Media Forum, Riyadh.
2-4 February: Women Leaders Summit and Awards KSA, Riyadh.
8-12 February: World Defense Show, Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, Riyadh.
Egypt
5-7 February: RiseUp Summit, Cairo. (Media Partners)
11-12 February: Ai Everything Egypt (Organized by GITEX Global), Cairo. (Media Partners)
Qatar
1-4 February: Web Summit Qatar, Doha. (Media Partners)
2-5 February: 21st International Conference & Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG2026)
