Abu Dhabi has appointed the board of L’Imad Holding Co., a newly minted investment vehicle that came into the spotlight after aligning with major Gulf wealth funds to back Paramount Skydance Corp. in its high-stakes tussle for Warner Bros. Discovery Inc.
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, will chair the board, according to a statement. Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi has been appointed managing director and chief executive officer.
L’Imad adds another heavyweight to Abu Dhabi’s sovereign investment ecosystem, which oversees about $1.8 trillion in assets through vehicles including Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Mubadala Investment Co. and ADQ.
L’Imad plans to build a diversified portfolio spanning priority sectors in the UAE and aboard, including infrastructure and real estate, financial services and asset management, advanced industries and technologies, urban mobility and smart cities, according to the statement. Last year, the firm agreed to acquire a controlling stake in Modon Holding PSC, a UAE-listed property developer.
The sovereign investor emerged on the global radar last year when it joined Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and the Qatar Investment Authority to help bankroll Paramount’s $108.4 billion bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, a contest that continues as Netflix remains in the race for the Hollywood studio owner.
L’Imad’s other board members include Mubadala Group CEO Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak and Deputy CEO Waleed Al Mokarrab Al Muhairi, alongside Ahmed Mubarak bin Nawi Al Mazrouei, Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Saif Saeed Ghobash and Kamal Ishaq Almaazmi.
📌 Why it matters: L’Imad’s emergence signals Abu Dhabi’s intent to expand its influence in global investment arenas, joining other sovereign giants in high-profile international deals and showcasing the emirate’s growing strategic reach.
📌 Bottom line: With a heavyweight board and ambitious investment targets, L’Imad positions Abu Dhabi to play a more prominent role in sectors ranging from real estate and infrastructure to advanced technologies, while continuing to participate in marquee global transactions.
Read more: Gulf Wealth-Backed Paramount Bid Hits Hurdle as Warner Bros. Tilts to Netflix
