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- Mubadala $385bn; Qatar LNG Restart; G42 Expansion
Mubadala $385bn; Qatar LNG Restart; G42 Expansion
Friday, April 10, 2026
Happy Friday everyone!
Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala grew assets under management 17% to $385bn in 2025, deploying a record $39bn with a strong tilt toward private markets, reinforcing its global investment strategy. In energy, Qatar is mobilising engineers to restart production at Ras Laffan, the world’s largest LNG facility, though output recovery hinges on safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi-based G42 is pressing ahead with its five-gigawatt AI data centre campus, targeting 200 megawatts online this year, despite regional instability and infrastructure disruptions.
In the wake of developments in the region, we hope everyone stays safe. At this critical moment, it is essential to remain united and follow guidance issued by official authorities from your country.
Markets
EGX30 | 48,968.54 | 0.77% |
DFMGI | 5,693.71 | -1.45% |
ADX | 9,836.37 | -0.33% |
Tadawul | 11,318.66 | -0.18% |
Mubadala assets under management rise 17% to $385bn
What Is It About?
Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund Mubadala grew assets under management by 17% to $385bn in 2025, cementing its position as the world’s 15th largest SWF. The fund deployed a record $39bn, with 42% allocated to private investments, while generating $38bn in proceeds and a 10.7% five-year annualised return.
Why It Matters?
The scale of deployment highlights Abu Dhabi’s aggressive push into global growth sectors, from technology to infrastructure. With 44% of assets in North America and only 24% in the UAE, Mubadala is doubling down on international diversification while still anchoring strategic domestic bets like G42 and major banks.
What’s Next?
With volatility still shaping markets, Mubadala’s focus on disciplined capital allocation signals continued large-scale deployments. Watch for deeper exposure to private markets, tech, and energy, as sovereign funds increasingly compete globally for high-quality assets.
Qatar Moves to Restart LNG Output as Fragile Ceasefire Reopens Hormuz
What Is It About?
Qatar is mobilising engineers to restart production at Ras Laffan, the world’s largest LNG export facility, after a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran. Parts of the plant remain under maintenance, with limited output potentially resuming within days. However, full recovery depends on safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, where disruptions persist.
Why It Matters?
The facility has been offline since early March, after attacks wiped out 17% of Qatar’s LNG capacity, triggering a global supply crunch. Any restart could ease pressure on European gas prices, which have already fallen nearly 20%, and stabilise energy markets shaken by weeks of conflict.
What’s Next?
The ceasefire remains fragile, with conflicting positions on Hormuz access. Analysts say sustained LNG output hinges on uninterrupted shipping flows. Any renewed escalation could delay recovery timelines and keep global energy markets on edge.
G42 Pushes Ahead With AI Expansion Despite War Risks
What Is It About?
Abu Dhabi-based G42 is continuing its global AI expansion despite regional conflict, sticking to plans for a five-gigawatt data centre campus in the UAE. The company aims to bring its first 200 megawatts online this year, maintaining momentum even after infrastructure disruptions across the region.
Why It Matters?
The project sits at the centre of the UAE’s ambition to become a global AI powerhouse, hosting firms like OpenAI and backed by partnerships with Microsoft. Ongoing conflict has raised concerns over data centre security, especially after reported disruptions to regional infrastructure, forcing investors to reassess geopolitical risk.
What’s Next?
While G42 insists its strategy is unchanged, analysts expect potential delays and higher costs as security becomes a priority. The pace of expansion will depend on stability in the region and continued confidence from US tech partners and global investors.
👨💻From Smashi Business’ Desk
Dubai-based Independent Food Company is hiring across roles including marketing, content and hospitality.
In a striking move that defies industry trends, Alsayegh Worldwide has made a bold commitment to its workforce. Leadership vows there will be no salary reductions and no job losses through 2026.
Saudi Research & Media Group (SRMG) is rewriting the rules of media in MENA.
Semafor is doubling down on the Gulf. The Semafor is expanding to a five-day publishing schedule, scaling hiring, and growing its events business as global attention on the region surges.
Telegram founder and UAE citizen Pavel Durov said Iran’s ban on the platform has led to widespread VPN usage rather than adoption of state-backed messaging apps.
🔍In other news…
HH Sheikh Mohammed visits Primark store at Dubai Mall
Saudi’s $100 billion electronics fund removes CEO, drops chip ambitions
Israel killed more than 1700 people in Lebanon, and Fadi Ghandour, the Aramex billionaire, condemned it
Hours after the United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire, an executive from one of Abu Dhabi's funds booked the first return flight to the UAE capital, while another said they are planning to return over the weekend: Bloomberg
Qatari Diar investing over $800m to build hotels in Egypt
🦄 World of Startups
Egypt’s Lucky Raises USD 23M Series B. Its Consumer Credit Model is Expanding Into North Africa
“We Got Funded!” Maison Safqa Raises US$620,000 in Pre-Seed Funding to Expand Luxury Flash-Sale Platform Across GCC
Via Separations, US-based deeptech startup, raised $36M in funding from Aramco Ventures (Saudi), and other global investors.
