Supplemental Activities

Completed the Acumen Institute’s intensive Financial Literacy programme (17–26 June), undertaken at the request of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) to support my upcoming internship with ADIA’s Private Equity Department in Summer 2025.

The in-person course provided rigorous theoretical and practical training across five key modules: Financial Statement Analysis, Corporate Finance, Equity Valuation, Fixed Income Valuation, and Alternative Investments. Core topics covered included discounted cash flow (DCF) modelling, NPV and FPV calculations, cash flow analysis, and in-depth interpretation of balance sheets and income statements — all aligned with foundational CFA curriculum content.

A highlight of the course was a practical case study on the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). This involved analysing ADNOC’s 2023 financial statements, calculating key financial metrics, assessing liquidity and growth prospects, and situating the analysis within the wider geo-economic context, including post-pandemic inflationary trends and the impact of geopolitical events such as the Russia–Ukraine conflict.

This experience has significantly strengthened my financial analytical skills and broadened my understanding of how investment professionals and accountants evaluate corporate performance and growth potential. I intend to leverage these insights throughout my Private Equity internship at ADIA and beyond, especially as they complement my legal interests in direct investments, finance, capital markets, and emerging companies work — areas where a solid grasp of corporate financials is invaluable to delivering sound legal advice.

On November 1, 2024, I had the opportunity, along with four other Emirati students, of attending a meeting with three distinguished members of Mubadala's leadership team: Fatima Al Marzouqi, Director of the Emiratization Portfolio; Michael Makarem, General Counsel; and Marwan Al Rasheed, Legal Counsel. Held at Mubadala’s London office, the meeting provided us with an invaluable opportunity to engage with key figures in Mubadala's legal department, gain insights into the organization’s professional offerings, and explore potential career paths in the legal field.

We were invited to share our CVs and university transcripts, as the team sought to learn more about our backgrounds and discuss what Mubadala could offer in terms of internships, professional development, and career pathways within the legal profession. Each member spoke thoughtfully about specific programs Mubadala offers, illustrating what a career as a lawyer within the organization entails and the unique responsibilities it involves. The meeting spanned two and a half hours, followed by an extended lunch, where I had the opportunity to ask detailed questions about the structure, culture, and daily operations of Mubadala’s legal department.

Through this exchange, I gained a deep appreciation for Mubadala’s approach to handling complex, cross-border transactions and the significant autonomy afforded to its in-house lawyers. I was impressed by the extent to which Mubadala’s legal team operates independently from external counsel, emphasizing the value placed on the internal talent they have developed. It was a pleasant surprise to see such a strong commitment to cultivating Emirati talent and providing them with robust, independent roles.

One of the key takeaways from this experience was Mubadala’s dedication to investing in promising Emirati students and professionals. The program pathway outlined for Emiratis post-LLB graduation includes a five-year commitment, starting with two years of foundational training at Mubadala, followed by preparation for the SQE and a training contract with one of Mubadala’s partner law firms. This structured progression provides a clear and supportive route for aspiring Emirati lawyers to gain substantial expertise.

Overall, this meeting offered me a comprehensive view of what a legal career at Mubadala could entail and how I might pursue such a highly sought-after opportunity. The experience has been both enlightening and inspiring, underscoring Mubadala’s active role in supporting the development of future Emirati legal professionals.

I participated in a two-week virtual insight scheme with the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), which offered a comprehensive overview of the organization’s structure and operations. This immersive program provided an in-depth exploration of ADIA’s various departments through a series of presentations and interactive activities led by senior representatives across the Sovereign Wealth Fund. Each session offered valuable insights into the inner workings of ADIA, its global investment strategies, and the key factors driving its success.

The program delved into ADIA’s diverse investment approach, with a particular focus on its global reach and strategic decision-making. I was introduced to the complexities of both current and past deals, providing me with a practical understanding of how ADIA navigates intricate investment landscapes. This became especially clear when examining ADIA’s organizational structure and the composition of its diversified portfolios, which span multiple asset classes and geographic regions. I was particularly impressed by ADIA’s focus on emerging markets, as it highlighted the fund’s forward-looking approach to sustaining Abu Dhabi’s long-term economic prosperity and resilience in the face of global financial challenges.

One of the most engaging aspects of the program for me was the presentation by ADIA’s Legal Division. I was particularly drawn to the strategic and transactional roles played by this division in supporting ADIA’s investment activities. The insight I gained into the transactional team’s work was especially valuable. The team provides comprehensive legal and tax advice throughout the entire lifecycle of a transaction, from structuring to execution, ensuring compliance and alignment with ADIA’s investment goals. Their involvement in managing transactions related to illiquid investment departments gave me a clearer understanding of the legal complexities involved in high-stakes global investments.

