Apollo to Invest $1.4b in Abu Dhabi Developer Aldar

Apollo to Invest $1.4b in Abu Dhabi Developer Aldar
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Apollo to Invest $1.4b in Abu Dhabi Developer Aldar

Apollo to Invest $1.4b in Abu Dhabi Developer Aldar

Apollo Global Management (APO.N) will invest $1.4 billion in Abu Dhabi developer Aldar Properties (ALDAR.AD), including a land joint venture and an equity investment in the company's real estate unit, the pair said on Monday.

The commitment will be made by Apollo managed funds and clients and include a $500 million investment in a land joint venture and a $100 million common equity investment in Aldar's real estate investment unit, the companies said, Reuters reported.

New York-based Apollo would also invest $800 million in the unit, Aldar Investment Properties, through perpetual subordinated notes and mandatory convertible preferred equity, they said.

The land acquired in the joint venture from Aldar's landbank could later be developed or sold. Apollo will hold a minority stake in the real estate investment unit through the common equity investment,

"Aldar’s ability to attract a long-term partner such as Apollo, underscores the strength of Aldar’s business franchise," Aldar Chief Executive Talal Al Dhiyebi said.

Apollo Chief Executive Marc Rowan said Apollo was "pleased" to serve as a long-term capital partner to Aldar.

The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter. The cash proceeds would be used to fund Aldar's growth plans.

Aldar last week said it planned to spend nearly $1.4 billion of existing capital this year acquiring recurring revenue generating assets such as commercial and residential property.



Saudi Tourism Authority Signs MoU to Boost International Marketing Strategies

Saudi Ministry of Tourism Building (File Photo AAWSAT AR)
Saudi Ministry of Tourism Building (File Photo AAWSAT AR)
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Saudi Tourism Authority Signs MoU to Boost International Marketing Strategies

Saudi Ministry of Tourism Building (File Photo AAWSAT AR)
Saudi Ministry of Tourism Building (File Photo AAWSAT AR)

The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a national marketing services company to strengthen its efforts to reach target audiences in international markets and solidify the Kingdom's standing on the global tourism map.
The MoU encompasses plans to conduct marketing studies for prominent content creators in international markets, SPA reported.

The initiative seeks to enhance STA's database and identify a select group of content creators to engage with during global promotional campaigns in 2025.
This step is part of STA's endeavour to raise awareness of the Kingdom's unique tourist destinations and highlight cultural, heritage, and natural experiences. The authority leverages innovative marketing strategies, focusing on international markets.
The MoU reflects the authority's commitment to developing the tourism sector in Saudi Arabia and achieving the objectives of Vision 2030, which aims to boost the sector's contribution to the GDP and diversify national income sources.