01/14/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/14/2026 10:57
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) today announced a landmark collaboration with International Holding Company (IHC) aimed at accelerating private-sector investment in strategic markets and projects of mutual interest.
The signing ceremony took place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. DFC CEO Ben Black and IHC CEO and Managing Director Syed Basar Shueb signed the proposed agreement in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of IHC.
"DFC's work with IHC is a crucial step in executing President Trump's foreign policy vision and deepens the U.S.-UAE bilateral relationship. Together, IHC and DFC, will focus on investments that strengthen and expand economic opportunity and advance shared U.S.-UAE strategic goals - all while making a return for the U.S. taxpayer. By leveraging IHC's and DFC's global reach and investment expertise, both nations will be positioned to deliver high-return projects and promote world-class investment standards," said Ben Black, DFC CEO."
"DFC is proud to have IHC as a partner to help facilitate joint efforts to identify, underwrite, and operate assets across strategically important geographies. Our goal is to jointly deploy capital quickly and strategically for the benefit of the UAE and the United States," said Conor Coleman, DFC Head of Investments.
"This strategic framework with DFC represents a powerful alignment of capital, capability and conviction. By combining IHC's global platform and sectoral leadership with DFC's financial expertise, we are creating a scalable mechanism to deliver transformational investments across critical industries. Together, we aim to unlock long-term value, strengthen resilient supply chains, and drive sustainable economic growth across key markets that matter to both our nations," said Syed Basar Shueb, IHC CEO.
This collaboration focuses on priority sectors such as critical minerals, energy infrastructure, logistics, pharmaceuticals and healthcare manufacturing, information and communication technology, food security, and other advanced technologies.
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About the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation:
The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), established in 2019 with bipartisan support under President Trump, is the international investment arm of the U.S. Government. DFC partners with the private sector to advance U.S. foreign policy and strengthen national security by mobilizing private capital around the world. DFC invests across strategic sectors including critical minerals, modern infrastructure, and advanced technology - fostering economic development, supporting U.S. interests, and delivering returns to American taxpayers.
About International Holding Company:
Established in 1999, IHC has become the most valuable holding company in the Middle East and one of the world's largest investment firms, with a market capitalization of AED 878.5 billion (USD 239 billion). Since then, it has transformed to represent a new generation of investors. IHC's commitment to sustainability, innovation, and economic diversification spans over 1,400 subsidiaries, driving growth across industries like Asset Management, Healthcare, Real Estate, Financial Services, IT, and more.
IHC continually looks beyond the stand-alone value of its assets for opportunities, stepping outside of traditional approaches and artificial barriers to unlock opportunities across its portfolio, enabling sector-agnostic Dynamic Value Networks and creating results that are often much greater than the sum of their parts.
At IHC, we take our responsibility to shareholders, customers, and employees seriously. Our commitment to responsible investment ensures that we create sustainable value by staying connected to the communities we serve, making a positive difference with every investment.
www.ihcuae.com
Media Information
Simon Hailes
Managing Director, Head of Edelman Smithfield Middle East
[email protected]