Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange has granted formal approval to Waha Capital’s ambitious share repurchase initiative, authorizing the investment firm to acquire up to 10% of its outstanding shares. This strategic move follows a General Assembly resolution and enables the Abu Dhabi-listed company to execute buybacks through open-market operations in compliance with ADX and Securities and Commodities Authority guidelines.
The implementation timeline and volume of share repurchases will be determined by prevailing market conditions. Mohamed Hussain Al Nowais, Managing Director of Waha Capital, characterized the approval as a robust endorsement of the company’s growth trajectory, emphasizing that current market valuation fails to adequately reflect the firm’s fundamental worth. “This buyback initiative demonstrates our disciplined capital allocation strategy and reinforces our dedication to generating substantial long-term returns for shareholders as we maintain our operational momentum through 2026,” Al Nowais stated.
The authorization coincides with Waha Capital’s exceptional financial performance, having achieved a 22% year-over-year increase in net profit reaching Dh343 million for the first three quarters of 2025. This strong performance was propelled by two significant transactions: the strategic Waha Land agreement with Aldar that enhanced the company’s industrial real estate holdings, and the highly successful exit from Optasia following the fintech company’s initial public offering on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The Optasia divestment yielded $119 million in proceeds, representing a fourfold return on invested capital with a 25% internal rate of return.
Established in 1997, Waha Capital maintains diversified operations across three core segments: public markets featuring emerging-market credit and equity funds, private investments spanning multiple sectors and geographies, and industrial real estate development through its Waha Land division at ALMARKAZ, which provides consistent recurring income through industrial and logistics asset management.
The share repurchase decision aligns with positive developments on the Abu Dhabi exchange, where the ADX General Index recorded a 6.59% year-over-year gain by mid-December 2025. Market liquidity indicators showed substantial improvement, with foreign net investment surging 99.5% to $3.7 billion during the first half of 2025. Total trading value increased by 33.5% annually to Dh179.5 billion, while average daily trading value reached Dh1.45 billion, supported by enhanced market infrastructure including new clearing and central securities depository services.
With total market capitalization maintaining stability at approximately Dh3.1 trillion by December 2025, the Abu Dhabi market demonstrates sustained investor confidence and continuing structural reforms. Waha Capital’s buyback program, against this favorable backdrop, highlights the company’s strategic positioning and confidence in its valuation as it prepares for continued growth and value creation throughout 2026.