The Emirates Growth Fund (EGF), the UAE’s flagship AED 1 billion growth capital platform backed by Emirates Development Bank, has launched a new series of sector-focused roundtables designed to accelerate the growth of SMEs across the nation’s priority industries. The initiative aims to bring together founders, operators, regulators, and investors to shape policy and drive innovation in key sectors including healthcare, manufacturing, food security, and advanced technology.
A Strategic Dialogue for National Growth
The inaugural roundtable, held at the St. Regis Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi, focused on the future of the UAE’s healthcare ecosystem. It convened distinguished leaders such as Faisal Juma Belhoul, Founder & Chairman of Ithmar Capital; H.E. Mubaraka Ibrahim, Acting Chief Information Officer of Emirates Health Services; and Iqbal Khan, CEO of Fajr Capital. This event marks the first of many dialogues intended to fortify EGF’s role as a catalyst for a resilient and diversified national economy by turning promising SMEs into enduring national champions.
Healthcare as a Cornerstone for Resilience
The decision to begin with healthcare underscores its strategic importance to the UAE’s long-term vision. The sector is rapidly evolving due to shifting demographics, growing demand, and technological advances in digital health, AI, and specialized treatments. EGF’s commitment to the industry was already solidified through its first investment in Tarmeem Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital, highlighting the fund’s focus on fostering homegrown innovation.
H.E. Najla Al Midfa, Vice Chair and Managing Director of EGF, stated, “Healthcare is more than just a sector—it is a pillar of national resilience and a cornerstone of global competitiveness. EGF’s mission is to back visionary founders who will transform today’s healthcare SMEs into enduring national champions and leave a legacy of impact for the UAE economy.”
Empowering Founders with Patient Capital
As the UAE’s flagship growth capital platform, EGF provides long-term, patient capital and active value creation support to help founders institutionalize and scale their businesses. The roundtable emphasized how this strategic support in capital and governance can elevate growth-stage companies into industry leaders.
“EGF exists to give founders the scale and strength they need to grow,” said Khalifa Al Hajeri, CEO of EGF. “By providing patient capital and strategic support, we are not just investing in businesses; we are building national champions that will drive innovation, create jobs, and anchor a more diversified UAE economy.”
Ecosystem Leaders Rally Behind the Vision
The initiative has garnered strong support from key public and private sector leaders who recognize the value of collaboration in building a world-class healthcare system. H.E. Dr. Rashed Obaid Al Suwaidi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, noted the importance of integrating prevention and innovation, stating, “By partnering with the UAE’s flagship growth equity platform, the Emirates Growth Fund, we can empower healthcare enterprises to scale solutions that enhance quality of life.”
This sentiment was echoed by founders like Dr. Ali Al Suwaidi of Tarmeem Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital, who remarked, “EGF’s support is enabling us to expand Tarmeem’s services and build the UAE’s first homegrown orthopaedic and spine care champion. It is a true partnership built for sustainable growth.”
About Emirates Growth Fund (EGF)
The Emirates Growth Fund (EGF) is the UAE’s flagship AED 1 billion growth capital platform, backed by Emirates Development Bank. EGF’s mission is to partner with SMEs in the UAE’s national priority sectors including healthcare, manufacturing, food security, and advanced technology, providing patient capital and active value creation to help scale enduring national champions.
Source: Zawya
