Originally established as the first local bank of Abu Dhabi emirate back in 1968, National Bank of Abu Dhabi, or NBAD, was one of the true pioneers of the banking scene in UAE. Over the passage of decades, the financial institution that began modestly as a domestic institution came to be one of the financial powerhouses, not just of the UAE but also of the entire Middle East and international level. This expansion strategy and innovative banking services paved its way to become the largest bank in the region, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), after the merger with the First Gulf Bank (FGB) in 2016. Today, NBAD’s legacy lives through FAB’s activities, still dominating the MENA region.

National Bank of Abu Dhabi was established in 1968, under the guidance of the UAE’s visionary founder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The aim of this bank was to establish a financial institution large enough to cater to the increasing economic requirements of Abu Dhabi and eventually other emirates. The banks specialized in retail and corporate banking services, later further developing their portfolios into wholesale, investment, and Islamic banking. It was in the 1970s when NBAD emerged as the first UAE bank to take its activities abroad, opening its first international branch in Cairo, Egypt in 1975. It continued its journey into Europe and North America by making a presence in London and the U.S. by end-1977, thereby granting its ambition of building a global presence.

The expansion of NBAD was centered on the West-East Corridor, as defined by the bank as the geographical area from West Africa to East Asia. During this period, the bank expanded a strong international presence through branches, subsidiaries, and representative offices in 17 countries, including Malaysia, India, Hong Kong, China, and South Korea. Thus, focusing on the emerging markets in Asia and Africa, the bank was planning to become a global player in the financial ecosystem. Its international expansion included partners in the industries too with companies like Unilever and Siemens where it can use banking capabilities across other businesses. By 2015, NBAD had established a regional finance base in India with this development underpinning the intentions of deepening its penetration in the South Asian market.

In June 2016, NBAD announced that it would merge with First Gulf Bank (FGB), a move that was to transform the financial landscape both in the UAE and the wider MENA region. The deal that was completed in December 2016 formed First Abu Dhabi Bank, which has since become the largest Middle East and North Africa bank by assets. It was structured on a share-for-share basis whereby FGB shareholders were made to receive 1.254 NBAD shares for every FGB share owned. This strategic move was in the name of meeting the objective of establishing a bank with the competitive power to compete in the international arena, combined with greater financial muscle and a broadened services profile. Today, FAB stands as a symbol of the strength of the union between NBAD and FGB whose operations now traverse five continents.

NBAD also played a leading role at the leadership level in Islamic banking in the UAE. NBAD also offered Sharia-compliant banking through its subsidiary, Abu Dhabi National Islamic Finance Company (ADNIF), established in 2008, given growing demand for ethical banking solutions within the region. The bank’s range of Islamic banking products primarily consisted of retail, corporate, and investment banking services, which helped it to attract a diverse customer base. In the financial services sector, the bank was also innovating into modern wealth management, private banking, and property management. The capability of NBAD to be responsive and change according to the needs of the market has helped the bank to be placed among the safest and most stable banks in the world.

The rating agencies that are internationally recognized also gave high credit ratings to NBAD. In fact, in 2013, Standard & Poor’s raised the credit rating of the bank on account of close relations with the government of Abu Dhabi and recognition of the importance of the bank for the financial system. The Moody’s agency, Fitch, and other agencies constantly ranked NBAD among the safest banks in the world.

Based in the Middle East since 1966, the engineering and construction firm, Drake & Scull, has grown to become one of the leader companies, initially starting as an Abu Dhabi office to eventually becoming a global player. With projects across the Middle East, Europe, and North Africa, the firm played a crucial role in shaping some of the region’s most important landmarks. Today, Drake & Scull is doing leads for innovative solutions in engineering, oil & gas, and water treatment—nothing matched in the industry, rather setting new standards.

The firm’s history dates back to 90 years ago in the United Kingdom; however, crossing borders to the Middle East in 1966 was the point at which the firm began moving toward expansion. From humble beginnings in Abu Dhabi, Drake & Scull International is today the leader with its one-stop-shop, best-of-class packages of construction and engineering that can satisfy any requirement. DSI operates projects throughout Europe and North Africa.  Today, it operates out of its offices in all the key markets being Dubai, Kuwait, Egypt, Jordan, Algeria, and India. This impressive reach indeed speaks of the company’s expertise, innovation, and adaptation to the shifting demand of the global market.

Drake & Scull is one of those stalwarts of the Middle East and beyond in continuous leadership and working on some of the iconic infrastructure projects around the region. The company is segregated into three main operating companies: Drake & Scull Engineering DSE; it serves Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing MEP solutions. Further, the company has Drake & Scull Oil & Gas DSOG; for the oil industry and facility-specific services onshore and offshore. It also houses Passavant Energy & Environment PE&E, which offers up-to-date water and wastewater treatment solutions. Such distinctions have enabled Drake & Scull to gain the reputation for quality and efficiency, which has subsequently allowed the company to successfully execute large-scale projects across vast sectors such as residential, commercial, industrial, and hospitality.

