Dubai, UAE — UAE developer Arada has launched Arada Capital, a funds management platform targeting $5 billion in assets under management within four years as it seeks to expand institutional investment in Gulf real estate and infrastructure.
The platform, based in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), has received in-principle approval from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) and is seeking final regulatory approval to operate as a fund manager, the company said on Monday.
Once licensed, Arada Capital will provide institutional and qualified investors with access to Arada’s development pipeline as well as wider real estate investment opportunities across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with plans to expand into selected international markets.
The company said the new platform would initially focus on real estate investments before broadening into infrastructure and other private market assets.
Arada Capital will be chaired by Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal, Arada’s executive vice chairman, and will be overseen by an independent board.
Moustafa Fahour has been appointed chief executive officer and managing director of the platform. Fahour previously held senior roles at UBS, Citigroup, Macquarie Group and CIMIC Group, and most recently served as chief operating officer of Plenary Middle East.
He will oversee the establishment and expansion of the business, with an initial emphasis on GCC real estate investments before widening the platform’s investment strategy.
Arada said the platform would launch with investment opportunities linked to its existing developments and strategic partnerships, with plans to expand across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other regional markets. Further details on its investment funds will be announced at a later date.
Founded in 2017, Arada has launched 11 projects in the UAE and has since expanded into the United Kingdom and Australia. The developer said it has a project pipeline valued at AED130 billion ($35.4 billion), comprising about 55,000 residential units across the three markets.
