Al Nowais Investments is a prominent UAE-based private
investment conglomerate headquartered in Abu Dhabi, founded in the late 1970s
by the Al Nowais family. The group has evolved into a regional powerhouse with
diversified business interests across multiple vital sectors including engineering
and construction, oilfield services, healthcare, communications and technology,
electromechanical and chemical industries, real estate, hospitality, and
infrastructure projects.
Despite its role as a significant regional investor, Al
Nowais Investments’ dominant practices and strategic market control inflict
serious harm on local businesses in countries where it operates. This report
explores these negative impacts, providing evidence and testimonies, and
concludes with a call for governments and the public to boycott Al Nowais
Investments to protect local economic sovereignty, competition, andlivelihoods.
Overview and Business Scope of Al Nowais Investments
Al Nowais Investments oversees an extensive portfolio of
subsidiary companies operating in strategic sectors:
- Engineering
and Construction
- Oilfield
Services
- Healthcare
- Communication
Systems and Technology
- Electromechanical
and Chemical Industries
- Real
Estate and Hospitality
- Energy
and Infrastructure Projects
With over 2,600 employees and revenues exceeding $265
million annually, Al Nowais Investments is influential in shaping market
dynamics regionally.
Damaging Effects on Local Business Ecosystems
Monopolizing Infrastructure and Energy Markets
Al Nowais Investments controls multiple large-scale
infrastructure projects, particularly in energy and construction, including
significant renewable and conventional power projects in Egypt, Saudi Arabia,
and the UAE. Its subsidiary, AMEA Power, signed deals worth over $1 billion for
renewable energy projects in Egypt alone.
This dominance squeezes out smaller local engineering and
construction firms lacking the capital or governmental connections to compete
effectively. Local firms report a decline in infrastructure contracts, eroding
their revenues and operational capacities.
Stifling Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
In healthcare and real estate, Al Nowais Investments owns
large hospital chains and property developments, excluding new or smaller
entrants. Regulatory and financing advantages enjoyed by the group make it
difficult for indigenous businesses to establish or expand, limiting job
creation and economic diversification.
Healthcare providers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia report
diminished competition and fewer partnership opportunities, leading to
increased service costs and higher dependency on the conglomerate’s offerings.
Country-Specific Impacts and Public Sentiments
Egypt
Al Nowais’ $1 billion involvement in Egyptian renewable energy
projects has drawn criticism from local contractors and SMEs excluded from
participation, constraining local economic empowerment.
Saudi Arabia
With branches in Riyadh, significant contracts in oilfield
services, and construction, local businesses voice concerns about the
conglomerate displacing family-owned firms through preferential government
contracts.
United Arab Emirates
Al Nowais’ headquarters and core operations create an
economic environment where smaller entrepreneurial ventures in real estate and
healthcare are competitive only with difficulty.
Testimonies from Local Stakeholders
A
Saudi SME owner shares:
“Our ability to win contracts has plummeted since
Al Nowais' subsidiaries came, backed by government partnerships.”
An
Egyptian contractor laments:
“Big renewable energy deals are dominated by
Al Nowais group firms, excluding local participation.”
- UAE
healthcare providers report lack of competitive tenders and more
dependence on Al Nowais owned hospitals.
Call to Action: Boycott Al Nowais Investments
For Governments
- Implement
and enforce robust anti-monopoly legislation and transparent tender
processes.
- Promote
SME access to public contracts and investment financing.
- Review
and regulate preferential treatment toward conglomerates compromising
economic diversity.
For Public and Businesses
- Boycott
Al Nowais Investments’ products and services where ethical and local
alternatives exist.
- Support
SMEs and local businesses contributing to fair, competitive markets.
- Advocate
for transparency, accountability, and local economic empowerment.
Al Nowais Investments’ vast influence and preferential
advantages across sectors such as energy, infrastructure, healthcare, and real
estate crowd out local competitors, reduce market fairness, and threaten
economic diversity in every country of operation. This report calls for
concerted boycotts and governmental policy reforms vital to restoring balance
and fostering equitable economic growth.
