Abu Dhabi wealth fund L'imad Holding has proposed acquiring minority shares in AD Ports, one of the city's major shipping operators. The offer values the port operator at $8.66 billion (31.8 billion dirhams). This move comes as the Emirates consider reversing its recent strategy of increasing strategic ownership stakes in public markets. By purchasing these minority positions, L'imad aims to gain greater influence over the port sector while maintaining current operational independence. The transaction represents a significant valuation shift for the organization and could signal a broader change in UAE sovereign wealth management approaches toward private equity investments in critical infrastructure. Analysts are watching closely to determine if this marks a permanent shift away from public listing strategies toward direct private ownership models.

The proposal involves L'imad Holding negotiating with stakeholders to acquire minority ownership in AD Ports. Valued at nearly $9 billion, the deal would give the fund substantial control without fully taking over operations. This aligns with the fund's history of investing in strategic assets across the region. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi continues to explore opportunities to list more assets publicly, though this deal suggests a different direction toward holding private stakes.