In just five decades, Drake & Scull has grown from a regional engineering firm into a global, multi-billion-dollar organization. A landmark moment in the company’s history would be in 2008, where it floated 55% of its shares to the public through an Initial Public Offering (IPO). The IPO was very successful with the oversubscription running over 101 times. It was consequently recognized by Ernst & Young that ranked it within the top 20 global IPOs of the year. This has made Drake & Scull a company that records sustainable profitability and growth even during challenging times. The company attributes this through innovative business models, strategic expansion, and commitment to quality standards.

As the core of Drake & Scull’s operations include a commitment to sustainability, safety, and quality. The company’s Integrated Management Systems align with international standards on quality management that include ISO 9001:2015, environmental management or ISO 14001:2015, and occupational health and safety management or ISO 45001:2018. It ensures adherence to high-rating building and safety regulations and sound environmental and energy management practice. Drake & Scull has gone a long way in becoming environmentally friendly. This is further delivered by the PE&E division, offering cutting-edge water treatment and waste management solutions. Focusing on sustainable practices, this company is not only working to address current environmental challenges but also strives for ensuring a better future for generations to come.

Strong adaptability and innovation have been at the forefront of Drake & Scull’s success in its great growth. The company has expanded significantly in recent years by focusing on digital transformation and technological advancements, hence enabling improved efficiencies and better project delivery at reduced operational costs. Such new technology assists Drake & Scull in remaining at the forefront of the engineering and construction industry and indeed a new benchmarking mark for quality and performance.

Guided by a vision for future growth and a firm commitment to excellence, Drake & Scull is geared to continue to be the global leader in engineering. Its portfolio of projects has diversity that ensures its focus on sustainability and innovation leads to it being a big player in the future of this region.

Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH), the hotel owner and asset manager, was established in 1976. Presently, ADNH has evolved to be a fully-fledged hospitality giant influencing the sectors of hotels, catering, transportation, and many others. This immense growth, combined with the relentless pursuit to deliver unmatched service, has made ADNH a household name within the UAE hospitality industry.

From its launch, ADNH remains the only leader transforming the hospitality sector in the UAE. What had begun as a hotel ownership is now one of the diversified portfolios, managing hotels, restaurants, catering, transportation, and facility management. In the early days, ADNH’s portfolio had included some of the most glamorous hotels in the United Arab Emirates. Amongst others, these include The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal; Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas; Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort; Le Meridien Abu Dhabi; and Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach. With such a massive presence in cities of this stature as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ajman, ADNH has cemented itself to be at the top among leaders in Luxury Accommodation.

ADNH succeeded in diversifying its hotel management division. In 1991, it signed its first management contract under the Al Diar Hotels brand. The company now operates more than 12 luxury hotels, and every property adheres to the highest standards of hospitality. This company does not only own hotels but also operate and manage them, creating a seamless blend of ownership and operational excellence. ADNH has a growing operator division. This arm oversees properties located in the prime city centre, including the Radisson Blu Hotel Ajman and other branded hotels. Therefore, it speaks well of the company’s ability to oversee and run such a vast stretch of properties.

ADNH has not only grown in hotel operations but diversified in various other business lines, with significant impacts in transportation, catering, and destination management, among others. For example, ADNH Catering is an umbrella company of 2001, dominating the catering business in the region and providing services to the healthcare, corporate, and events sectors. In addition, Em Sherif Restaurants – a luxury eatery chain offering traditional Lebanese cuisine – is also run by ADNH. High Spirits and Sunshine Travel & Tours further solidify ADNH’s footprint in the diversified segments of the hospitality sector.

ADNH has taken tremendous leaps in the transport sector with Al Ghazal Transport, launched back in 1988 as the Abu Dhabi first luxury transportation company. The business today is a leader in luxury transportation services in the UAE, from limousines to bus rentals. ADNH has also ventured into facility management through the National Facility Management Company by ADNH. This company provides an integrated facility management service to various sectors. All its managed properties will be kept at their absolute best, it promises.

As of 2024, the ADNH has completed the acquisition of Compass, which is another milestone in strategic growth. This will further enhance ADNH’s ability to deliver high-quality hospitality and related services across the region and beyond.

The long-term vision for the company is one of continuous innovation, expansion, and excellence. ADNH will have opportunities not only to retain and cement leadership in hospitality but also continue its growth into new areas, driven by a combination of deep industry knowledge and strong financials.