How Emirati entrepreneurs are shaping the UAE’s next wave of investment

Maha Al Shamsi, co-founder of MSKD Global/Image: Supplied

A new generation of Emirati entrepreneurs is reshaping how global capital meets local opportunity. Among them is Maha Al Shamsi, co-founder of MSKD Global, a firm redefining commercial brokerage through strategic alignment, cross-border expertise, and a deep understanding of the UAE’s economic vision.

For Al Shamsi, commercial brokerage is no longer about transactions — it’s about transformation. “Commercial brokerage is no longer about simply connecting buyers and sellers; it has evolved into a strategic advisory role that requires deep knowledge of global capital flows, regulatory frameworks, and local market opportunities,” she says. “As the UAE continues to attract unprecedented levels of foreign investment, brokers must act as trusted partners who can align investors with the right structures, secure regulatory clarity, and ensure seamless market entry.”

Al Shamsi describes the changing role of brokers as a reflection of the UAE’s own economic maturity. Once viewed as middlemen, today’s leading brokers are becoming “investment architects,” building bridges between institutional investors and national priorities.

“The future of brokerage here is about value creation, long-term partnerships, and enabling investors to scale with confidence in a rapidly growing economy,” she explains. “The UAE is transforming into one of the world’s most dynamic investment gateways.”

This evolution mirrors the UAE’s broader diversification agenda under Vision 2030, which is attracting record foreign direct investment across technology, clean energy, logistics, and advanced manufacturing. In this context, Al Shamsi and her team at MSKD Global have positioned their firm as both connector and curator — guiding capital toward opportunities that drive sustainable growth.

Access and alignment: the MSKD Global model

MSKD Global operates on two defining pillars: access and alignment. “We bring together international investors with sovereign wealth funds, private equity players, and family offices by leveraging our on-ground networks and credibility in the UAE,” Al Shamsi says. “But beyond introductions, we focus on structuring partnerships that are Sharia compliant, regulatory sound, and strategically aligned with the UAE’s long-term economic vision.”

For Al Shamsi, this distinction is critical. The firm’s goal isn’t simply to close deals but to ensure that investments align with both market demand and policy direction. “Our role is not transactional; it is about curating opportunities that balance investor appetite with the UAE’s diversification strategy. That is why we see ourselves as bridge builders between global capital and national priorities.”

In practice, that means MSKD Global facilitates everything from large-scale real estate transactions to cross-border investment partnerships that align with the UAE’s key growth sectors. The firm’s network spans global private equity funds, sovereign investors, and regional conglomerates seeking to enter or expand in the GCC.

As one of the UAE’s emerging voices in cross-border investment, Al Shamsi has also become a symbol of the growing influence of Emirati women in high-stakes commercial ventures.

“My journey has been about breaking perceptions and setting new standards,” she says. “Navigating high-stakes projects requires resilience, clarity, and the ability to lead through uncertainty. As an Emirati woman, I believe we are redefining leadership by bringing empathy, adaptability, and long-term vision into the business ecosystem.”

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Her perspective reflects a broader shift in the UAE, where women are leading in government, finance, and entrepreneurship at unprecedented levels. “Women today are not only participating but actively shaping investment flows, policies, and industries. In the UAE, leadership is no longer about gender; it is about results, integrity, and the ability to deliver impact globally.”

Where global appetite meets national ambition

The UAE’s economic transformation has turned it into a magnet for institutional capital. According to Al Shamsi, the most significant investor interest is now flowing into sectors aligned with the country’s long-term economic resilience and innovation goals.

“We are seeing strong momentum in sectors aligned with UAE Vision 2030 and beyond: technology, fintech, and AI-driven industries are attracting major institutional capital, while healthcare, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing are high on the agenda for sovereign wealth funds,” she explains.

“Real estate continues to remain a cornerstone of investor appetite, particularly luxury and hospitality, but the real growth is in strategic industries that support national resilience such as food security, logistics, and energy transition projects.”

This combination of diversification and stability continues to position the UAE as one of the most competitive investment destinations globally — with Al Shamsi and her peers helping shape how capital is deployed to support those ambitions.

While capital attraction is vital, Al Shamsi emphasizes that trust remains the foundation of sustainable investment. “Government partnerships are fundamental,” she says. “The UAE has built its reputation as an investment hub by ensuring regulatory clarity, transparent frameworks, and investor-friendly policies.”

She points to free zones such as ADGM and DIFC as “strong examples of how regulatory innovation instills confidence.” “Government partnerships also ensure that investors feel aligned with the country’s long-term strategy, whether in energy, technology, or infrastructure. Trust is the currency of investment, and the UAE government has been exemplary in fostering that trust globally.”

Innovation in brokerage comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when dealing with international investors accustomed to fast deal cycles. “Innovation in brokerage often comes with the challenge of bridging different expectations,” Al Shamsi notes. “Global investors demand speed, while local markets prioritize regulatory compliance and relationship building.”

To address this, MSKD Global has built a model that blends agility with accountability. “We invested in knowledge, credibility, and a strong ecosystem of legal, financial, and government partners. This allows us to anticipate challenges, mitigate risks, and structure deals that can withstand market volatility.”

Such resilience, she adds, is key to operating in a region where opportunities move quickly, but trust and governance remain paramount.

At the core of MSKD Global’s culture are the leadership principles that guide Al Shamsi’s own approach to business. “My leadership is guided by three principles: integrity, empowerment, and adaptability,” she says. “I believe in empowering my team to take ownership of outcomes while ensuring we never compromise on trust and transparency.”

Balancing that empowerment with the demands of global investors requires clarity and accountability. “Global investors expect precision, speed, and results. Balancing both requires setting clear standards, ensuring accountability, and fostering an environment where people are motivated to innovate while still aligned with investor expectations.”

The UAE’s next chapter in global finance

Looking ahead, Al Shamsi envisions a decisive shift in the UAE’s position in global finance. “The UAE is no longer just a regional hub; it is positioning itself as a global capital markets player,” she says. “With ADX, ADGM, and DIFC offering platforms for IPOs, fund domiciliation, and capital raising, the UAE will continue to attract both institutional and private capital.”

MSKD Global’s ambition, she adds, is to sit at the centre of that evolution. “Our mission is to not only broker opportunities but to build long-term bridges that anchor the UAE as a cornerstone of global capital flows. We want to remain a trusted partner to investors seeking entry, expansion, and scale in this market.”

As the UAE’s capital markets continue to expand in depth and sophistication, leaders like Maha Al Shamsi embody the country’s next chapter: one defined not by transactions, but by transformation, trust, and long-term impact.