United Al Saqer Group Invests $200 Million in VFX Studios DNEG Group

Abu Dhabi-based United Al Saqer Group (UASG) is set to invest $200 million in DNEG Group, a London-based visual effects and animation studio, valuing the enterprise at over $2 billion. This investment aims to enhance Abu Dhabi’s media and technology sectors by developing a new office and visual experience hub, facilitating content production, storage, and distribution, and creating new jobs.

DNEG Group plans to transition from a visual effects services provider to a content production and AI-powered technology partner. This transformation includes the activation of its technology division, Brahma, which focuses on AI-driven, photo-real CGI creation. Additionally, the investment will allow Prime Focus Studios, DNEG’s content arm, to further invest in production.

The company also announced leadership changes: Chairman and CEO Namit Malhotra will remain in his role, while Nabil Kobeissi and Edouard Zard from UASG, and Prabhu Narasimhan from NaMa Capital, will join the Board of Directors. Narasimhan will also become Executive Chairman of Brahma, taking a leave of absence from NaMa Capital to oversee Brahma’s launch and expansion.

Highlighting the significance of the Abu Dhabi hub, Malhotra stated, “We are building on our success with the opening of a studio in Abu Dhabi, bringing content creation and technological capabilities to the region, positioning us as a leader there, and allowing us to leverage our global capabilities like no other.”

Source: Bindu Rai / Zawya