GFH Partners Acquires $150 Mln Assets in Saudi Arabia, UAE

Huge towers and real estate assets in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. (Getty Images)
Huge towers and real estate assets in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. (Getty Images)
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GFH Partners Acquires $150 Mln Assets in Saudi Arabia, UAE

Huge towers and real estate assets in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. (Getty Images)
Huge towers and real estate assets in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. (Getty Images)

GFH Partners completed the acquisition of a diversified logistics and industrial portfolio worth $150 million in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

The portfolio comprises income-generating assets and opportunities for real estate development, in the logistics and industrial zones strategically located in Riyadh and Dubai. It encompasses various facilities such as light industrial and cold storage facilities, distribution centers, and warehousing assets. These properties are leased to a mix of international and regional tenants, according to a press release by GFH Partners on Saturday.

The opportunity to invest in Saudi-based logistics is driven by the growth of Saudi Arabia’s non-oil sector GDP which is expected to grow by 5.9% in 2023 and more than 4% in 2023.

Similarly, the UAE’s economy anticipates a 3% growth in 2023 followed by a 4% growth the following year, driven by non-oil sectors as well. The continued strength of Dubai’s position as a logistics hub is driven by continued strong demand for container and trade volumes in the key zones of Jebel Ali, Dubai South, and Dubai Investment Park, the statement read.

Nael Mustafa, Chief Executive Officer of GFH Partners, commented, “We’re pleased to announce the completion of the acquisition of this portfolio of logistics real estate assets in KSA and the UAE. Combining high-quality, income-generating facilities and development opportunities, the acquisition is well-positioned to capture opportunities arising from the current expansion of the GCC logistics sector. Particularly in Saudi Arabia, where the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 is driving the rapid modernization and development of the country’s transportation and logistics industry to diversify its economy and shift its dependency away from the oil industry.”

Mustafa went on to say, “Further to this acquisition, GFH Partners aims to rapidly expand our GCC logistics real estate platform to SAR 1 billion (US$250 million) over the next 12-18 months, building on growth from favorable demographics, positive momentum in capital markets, and government initiatives to bolster their logistics industries, with Saudi Arabia set to become a key global logistics hub.”

Globally, GFH Partners has successfully acquired more than 50 logistics assets in six countries across three continents.

GFH Partners is focused on expanding GFH Financial Group’s global asset management capabilities in the real estate sector and currently manages more than $6 billion of real estate assets as part of the total $18 billion of assets and funds managed by the Group.

In recent years, GFH Partners has transacted over $4 billion in the logistics real estate sector, with units leased to credit-rated tenants, including Amazon, FedEx, DHL, General Mills, and Michelin, among others.



Saudi Arabia Boosts Food Security

An agricultural farm in Saudi Arabia (SPA)
An agricultural farm in Saudi Arabia (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Boosts Food Security

An agricultural farm in Saudi Arabia (SPA)
An agricultural farm in Saudi Arabia (SPA)

Saudi Arabia is accelerating efforts to strengthen food security, a strategic objective rooted in the Kingdom’s founding and shaped by its desert geography and limited water resources.

As part of its Vision 2030, the Kingdom has placed food security among its top priorities, implementing a national strategy to boost local production and promote long-term agricultural sustainability.

The agricultural sector’s contribution to GDP rose to SAR114 billion ($30.4 billion) in 2024, up from SAR109 billion ($29 billion) the previous year, according to the latest Vision 2030 annual report.

Government support, particularly through the Agricultural Development Fund, has fueled the sector’s growth. Agricultural loans increased by 54% between 2018 and 2024, reaching SAR5 billion ($1.33 billion).

Saudi Arabia has achieved higher self-sufficiency rates across several key products. Domestic production in 2024 included 2.95 million tons of fruit, 3.38 million tons of vegetables, 1.83 million tons of grains, 399,000 tons of eggs, 2.7 million tons of milk, 274,000 tons of red meat, 1.15 million tons of poultry, 217,000 tons of fish, and 8,500 tons of honey.

Aquaculture has seen significant growth, with fish production rising from 40,000 tons in 2016 to over 246,000 tons in 2024, driven by investments in sustainable technologies and marine projects. Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as an emerging regional hub for aquaculture.

The Kingdom’s progress reflects its long-term commitment to food security, supported by initiatives to enhance supply chains, stimulate private sector investment, and advance research and innovation in modern farming technologies. Authorities say the achievements so far signal Saudi Arabia’s ability to continue advancing toward self-sufficiency in a more resilient and sustainable agricultural environment.