Date: 27 May, 2025
Location: Dubai - UAE
The Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID) held its second Board of Directors meeting for the year 2025, along with meetings of its specialized committees, on May 23–24 at the AAAID’s headquarters in Dubai. The meetings were chaired by H.E. Dr. Obaid Saif Hamad Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Board, and attended by board members as well as the heads and members of the relevant committees.
The meetings addressed key strategic issues related to AAAID’s investment performance and operations. The Board reviewed the minutes and recommendations of the Investment Committee, the Audit and Risk Committee, and the Executive Committee, in addition to assessing the status of previous decisions and their implementation progress. The sessions concluded with the approval of a set of strategic decisions and recommendations aligned with the Authority’s financial and investment directions.
These meetings reflect AAAID’s ongoing commitment to enhancing investment efficiency and updating its strategies to align with global economic developments, with the ultimate goal of strengthening food security across its member states.
As part of its resolutions, the Board approved the launch of the first phase of its strategic asset allocation plan and authorized the subscription to a convertible bond issuance in support of one of its portfolio companies. It also ratified the terms for bringing in a strategic partner into one of AAAID’s subsidiaries. Additionally, the Board adopted recommendations concerning the divestment from several underperforming companies and discussed the status of its investments in the Republic of Sudan.
The Board further endorsed recommendations from the Executive Committee aimed at enhancing the efficiency of investment decision-making. These included the adoption of a credit rating roadmap for AAAID and the formal integration of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards into its future investment strategy.
Members also reviewed the Audit and Risk Committee’s report, which highlighted progress in strengthening internal control systems and refining risk management methodologies.
H.E. Dr. Obaid Saif Al Zaabi commended the efforts undertaken to establish new standards that raise the efficiency of AAAID’s investment operations and deliver sustainable returns that directly contribute to Arab food security. He emphasized the importance of continuing to implement joint projects that maximize investment impact and create added value for partners, while staying firmly committed to principles of sustainability, transparency, and alignment with global best practices—particularly those related to ESG standards.
He reiterated the Authority’s dedication to proactively identifying and evaluating investment opportunities with tangible positive impacts on food security, ultimately supporting sustainable agricultural development across its member states.