Through this presentation, I gained a much clearer understanding of how the legal team at ADIA operates as a strategic partner to the investment departments. Their work is not just about managing legal risk but about actively shaping the way deals are structured and ensuring that they are legally sound and commercially viable. This collaborative approach between the legal and investment teams is vital for the successful execution of ADIA’s investment strategies, particularly in emerging markets, where the regulatory landscape can be unpredictable and the risks more pronounced.

Inaugural optional professional development course provided by Durham Law School. The course was led and created by Professor Philip Bennet – a former partner in the Pensions, Employment and Employee Benefits Group of Slaughter and May for more than 30 years. His long years of experience and his many legal publications make him a great professor who shares his arsenal of tips and advice for our future careers as aspiring lawyers.

Professor Philip structured the course where we would have weekly lectures and workshops that worked in conjunction with the Durham Law Society to provide opportunities to network with large law firms and give insight into how to make successful applications to secure vacation schemes and training contracts.

The course had several tests and examinations that we must have completed to pass the course. We were provided feedback on exams such as the Watson Glaser Test – a standardised legal test to assess a potential legal candidate’s critical thinking skills vying to secure a vacation scheme or an opportunity in a large law firm.

Teamwork and collaboration were prioritized significantly. I was assigned to collaborate with two fellow law students on specific projects. This collaboration extended to my completion of the DELSA Award in May 2024, encompassing all aspects of professional law taught throughout the course.

Attending the event hosted by Mubadala and the UAE Federal Youth Authority on November 18, 2023, in London was an exceptional opportunity that I couldn't afford to miss. Given that Mubadala was organizing the event, it promised a unique experience that combined networking opportunities with insights from key figures in the higher management of Mubadala.

The event featured distinguished speakers, each sharing their personal journeys and the challenges they overcame to attain their current positions. Among the notable speakers were Zhouheir El Jarkass, a senior advisor at Mubadala, Ameena Thabet, Executive Director of Human Capital & Emiratization at Mubadala, and His Highness Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi, Deputy Chief of Mission at the UAE Embassy in London. Their narratives provided valuable insights into the paths they traversed and the lessons they learned along the way.

The discussions were not only enlightening but also focused on practical advice for standing out in a competitive demographic. The emphasis was on the importance of acquiring knowledge and skills to contribute not only to individual growth but also to the betterment of our nation. The event served as a platform for these leaders to impart guidance on how we, as youth, can apply ourselves to make meaningful contributions to our families, our lives, and the overall progress of the nation.

What struck me most was the evident commitment of Mubadala to prioritize the development of the youth. The event illuminated the numerous opportunities available for those who actively seek them. It was not just a gathering; it was a window into Mubadala's dedication to nurturing the potential of young individuals, offering a roadmap for personal and professional growth.

Attending the event also provided a unique chance to connect with fellow Emirati students who, like me, shared their experiences of studying and working abroad and back home. This networking aspect added a personal touch to the event, fostering a sense of community and shared aspirations among Emirati youth.

In essence, the event was a pivotal moment that not only broadened my perspective on career development but also reinforced my belief in the importance of continuous learning and active participation in opportunities that contribute to personal and national growth.

Embarking on the journey to complete the CFA Investment Foundations® Certificate during my summer holiday has been an immensely rewarding experience, particularly given my basic investment background and fervour for the financial markets. Over the course of two months, I delved into the comprehensive program, navigating through challenging yet insightful modules that broadened my understanding of investment essentials. Coming from a background of investing in both the stock market and cryptocurrencies, I found the certificate program to be an invaluable opportunity to formalize and deepen my knowledge. The curriculum, spanning ethics, regulations, financial markets, and instruments, proved to be a well-rounded foundation. It challenged me to apply my existing investment experience to new concepts and fostered a more nuanced approach to decision-making.

Balancing the demands of the course with the internship I had at Al Tamimi & Co. required disciplined time management, but the interactive lessons and practical scenarios kept me engaged. The real-world applications of theoretical concepts resonated deeply with my passion for investing, making the learning process not only challenging but also immediately applicable. My interest in finance extends beyond personal investments, as I aspire to contribute to the industry on a larger scale. Studying for the CFA Investment Foundations® Certificate aligns seamlessly with my ambition to one day work for the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), which already sponsors my study abroad. The insights gained from the program not only enhance my investment skills but also align with the ethos of responsible and ethical investing promoted by institutions like ADIA.

Beyond the academic rigour, the certificate program opened doors to networking opportunities with professionals in the field. Engaging with experts through forums and discussions has provided me with valuable perspectives, strengthening my understanding of the industry. This experience has not only deepened my financial acumen but has also fuelled my aspiration to contribute meaningfully to the dynamic world of finance. As I reflect on the challenges overcome and the knowledge gained, I am confident that the CFA Investment Foundations® Certificate will serve as a pivotal stepping stone in realizing my goal of contributing to the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. This journey has not only fortified my foundation in finance but has also fuelled my enthusiasm for continuous learning and growth in the ever-evolving landscape of investments.