
The Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD) is a significant player in the emirate's economy. It was established in 2006 as a strategic investment arm of the government of Dubai.
ICD's operations and investments are focused on supporting the growth of Dubai's economy. The corporation has a strong track record of investing in various sectors, including energy, real estate, and financial services.
ICD has a significant presence in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), which is a major financial hub in the region. The corporation has invested in several companies operating in the DIFC, including banks and financial institutions.
ICD's investments have helped to drive the growth of Dubai's economy, creating jobs and stimulating economic activity.
Business Operations
The Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD) has a strong focus on business operations, ensuring that its investments are well-managed and profitable.
ICD has a diverse portfolio of over 30 companies across various sectors, including finance, energy, and real estate.
ICD's business operations are led by a team of experienced professionals who have a deep understanding of the local and global markets.
The corporation's headquarters is located in Dubai, which provides a strategic location for its business operations.
ICD's business operations are guided by a clear vision and strategy, which is focused on long-term growth and profitability.
ICD has a strong track record of delivering returns on investment, with a history of successful partnerships and joint ventures.
Dubai and HQ
The headquarters of Investment Corporation of Dubai is pivotal to the Emirate's economic strategy. It oversees a vast portfolio of assets crucial to Dubai's development, global competitiveness, and economic diversification.
Investment Corporation of Dubai has made 14 investments, with their latest investment being in NEOM as part of their Line of Credit on April 28, 2024. This highlights the corporation's active role in shaping Dubai's economic landscape.
ICD's primary management functions are centralized at its Dubai headquarters. This centralization allows for efficient decision-making and coordination across its global operations.
ICD's subsidiary and affiliated companies have operations spanning sectors such as finance, transportation, energy, real estate, hospitality, and retail worldwide. This reflects ICD's international investment strategy and its commitment to diversifying Dubai's economy.
Investment Activities
ICD has made significant investments in various sectors, including real estate, with the acquisition of Porto Montenegro Marina and Resort in 2016.
In 2017, ICD listed a $200 million Sukuk on NASDAQ Dubai, its second conventional bond listing following the $300 million bond listing in 2014.
The corporation has also expanded its portfolio through strategic acquisitions, such as acquiring ISS Global Forwarding and making DAE a wholly-owned subsidiary in 2019.
ICD has divested some of its stakes in companies, including selling its controlling stake in South Korean construction firm Ssangyong Engineering and Construction in 2022, and selling aswaaq to GMG in 2023.
Investment Activities
ICD has been involved in various mergers and acquisitions, forming Emirates National Bank of Dubai (ENBD) in 2007 through the merger of EBI and NBD, with a market capitalisation of over $11.3 Billion.
In 2010, dnata acquired Alpha Flight Catering Group, an in-flight caterer in the United Kingdom. This acquisition marked a significant expansion of dnata's catering services in the region.
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In 2013, ENBD acquired the Egyptian business of French bank BNP Paribas for $500 million, while dnata also obtained a controlling stake in Servair Airchef, an in-flight catering provider in Italy.
Some notable acquisitions include:
- Porto Montenegro Marina and Resort (2016)
- ALEC Engineering and Contracting Limited (2017)
- ISS Global Forwarding (2018)
- Ssangyong Engineering & Construction (2015)
- South Korean construction firm Ssangyong Engineering and Construction (2022)
ICD has also been involved in various divestitures, including the sale of its controlling stake in South Korean construction firm Ssangyong Engineering and Construction in 2022 and the sale of aswaaq to GMG in January 2023.
ICD holds stakes in financial institutions operating within the UAE, including Emirates NBD, Commercial Bank of Dubai, Dubai Islamic Bank, and National Bonds Corporation.
Transportation & Related Services (28%)
Dubai's economy is heavily reliant on the aviation industry, which is evident in the significant contribution of the Transportation & Related Services sector to the city's investment activities, accounting for 28% of the total.
The Emirates Airline is a major player in this sector, providing air transportation services to millions of passengers every year.
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Dnata, an airport services provider, plays a crucial role in supporting the aviation industry by offering services such as ground handling and catering.
Flydubai, a low-cost carrier, has become a popular choice for travelers seeking affordable air travel options.
Dubai Aerospace Engineering (DAE) is another key entity in this sector, specializing in aircraft leasing and management services.
Portfolio Exits
Investment Corporation of Dubai has a notable track record of portfolio exits. Their latest exit was Corporacion America Italia on May 29, 2025.
In 2025, they acquired Corporacion America Italia for $XXM, with Corporacion America Airports being the acquirer. This deal was a significant one, marking a major milestone in their investment activities.
Here are the details of their portfolio exits:
Investment Corporation of Dubai has a history of strategic exits, with their 2022 exit being a notable example.
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Partners and Customers

Investment Corporation of Dubai has a few notable partners and customers.
Their most recent partnership was with Valor Hospitality Partners and Accor on April 15, 2025, which involves a six-hotel cluster in Deira Waterfront. This partnership is a great example of how global expertise can be combined with local market insights.
Valor Hospitality Partners has been a partner of Investment Corporation of Dubai since January 1, 2022, and has also been involved in the recent partnership with Accor.
Investment Corporation of Dubai has also partnered with Mubadala, a company based in the United Arab Emirates, on June 3, 2013.
Here are the details of their partnerships:
Email Formats and Examples
When sending emails to Investment Corporation of Dubai, it's essential to use the correct email format.
Common patterns for governmental and large corporate entities in the UAE, like ICD, often include formats such as first initial followed by last name.
The exact email format for ICD is not publicly disclosed for security and privacy reasons.
However, a common format is [first_initial][last_name]@icd.gov.ae, for example, [email protected].
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Partners and Team
Investment Corporation of Dubai has a small but experienced team, with only 2 members mentioned in the article.
The company's Chief Investment Officer is Francois Cohas, who brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role.
Investment Corporation of Dubai's team is led by Francois Cohas, who is responsible for making key investment decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns the Investment Corporation of Dubai?
The Investment Corporation of Dubai is owned by the Government of Dubai. It is a wholly-owned entity, meaning the Government has complete control and ownership.
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