About Istithmar World
Istithmar World is the investment arm of Dubai World, one of the emirate's government-owned holding companies. It was established in 2003 to invest in businesses and assets in the UAE and internationally.
The name Istithmar means investment in Arabic. Over the years, the company has invested across sectors such as consumer and retail, leisure and hospitality, industrial businesses, financial services and real estate.
Like other state-linked investment companies in the Gulf, Istithmar was part of a broader strategy to diversify the economy and generate returns from assets beyond oil and trade. Investments abroad also helped build Dubai's international profile.
Istithmar became widely known in the mid-2000s, when it took stakes in well-known international brands and properties. The global financial crisis of 2008 and the restructuring of Dubai World's debts that followed led to changes in its portfolio and strategy.
Dubai World itself owns major assets such as DP World and Economic Zones World, and Istithmar sits within this wider group.
Government-owned investment companies remain an important part of the UAE economy, alongside sovereign wealth funds in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Istithmar World is a government investment company rather than a startup, and Startups UAE includes it among Dubai's investment institutions.
The name Istithmar means investment in Arabic. Over the years, the company has invested across sectors such as consumer and retail, leisure and hospitality, industrial businesses, financial services and real estate.
Like other state-linked investment companies in the Gulf, Istithmar was part of a broader strategy to diversify the economy and generate returns from assets beyond oil and trade. Investments abroad also helped build Dubai's international profile.
Istithmar became widely known in the mid-2000s, when it took stakes in well-known international brands and properties. The global financial crisis of 2008 and the restructuring of Dubai World's debts that followed led to changes in its portfolio and strategy.
Dubai World itself owns major assets such as DP World and Economic Zones World, and Istithmar sits within this wider group.
Government-owned investment companies remain an important part of the UAE economy, alongside sovereign wealth funds in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Istithmar World is a government investment company rather than a startup, and Startups UAE includes it among Dubai's investment institutions.