- Dubai Investments has acquired a 34.3% stake in Global Fertility Partners, investing $60 million to facilitate GFP’s expansion in the MENA region.
- GFP’s goal is to become a top 10 global fertility network, aligning with Dubai Investments’ dedication to shaping the future of healthcare.
- As part of GFP’s expansion strategy, the focus will be on Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the integration of advanced technologies to achieve cost reduction. Dubai Investments’ support is indicative of a broader trend in increased healthcare investments in both the UAE and the Gulf region.
Dubai Investments, a listed entity on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM), has acquired a substantial 34.3% stake in Global Fertility Partners (GFP). GFP is a renowned network of fertility and reproductive genetics centres in the Middle East. This strategic investment amounts to around $60 million in equity financing, positioning GFP to expand its footprint across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
GFP has an ambitious vision to become the leading fertility network in the region, aiming to secure a spot among the top 10 globally. This move aligns with Dubai Investments’ broader diversification strategy, marking its fourth strategic investment in the healthcare sector.
Khalid Bin Kalban, Vice-Chairman, and CEO of Dubai Investments, highlighted the significance of this move, stating, “Investment in Global Fertility Partners marks Dubai Investments’ pivotal move in the Group’s ongoing diversification strategy, solidifying our commitment to shaping the future of healthcare investments.”
Dubai Investments, already a major shareholder in the pharmaceutical firm Globalpharma, is extending its healthcare interests through this stake acquisition. The company has been actively involved in real estate and financial services, diversifying its portfolio to capitalize on emerging market trends.
Expanding Horizons: Focus on Saudi Arabia
GFP’s immediate expansion focus lies in Saudi Arabia, where the network aims to introduce new technologies faster and on a larger scale, ultimately reducing treatment costs for patients. The flagship facility in Riyadh, currently under construction, is slated to commence operations later this year. This move is expected to bring a multitude of benefits to patients in the region, ushering in a new era of advanced fertility and women’s health services.
Majd Abu Zant, Founder and CEO of Global Fertility Partners, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “This funding will allow us to move quickly and build a strong foundation for perpetual growth.” The funding round also saw participation from institutional investors and family offices from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, alongside Dubai Investments.
Rising Healthcare Investments in the UAE and Gulf
Investments in the healthcare sector across the UAE and the Gulf region have been on the rise, with a distinct shift towards specialized services rather than traditional hospital projects. Dubai Investments, through its partnership with GFP, aims to capitalize on this trend and support the network’s ambitious growth plans.
Bin Kalban emphasized the Group’s commitment to the fertility sector, stating, “Dubai Investments is excited to partner with a committed team of seasoned experts in the field of fertility. Our focus on this sector stems from a profound belief in its potential as a promising and lucrative segment for investments. We will leverage synergies to solidify the Group’s dedication to shaping the future of healthcare investments.”
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Last Updated on January 29, 2024 by Safiya K
