President of Dubai Royal Family Holding in Portugal looking for investment opportunities
“We are in the process of setting up our new company, Aquila, which will be headquartered in Porto,” said the president of the MBM group, `holding` the investment of the Dubai royal family, in a written response to Lusa.
This is also a time for the emirate’s royal family member to meet with his business partner Carla Maia, he said.
“We are also setting up an office in Dubai to support growth and investment opportunities that we are exploring,” added the sheikh.
Asked if he is looking for new investments in Portugal, Mohammed bin Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum replied that “yes”.
Portugal “is a country and a stimulating market and some interesting opportunities”, he added, emphasizing that he hopes to bring in business in which he has been investing around the world.
And in what areas? “While we generally don’t focus on a specific one, we have a number of exciting projects, including but not limited to green technology, healthcare technology and residential, commercial and industrial real estate opportunities.”
On whether he will visit Portuguese companies during this business mission, Sheikh Mohammed bin Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum confirmed, stressing that this is the “main reason” for the visit, stressing that he has a “very busy schedule”.
Asked in which sectors, the president of the MBM highlighted health, transport, fashion and textiles, “just to name a few”.
As for the meeting with government representatives, the sheikh declined to comment.
Dubai is considered an important `hub` for Portugal and the country intends to strengthen ties between the two regions.
On what he thinks of this, the official said: “I believe that there is enormous potential for Portuguese companies in the United Arab Emirates and the Middle East.”
Furthermore, “Portugal is a country known for its great quality. We created Aquila with the aim of supporting Portuguese companies in their path of expansion in our market”, he pointed out.
When asked whether he considers the Portuguese market to be attractive for investments from Dubai, Mohammed bin Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum was peremptory: “Yes, absolutely, we hope that this trip will be the first of many”.
And as to whether the MBM group can invest in Portugal in the medium term, the president guaranteed that “this is the intention”, for which reason he will study them as opportunities.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum starts today a visit to Portugal on a business mission, which runs until 9 December.
Established in 2006, the MBM group is a Dubai-based royal family office and an investment holding company with activities in investments, strategic consultancy and social and community development, according to information on its website.
Education, logistics, health, sports consultancy, tourism and real estate are some of MBM’s sectorial businesses.
ALU // EA