GFH Acquires Dubai-based Logistics Fund

GFH Partners Ltd. has announced a strategic investment in Manrre REIT. Asharq Al-Awsat
GFH Partners Ltd. has announced a strategic investment in Manrre REIT. Asharq Al-Awsat
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GFH Acquires Dubai-based Logistics Fund

GFH Partners Ltd. has announced a strategic investment in Manrre REIT. Asharq Al-Awsat
GFH Partners Ltd. has announced a strategic investment in Manrre REIT. Asharq Al-Awsat

GFH Partners Ltd., the DIFC-based global asset management subsidiary of GFH Financial Group BSC, has announced a strategic investment in Manrre REIT, a premier Dubai-based fund specializing in institutional-grade logistics and industrial assets across the UAE and the GCC region.

Founded in 2018 by Palmon Group FZCO, a leading local logistics developer and owner, Manrre’s portfolio is valued at approximately AED 500 million ($136.1 million). This includes 26 high-quality, diversified industrial and logistics properties primarily in the UAE, establishing Manrre as a leading player in the region’s logistics and industrial real estate landscape.

This investment marks a pivotal milestone for Manrre and its future growth. Following the recent approval from the Dubai Financial Services Authority, GFH Partners has assumed the role of Fund Manager.

This transaction marks a significant milestone with the Fund converted into a Shariah-compliant investment vehicle and aspiring for growth by broadening its investor base and accelerating new acquisitions and projects across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, regions experiencing strong demand in the logistics and industrial sectors.

“Our investment in Manrre is an extension of GFH Partners’ strategy, cantered on collaboration with leading specialist asset managers operating in attractive segments of the global real estate market,” said CEO of GFH Partners Nael Mustafa.

“Already a major investor in logistics and industrial assets in the US, UK, and GCC region, we are well-positioned to leverage our deep experience to help accelerate Manrre’s growth and further build upon its unique market position,” he said.

“With a new structure and strengthened foundations, we look forward to capturing opportunities from strong macroeconomic drivers contributing to the growth of the logistics and industrial sectors across key markets in the GCC,” Mustafa added.

Kunal Lahori, Director of Manrre REIT Logistics Fund, also commented on the collaboration.

“This investment marks a pivotal moment for Manrre. We have consistently aimed to redefine the logistics and industrial real estate market in the UAE and beyond. With GFH Partners on board, we are well-positioned to expand our specialist asset class and further elevate Manrre’s market presence,” Lahori said.



Gold Hits Three-week Peak on Softer Dollar and Safe Haven Inflows

Gold bullion displayed in a store in the German city of Pforzheim (dpa)
Gold bullion displayed in a store in the German city of Pforzheim (dpa)
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Gold Hits Three-week Peak on Softer Dollar and Safe Haven Inflows

Gold bullion displayed in a store in the German city of Pforzheim (dpa)
Gold bullion displayed in a store in the German city of Pforzheim (dpa)

Gold prices touched their highest level in three weeks on Friday supported by a softer dollar and safe-haven buying, while markets braced for potential economic and interest rate changes from US President-elect Donald Trump's proposed policies.

Spot gold was little changed at $2,658.11 per ounce, as of 1115 GMT, hitting its highest level since Dec. 13. Bullion is up about 1.5% for the week so far.

US gold futures were steady at $2,672.20.

The dollar index fell 0.3% from over a two-year high hit in the previous session, making dollar-priced bullion more affordable for holders of other currencies, Reuters reported.

"Gold bulls are setting the tone early doors this year, enjoying the lift from safe haven bids while riskier equities struggle to hold on to nascent gains," said Exinity Group Chief Market Analyst Han Tan.

On the geopolitical front, in Gaza Israeli airstrikes killed at least 68 Palestinians, Gaza authorities said. While, Russia launched a drone strike on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv on Wednesday, city officials said.

Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20 has heightened uncertainty, with his proposed tariffs and protectionist policies expected by many economists to be inflationary and potentially spark trade wars.

"Markets are aware that Trump's policies risk reawakening US inflationary impulses, which should be a boon for gold so long as markets adhere to the precious metal’s role as an inflation hedge," Tan added.

Bullion, which is considered a hedge against economic and geopolitical uncertainties, tends to thrive in lower interest rate environment.

After delivering three consecutive interest rate cuts in 2024, the US central bank now projects only two reductions in 2025 due to due to stubbornly high inflation.

Spot silver rose 0.6% to $29.75 per ounce.

"Lower real US yields and stronger global industrial production should favor the metal in 2025," UBS said in a note, adding that they see silver to trade between $36-38/oz in 2025.

Platinum added 0.8% to $930.09, and palladium gained 1.2% to $922.58. Both metals were on track for weekly gains.