Malaysia Seeks UAE Investments in Renewable Energy and Strategic Economic Projects

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (centre) speaks during a press conference before concluding his three-day working visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) today. Also present were Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz (left) and Minister of Higher Education Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir (right)

During a three-day working visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim invited UAE companies to invest in Malaysia's renewable energy (RE) sector, including data center projects.

In discussions with Masdar, a UAE state-owned renewables firm, the Malaysian government expressed its commitment to facilitating joint ventures with local companies. These collaborations aim to advance green energy projects, infrastructure development, battery storage solutions, and the enhancement of Malaysia's energy grid.

Meetings with the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) focused on projects aligned with Malaysia's New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) and the MADANI Economy framework. Potential investment areas include the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), targeting sectors such as advanced manufacturing, infrastructure development, green technology, renewable energy, logistics, healthcare, the digital economy, and education.

Prime Minister Anwar also welcomed ADIA's interest in collaborating with global infrastructure partners on the potential privatization of Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB). ADIA's extensive experience with airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Heathrow, and Paris positions it as a valuable partner in MAHB's reorganization or privatization efforts.

Additionally, discussions with Mubadala, another UAE investment company, centered on the production of liquefied natural gas (LNG), development of gas-related infrastructure, and value chain projects such as blue hydrogen and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). These initiatives are also linked to developments in the JS-SEZ.

Prime Minister Anwar's engagements in the UAE underscore Malaysia's commitment to attracting foreign investment in key sectors to drive economic growth and technological advancement.