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.



China Seeks to Bolster Ports and Aviation Hubs in Western Regions

The city skyline is reflected in a pool left on the dry riverbed of the receding Jialing river, a tributary of the Yangtze, that is approaching record-low water levels during a regional drought in Chongqing, China, August 20, 2022.  (Reuters)
The city skyline is reflected in a pool left on the dry riverbed of the receding Jialing river, a tributary of the Yangtze, that is approaching record-low water levels during a regional drought in Chongqing, China, August 20, 2022. (Reuters)
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China Seeks to Bolster Ports and Aviation Hubs in Western Regions

The city skyline is reflected in a pool left on the dry riverbed of the receding Jialing river, a tributary of the Yangtze, that is approaching record-low water levels during a regional drought in Chongqing, China, August 20, 2022.  (Reuters)
The city skyline is reflected in a pool left on the dry riverbed of the receding Jialing river, a tributary of the Yangtze, that is approaching record-low water levels during a regional drought in Chongqing, China, August 20, 2022. (Reuters)

China said on Sunday it would launch 15 measures to bolster the development of its western provinces with the construction of logistical infrastructure such as ports and aviation hubs.

The General Administration of Customs said the measures would enhance the integration of rail, air, river and sea links in China's west, state media reported.

The measures are to include enhancing international aviation hubs in cities including Chengdu, Chongqing, Kunming, Xi'an and Urumqi, while developing comprehensive bonded zones, and integrating these with ports and other transport links.

A number of ports would also be built and expanded.

China has long sought to bolster the economic heft of its western regions, which have markedly lagged coastal provinces.

China's western regions comprise around two-thirds of the country's land area and include regions such as Sichuan, Chongqing, Yunnan, Xinjiang and Tibet.

China's Politburo last year called for a "new urbanization" of western China to revitalize rural areas, expand poverty alleviation efforts and strengthen energy resources. Efforts have also been made to increase linkages to Europe and South Asia through trade corridors including rail freight routes.