UAE Undertakes Major Sovereign Wealth Restructuring as Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Assumes Control of $260bn Fund
The Wall Street Journal reported that the United Arab Emirates is undergoing a major restructuring of its sovereign wealth management, marked by the appointment of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, as Chairman of Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund, whose assets are estimated at $260 billion.
Under this move, Sheikh Khaled now oversees strategic assets of critical importance, including Etihad Airways and Abu Dhabi’s nuclear energy company, assets that were previously managed by Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
According to the newspaper, the changes reflect the rapid rise of the Crown Prince’s influence and a relative decline in Sheikh Tahnoun’s role, signaling what observers describe as a redrawing of power centers within Abu Dhabi and a generational transition in the management of sovereign wealth and strategic economic decision-making.
The restructuring also follows a decision by the Abu Dhabi Supreme Council for Financial and Economic Affairs to transfer the assets and investments of Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ) into Al Emad Holding (LIMAD). The move aims to establish a multi-asset sovereign investment platform that supports Abu Dhabi’s sustainable investment strategy and enhances long-term economic growth for both the emirate and the UAE.
This decision aligns with the investment vision of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which seeks to strengthen sovereign wealth funds locally and globally while preserving Abu Dhabi’s long-standing, long-term investment approach spanning more than five decades.
LIMAD will operate with advanced industrial, technological, and operational capabilities, alongside investment platforms across public and private markets, further diversifying Abu Dhabi’s sovereign portfolio management mechanisms.
Chaired by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, LIMAD aims to develop globally competitive investment platforms focused on building national champions in strategic sectors, including energy, real estate development, infrastructure, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, food security, aviation, ports, financial services, banking, and a broad range of industrial and technology sectors.
The company will continue to pursue direct and indirect investments across global financial markets.
A Broad and Diversified Portfolio
LIMAD’s portfolio will include operational, development, industrial, and financial capabilities, spanning assets and investments across 25 core companies and investment platforms and more than 250 subsidiaries.
Key holdings include TAQA in power and water, Modon Properties, Etihad Airways, PureHealth, Etihad Rail, Wio Bank, and Abu Dhabi Ports, alongside international investments such as McLaren and Louis Dreyfus.
Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi, Managing Director and Group CEO, will oversee the global expansion of LIMAD’s investments, both directly and through partnerships with strategic investors in priority sectors.
The Supreme Council for Financial and Economic Affairs will maintain unified oversight of Abu Dhabi’s sovereign investment entities, including the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), Mubadala Investment Company, and LIMAD, as well as ADNOC, reinforcing integration across the emirate’s economic and investment arms.