| | DECEMBER 20248IN FOCUSPresident Sheikh Mohamed welcomed Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Abu Dhabi, where the two leaders discussed potential opportunities for collaboration in sectors like trade and sustainability."Today, I welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr to Abu Dhabi to discuss opportunities to further deepen cooperation between the UAE and the Philippines across vital fields, including economy, trade, and sustainability," Sheikh Mohamed said in a post on X. "As our countries celebrate 50 years of friendship and collaboration, we remain committed to bolstering ties and bringing lasting benefit to our peoples".Sheikh Mohamed expressed his hope that the visit would herald a new and significant chapter in the development of relations between the two nations, according to state news agency Wam. During the meeting, which took place at Qasr Al Shati, Sheikh Mohamed emphasized the evolving relationship between the UAE and the Philippines, which has seen considerable progress over the years, particularly in the area of development.Sheikh Mohamed highlighted that this year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the UAE and the Philippines. He expressed the UAE's eagerness to continue discussions toward a trade agreement with the Philippines, noting the significant trade between the UAE and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), of which the Philippines is a member. He emphasized that this partnership strengthens the already robust ties between the two countries.Mr. Marcos Jr reiterated the Philippines' commitment to strengthening cooperation with the UAE on all levels, "building on the solid foundations of their long-standing relationship to advance mutual interests".Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, also met with Mr Marcos Jr on Tuesday. He said UAE-Philippines relations have been a "stable and continuous partnership for 50 years" and noted that 660,000 Filipinos work in the UAE, with more than 500,000 tourists traveling to the nation from the archipelago every year.The visit comes after discussions in June between Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Marcos at Malacanang Palace in Manila. During the meeting, Sheikh Abdullah conveyed Sheikh Mohamed's greetings and expressed wishes for progress and prosperity for the Filipino people, according to state news agency WAM. Investcorp, a premier global alternative investment firm, is excited to announce the appointment of Mashaal AlJomaih as the new CEO of Investcorp Saudi Arabia.Mr. AlJomaih previously held the role of Managing Director within Investcorp Private Wealth and Deputy CEO of Investcorp Saudi Arabia, based in Riyadh. Mr. AlJomaih joined Investcorp in June 2022, bringing over 20 years of experience in investment banking. In the last two years, Mr AlJomaih worked closely with the outgoing CEO, Mr Bajsair, to grow Investcorp's business in the Kingdom.Nahar Houthan, who has been with the firm since 2016, will take on the role of Deputy CEO of Investcorp Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Yasser Bajsair, the outgoing CEO of Investcorp Saudi Arabia, has retired. Mr. Bajsair, who joined Investcorp in 2010, has been instrumental in driving the firm's growth and success in Saudi Arabia.With wide-spanning relationships in Saudi Arabia and one of the largest alternatives coverage teams, the team has a deep relationship network across private wealth and institutional investors, including ultra-high-net-worth individuals, family offices, financial institutions, pension funds, endowments, and sovereign wealth funds.Yusef Al Yusef, Investcorp's Global Head of Distribution, commented: "Mashaal has been instrumental in supporting the growth of our business in Saudi Arabia over the past two years. Having worked with him closely, I know he will continue the firm's expansion in the Kingdom with his rich knowledge and understanding of the local market".Mashaal AlJomaih commented: "I am excited to take on this role. Since joining Investcorp in 2022, we have seen a wealth of opportunities and appetite for investment in the Kingdom, seen through our pre-IPO vehicle. I look forward to continuing Investcorp's growth strategy in the region, capitalizing on a dynamic and ambitious market". SHEIKH MOHAMED HOSTS PHILIPPINES PRESIDENT IN ABU DHABIINVESTCORP APPOINTS MASHAAL ALJOMAIH AS CEO OF SAUDI ARABIA
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