The new ADGM licensed activity serves as a testament to the firm’s commitment to playing an active role in the region's economic future. Photo: Arcapita
The new ADGM licensed activity serves as a testament to the firm’s commitment to playing an active role in the region's economic future. Photo: Arcapita
The new ADGM licensed activity serves as a testament to the firm’s commitment to playing an active role in the region's economic future. Photo: Arcapita
The new ADGM licensed activity serves as a testament to the firm’s commitment to playing an active role in the region's economic future. Photo: Arcapita

Arcapita expands regional footprint with ADGM licence and Abu Dhabi office



Arcapita Group Holdings Limited, a global leader in alternative investments, has announced its licence to operate from ADGM and the opening of its new office in Abu Dhabi.

The launch of Arcapita Investment Management Limited is part of Arcapita’s strategic expansion in the region. Stephane Brown, group chief operating officer, has been appointed as senior executive officer. This significant milestone further solidifies Arcapita's commitment to the UAE market and strengthens its position as a key player in the country's private equity and real estate investment landscape.

Arcapita has established a strong track record in the UAE, with more than $1.3 billion in total transaction value across its various investments. The company is one of the largest investors in industrial real estate in the UAE, with approximately $500 million in industrial real estate assets under management, and around $650 million in private equity across various sectors.

This expansion allows Arcapita to be closer to its clients, prospective investors, and business partners, thereby enhancing its ability to deliver on its investment strategies in the UAE.

Arcapita’s long-standing presence in the UAE is underscored by its successful investments across diverse sectors. The recent investment in NEOPAY, a rapidly growing payment solutions provider, follows the acquisition of The DataFlow Group, a leading provider of primary source verification. These investments reflect Arcapita’s focus on the country’s developing fintech sector as well as essential business services, underscoring the company's commitment to a balanced investment strategy within private equity.

The establishment of Arcapita’s Abu Dhabi office comes in response to the UAE’s growing role as a global financial hub and its continued economic diversification under Vision 2031, which focuses on fostering private sector growth, infrastructure development and financial innovation - areas where Arcapita has a proven track record and can bring its expertise to bear.

Hisham Al Raee, chief executive of Arcapita, said opens an office in Abu Dhabi was a pivotal step in the company's journey.

"The UAE is a strategic market with immense potential, and our growing presence here is a testament to our commitment to harnessing the incredible growth opportunities it has to offer," he said. "By establishing a stronger foothold in the region, we’re positioning ourselves to deliver more value to our clients and to tap into a dynamic market that aligns with our vision. The addition of our Abu Dhabi office, alongside our Riyadh office, signifies our dedication to being a proactive and engaged partner in the region.”

Stephane Brown, senior executive officer at Arcapita Investment Management Limited and chief operating officer at Arcapita, added: “The UAE continues to evolve as a global economic leader, and establishing a regulated presence in Abu Dhabi enhances our ability to further strengthen relationships with investors and partners across the region.

"We are excited to be able to contribute to the UAE’s vision of economic diversification and are confident that our Abu Dhabi presence will play a critical role in identifying and executing strategic transactions in one of the most dynamic economies in the world.”

Arvind Ramamurthy, chief market development officer at ADGM, said: “We are delighted to welcome Arcapita to ADGM’s thriving community. Their presence underscores ADGM’s role as a preferred destination for leading global investment firms looking to expand in the region.

"Arcapita’s expertise in private equity and real estate investments complements ADGM’s commitment to fostering a dynamic, innovative, and collaborative ecosystem. We look forward to supporting their growth and contributions to the UAE’s financial and economic landscape."

With its proven history of successful investments and deep-rooted involvement in the UAE, Arcapita is well-positioned to contribute to the country’s continued growth and development. The new ADGM licenced activity serves as a testament to the firm’s commitment to playing an active role in the region's economic future.

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  • 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
  • 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250 

Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution

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Desert Warrior

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5

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What is blockchain?

Blockchain is a form of distributed ledger technology, a digital system in which data is recorded across multiple places at the same time. Unlike traditional databases, DLTs have no central administrator or centralised data storage. They are transparent because the data is visible and, because they are automatically replicated and impossible to be tampered with, they are secure.

The main difference between blockchain and other forms of DLT is the way data is stored as ‘blocks’ – new transactions are added to the existing ‘chain’ of past transactions, hence the name ‘blockchain’. It is impossible to delete or modify information on the chain due to the replication of blocks across various locations.

