UAE Firms Dominate Global Merger and Acquisition Activity

The UAE has become the global leader in mergers and acquisitions activity over the past few weeks, with Emirati companies and banks announcing major domestic and cross-border deals spanning artificial intelligence, financial services, energy, and consumer sectors. This surge positions the country as a key player in reshaping international business landscapes across multiple industries.

Historic Banking Deal in Pakistan

International Holding Company (IHC) led the charge with a landmark financial sector acquisition in Pakistan. The company secured an 82.64% stake in the government-owned First Women Bank Limited, headquartered in Karachi, through a successful privatization process.

This marks Pakistan's first bank privatization under government cooperation frameworks. The deal strengthens the growing economic partnership between the UAE and Pakistan, setting a precedent for future cross-border financial investments in the region.

$32 Billion Mega-Merger Creates Investment Giant

IHC announced plans to merge its major subsidiaries - 2 Point Zero, Multiply, and Agthia Holding - into a massive investment entity valued at approximately 120 billion dirhams ($32 billion). The combined entity will rank among Abu Dhabi's largest listed investment companies.

The new entity will be renamed "2 Point Zero Group" and remain listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange. This consolidation creates diverse investment platforms across sectors that form core pillars for future global growth.

Emirates NBD's $3 Billion India Push

Emirates NBD announced its acquisition of a majority stake in RBL Bank through an initial capital injection of nearly $3 billion. This represents the largest foreign direct investment and equity increase in India's banking sector to date.

The deal breaks multiple records in India's financial services sector. It's the largest foreign direct investment ever in Indian financial services, the biggest equity fundraising in Indian banking history, and the largest preferential issue fundraising by any listed Indian company.

AI Infrastructure Alliance Targets $40 Billion Deal

Abu Dhabi-based MGX partnered with the AI Infrastructure Partnership and BlackRock's Global Infrastructure Partners to acquire 100% of Allied Data Centers from Macquarie Asset Management. The total enterprise value reaches approximately $40 billion.

The deal aims to expand next-generation cloud computing and AI infrastructure services. The AI Infrastructure Partnership was established by MGX, BlackRock, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026.

Energy Expansion into Central Asia

Global South Utilities, based in Abu Dhabi, completed its acquisition of a 51% stake in Uzbekistan's Yashil Energia. This marks the company's first investment in Central Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States region.

Yashil Energia develops distributed solar energy projects for commercial and industrial sectors. The company is also expanding into electric vehicle charging and small hydroelectric projects. This acquisition represents the first entry by an Emirati company into renewable energy in CIS countries.

These deals reflect the UAE's strategic positioning as a global investment hub, with Emirati companies actively pursuing opportunities across emerging markets in Asia, particularly in high-growth sectors like AI infrastructure, renewable energy, and financial services.