Invest UAE: Expert offers tips on navigating business acquisitions in the UAE

Business acquisition expert Wasiff Khan, Business Advisor at Liberty Business Commercial Brokers and BuyBusinessDubai.com, shared invaluable insights during a fireside chat titled From Insights to Investment: The Roadmap to a Successful Business Acquisition, at Gulf News’ Invest UAE 2025 event in Dubai yesterday.

 Highlighting the exciting opportunities and critical considerations for investors looking to acquire businesses in the UAE, Khan emphasized the importance of thorough preparation and due diligence before embarking on a business acquisition. “The first step is market research and understanding the legal standing of the target company,” he said. Investors must ensure the business is fully compliant with UAE laws, possesses all necessary licenses, and has a clean financial record. “Assessing the company’s profitability, cash flow, and stability is crucial,” Khan added. He also stressed the significance of post-acquisition integration, noting, “You need to ensure there is support for you after the acquisition to make the transition smooth.”

When asked about determining the right investment strategy, Khan highlighted the importance of aligning acquisitions with one’s expertise and interests. “If you have experience in retail, invest in retail. If your background is in manufacturing or technology, focus on those sectors,” he advised. This approach not only leverages existing knowledge but also increases the likelihood of success in managing the acquired business.

Khan identified several high-potential sectors for business acquisitions in the UAE, citing the country’s strategic location as a global hub. “The UAE offers opportunities in retail, technology, healthcare, education, and more,” he said. From luxury fashion and automobiles to specialty clinics and schools, the diversity of industries makes the UAE an attractive destination for investors. “The list is long, and the opportunities are limitless,” Khan remarked.

Effective sourcing of acquisition targets requires professional guidance, Khan explained.  From initial identification to ownership transfer, having an experienced advisor ensures a seamless and successful transaction, he said.

Khan outlined key indicators of a successful acquisition, including profitability, cash flow, and scalability. “A profitable business with good returns on investment is just the start. You also need to consider how you can scale and expand the business,” he said. Post-acquisition integration, he noted, is critical to long-term success.

In closing, Khan highlighted the UAE’s ambitious economic vision, particularly the Dubai 33 agenda, which aims to double the emirate’s economy over the next decade. “We are just beginning. The opportunities are limitless,” he said, urging investors to seize the moment.