Abu Dhabi’s ADIA said to review property strategy

The fund has also invested more in private equity investments, which have outperformed during the pandemic, the people said. (Shutterstock)
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Updated 14 June 2021
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Abu Dhabi’s ADIA said to review property strategy

  • ADIA may consider cutting its exposure to some troubled sectors, the sources said

RIYADH: The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), one of the world’s biggest property investors, is considering changes to its real estate strategy after some of its major holdings suffered during the pandemic, Bloomberg reported citing people with knowledge of the matter.
ADIA may consider cutting its exposure to some troubled sectors, the people said, asking not to be identified.
The state-owned sovereign wealth fund has been making more direct property investments in recent years, and has amassed just under $700 billion in assets, according to estimates from data provider Global SWF.
Real estate traditionally accounts for about 5 percent to 10 percent of that overall portfolio.
ADIA could shift its focus for future deals and increase exposure to areas like warehouses, life sciences properties, technology hubs and affordable housing, one of the people said.
The fund has also invested more in private equity investments, which have outperformed during the pandemic, the people said.
The review is ongoing, and ADIA hasn’t made any final decisions on the changes it will make, Bloomberg reported.


Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property: Patent applications filed by individuals, national institutions surge in 2025

Updated 5 sec ago
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Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property: Patent applications filed by individuals, national institutions surge in 2025

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia recorded a significant increase in the number of patent applications filed by individuals and national institutions during 2025, reflecting a growing awareness among innovators and national entities of the importance of protecting innovations and maximizing the value of intangible assets.

The Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property explained that patent applications filed by individuals witnessed substantial growth, rising from 2,007 submissions in 2024 to 3,942 in 2025, representing a growth rate of 96 percent. This indicates a broadening base of innovators and entrepreneurs, and a rising awareness of the importance of registering intellectual property rights, according to the Saudi Press Agency. 

The authority also indicated that the number of patent applications filed by national institutions increased from 408 in 2024 to 734 in 2025, representing an 80 percent growth. This reflects the increasing interest of national entities in protecting their innovations and transforming them into valuable economic assets.

The entity further noted that this growth contributed to raising the total number of patent applications filed in 2025 to 10,300, compared to 8,029 in 2024. It affirmed its continued efforts to develop the intellectual property system, streamline registration procedures, and support innovation, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

Saudi Arabia has made notable progress in the 2025 Global Intellectual Property Index, with its score rising by 17.5 percent, placing it among the fastest-improving economies out of the 55 countries evaluated.

According to the 13th edition of the index, published by the US Chamber of Commerce in April, the Kingdom now ranks 40th globally, a reflection of the substantial reforms driven by its Vision 2030 strategy. These reforms aim to enhance intellectual property protection, foster innovation, and support the growth of a knowledge-based economy.

Since 2019, Saudi Arabia’s overall score has increased from 36.6 percent to 53.7 percent in 2025, marking a cumulative improvement of over 40 percent in just six years. This progress stems from a comprehensive transformation of the nation’s IP ecosystem, including the strengthening of legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms.

These developments highlight Saudi Arabia’s growing institutional capacity and ongoing regulatory modernization, led by the SAIP.