Blockchain is mostly associated with cryptocurrency Bitcoin. Due to the inability to tamper with transactions, advocates say this makes the currency more secure and safer than traditional systems. It is maintained by a network of people referred to as ‘miners’, who receive rewards for solving complex mathematical equations that enable transactions to go through.

However, one of the major problems that has come to light has been the presence of illicit material buried in the Bitcoin blockchain, linking it to the dark web.

Other blockchain platforms can offer things like smart contracts, which are automatically implemented when specific conditions from all interested parties are reached, cutting the time involved and the risk of mistakes. Another use could be storing medical records, as patients can be confident their information cannot be changed. The technology can also be used in supply chains, voting and has the potential to used for storing property records.

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Company Fact Box

Company name/date started: Abwaab Technologies / September 2019

Founders: Hamdi Tabbaa, co-founder and CEO. Hussein Alsarabi, co-founder and CTO

Based: Amman, Jordan

Sector: Education Technology

Size (employees/revenue): Total team size: 65. Full-time employees: 25. Revenue undisclosed

Stage: early-stage startup 

Investors: Adam Tech Ventures, Endure Capital, Equitrust, the World Bank-backed Innovative Startups SMEs Fund, a London investment fund, a number of former and current executives from Uber and Netflix, among others.

The five pillars of Islam

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What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE

Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.

BIOSAFETY LABS SECURITY LEVELS

Biosafety Level 1

The lowest safety level. These labs work with viruses that are minimal risk to humans.

Hand washing is required on entry and exit and potentially infectious material decontaminated with bleach before thrown away.

Must have a lock. Access limited. Lab does not need to be isolated from other buildings.

Used as teaching spaces.

Study microorganisms such as Staphylococcus which causes food poisoning.

Biosafety Level 2

These labs deal with pathogens that can be harmful to people and the environment such as Hepatitis, HIV and salmonella.

Working in Level 2 requires special training in handling pathogenic agents.

Extra safety and security precautions are taken in addition to those at Level 1

Biosafety Level 3

These labs contain material that can be lethal if inhaled. This includes SARS coronavirus, MERS, and yellow fever.

Significant extra precautions are taken with staff given specific immunisations when dealing with certain diseases.

Infectious material is examined in a biological safety cabinet.

Personnel must wear protective gowns that must be discarded or decontaminated after use.

Strict safety and handling procedures are in place. There must be double entrances to the building and they must contain self-closing doors to reduce risk of pathogen aerosols escaping.

Windows must be sealed. Air from must be filtered before it can be recirculated.

Biosafety Level 4

The highest level for biosafety precautions. Scientist work with highly dangerous diseases that have no vaccine or cure.

All material must be decontaminated.

Personnel must wear a positive pressure suit for protection. On leaving the lab this must pass through decontamination shower before they have a personal shower.

Entry is severely restricted to trained and authorised personnel. All entries are recorded.

Entrance must be via airlocks.

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No more lice

Defining head lice

Pediculus humanus capitis are tiny wingless insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. The adult head louse is up to 3mm long, has six legs, and is tan to greyish-white in colour. The female lives up to four weeks and, once mature, can lay up to 10 eggs per day. These tiny nits firmly attach to the base of the hair shaft, get incubated by body heat and hatch in eight days or so.

Identifying lice

Lice can be identified by itching or a tickling sensation of something moving within the hair. One can confirm that a person has lice by looking closely through the hair and scalp for nits, nymphs or lice. Head lice are most frequently located behind the ears and near the neckline.

Treating lice at home

Head lice must be treated as soon as they are spotted. Start by checking everyone in the family for them, then follow these steps. Remove and wash all clothing and bedding with hot water. Apply medicine according to the label instructions. If some live lice are still found eight to 12 hours after treatment, but are moving more slowly than before, do not re-treat. Comb dead and remaining live lice out of the hair using a fine-toothed comb.
After the initial treatment, check for, comb and remove nits and lice from hair every two to three days. Soak combs and brushes in hot water for 10 minutes.Vacuum the floor and furniture, particularly where the infested person sat or lay.

Courtesy Dr Vishal Rajmal Mehta, specialist paediatrics, RAK Hospital

Updated: February 05, 2025, 8:35 AM