BlackRock Eyes AI Boom After Abu Dhabi Approval

As a seasoned crypto investor with over two decades of experience in the global financial markets, I find BlackRock’s expansion into Abu Dhabi as a strategic move that aligns with the industry’s trajectory. Having witnessed the evolution of technology and finance, I can attest to the UAE’s growing appeal as a hub for innovation and sustainable growth.


BlackRock, a significant player in global investments, has been granted a business permit to function within Abu Dhabi, thereby enhancing its influence in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). With an impressive portfolio of managing $11.4 trillion in assets and recent ventures into Bitcoin Spot ETFs, BlackRock continues to expand its global reach.

Granted on November 18 was an important milestone, signifying a leap forward for the globe’s leading asset manager, who are now poised to join forces with the United Arab Emirates’ wealth managers, sovereign wealth funds, and investment organizations.

As an analyst, I’d rephrase it this way: I observed that Charles Hatami, the head of BlackRock in the Middle East, emphasized the international allure of Abu Dhabi as a financial hub. He pointed out the strategic role of its forward-thinking government policies and their dedication to fostering sustainable growth.

As an analyst, I find it noteworthy that while the UAE is recognized as a thriving cryptocurrency hub, BlackRock’s strategic focus lies more on establishing AI infrastructure and private market investments. This perspective mirrors the growing emphasis on artificial intelligence in Abu Dhabi, a trend that has successfully drawn tech titans like Microsoft to its shores.

This year, I made a significant investment of $1.6 billion into G42, an AI powerhouse based in Abu Dhabi. Additionally, I declared my intentions to set up two AI innovation hubs right here in this dynamic city.

Beyond their recently acquired license, BlackRock is also seeking approval for operations within the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), a well-known global financial center that houses top crypto companies such as Blockdaemon and Laser Digital.

Following BlackRock’s wider plan for the Middle East, this development occurs. The organization has recently designated Mohammad AlFahim as its UAE leader and moved Ben Powell, their Chief Investment Strategist for the Middle East & APAC region, to this part of the world. Additionally, BlackRock is establishing a regional base in Saudi Arabia with a $5 billion platform funded by the Saudi Public Investment Fund serving as its foundation.

At the Riyadh’s Future Investment Initiative, CEO Larry Fink highlighted that a massive influx of capital in the trillions is vital worldwide for advancing digitalization, reducing carbon emissions, and reconstructing infrastructure – these are the major trends influencing BlackRock’s strategic focus in the region.

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2024-11-18 15:32