AAAID Strengthens Investment Governance through First Forum for Board Representatives

AAAID Strengthens Investment Governance through First Forum for Board Representatives

Date: 23 Sep, 2026

The Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID) convened its First Forum for AAAID Representatives on the Boards of Investee Companies, held virtually via video conference, to strengthen its investment governance framework and align coordination and communication mechanisms between AAAID and its board representatives. The Forum focused on enhancing the effectiveness of board representation, safeguarding AAAID's rights as a shareholder, strengthening oversight of performance and risks, and supporting investee companies in delivering sustainable value.

Investment begins with capital, but value is built through governance, informed decision-making and effective oversight.

Held under the theme "From Representation to Value", the Forum was initiated by AAAID's Asset Management Department to underscore the strategic role of its board representatives as a key component of the Authority's governance and investment oversight framework, including the effective exercise of AAAID's shareholder rights and interests.

AAAID's investment portfolio comprises more than 41 companies across more than 12 Arab countries, with aggregate contributions exceeding US$500 million. These investments form an important part of AAAID's mandate to support Arab food security, generate investment returns, and strengthen regional and international cooperation.

Commenting on the Forum, H.E. Dr. Obaid Saif Hamad Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development, said: "AAAID's representation on the boards of investee companies is an institutional responsibility that extends beyond attendance and participation. It requires an active contribution to the quality of decision-making, sound corporate governance, the protection of AAAID's rights as a shareholder, and the effective monitoring of performance, risks and opportunities. Through this Forum, we seek to strengthen coordination between AAAID's board representatives and the Asset Management Department in support of investment performance and long-term value creation".

The Forum focused on establishing a common understanding of the roles and responsibilities of AAAID's board representatives, strengthening governance and oversight practices, and enhancing mechanisms for information-sharing, reporting and follow-up. Discussions also covered board effectiveness, risk management, transparency and disclosure, shareholder rights, preparation for board meetings, and communication and coordination between board representatives and the Asset Management Department, alongside a review of AAAID's regulations governing board representation.

AAAID's approach to effective board representation is based on an integrated cycle that begins with preparation and analysis ahead of board meetings, active and informed participation during meetings, and documentation and follow-up thereafter. This approach is designed to strengthen the flow of information, support sound decision-making and safeguard AAAID's rights and interests as a shareholder.

The Forum reflects AAAID's broader approach to investment management, integrating governance, performance, risk management, shareholder rights and value creation as interconnected elements of sustainable investment management. This approach supports the long-term sustainability of AAAID's investments and their contribution to advancing Arab food security.

From Representation to Value

Effective Representation → Stronger Governance → Better Decisions → Sustainable Value

At the conclusion of the Forum, AAAID confirmed that the outcomes and recommendations of the discussions will provide a basis for strengthening communication and follow-up mechanisms with its board representatives, enhancing the institutional support provided to them, and translating the recommendations into practical actions that can be monitored and measured.