Emirates Investment Authority (EIA)

Definition of Emirates Investment Authority (EIA)

The Emirates Investment Authority (EIA) is a state-owned investment fund established in 2007 by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government to seek investment opportunities domestically and internationally, and to focus on investments that will help to strengthen and diversify the economy of the UAE.

Understanding the Emirates Investment Authority (EIA)

The Emirates Investment Authority’s (EIA) stated goals as a sovereign wealth fund are to achieve investment returns for the government and to diversify its asset exposure. It is the only sovereign wealth fund in the United Arab Emirates. It was established through Federal Decree Law No. 4 of 2007 and is considered an authority owned by the federal government of UAE. The EIA’s mission in 2007 was to create an investment management platform that corresponds with best practices in capital allocation, corporate governance, and risk management. 

The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven states on the Arabian Peninsula: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Sharjah, Umm al-Quwain, and Fujairah. The EIA was created to continue this concept of unity to administer the wealth of the UAE for the long-term benefit of the entire nation. The EIA states that it has solid governance yet a flexible structure within the organization.

The EIA deploys capital strategically and invests in assets across sectors and geographies with a goal of creating long-term value. It boasts a highly diversified portfolio that is truly global that is managed by a team of investment specialists and analysts. Additionally, investment professionals at the EIA work with their invested companies to support each company’s growth, improve performance, and to protect and enhance value. The funds for EIA are allocated to the organization by the federal government.

The EIA has several stated key directives:

1. To act as a manager of federal assets of the UAE.
2. To invest the sovereign wealth of the UAE with a goal of long-term and sustainable financial results.
3. To support and advise the UAE government in matters that are related to economic and industrial policy.