Arab Authority for Investment and Food Security Achieves First S&P Global Credit Rating

MAYR receives 'A' long-term issuer credit rating with stable outlook, marking a significant institutional milestone as the organisation pursues its mandate to strengthen food security across the Arab world

The Arab Authority for Investment and Food Security (MAYR) has been assigned an ‘A’ long-term issuer credit rating with a stable outlook by S&P Global Ratings, the first credit rating the Authority has received from the agency. The assignment, made on 19 October 2026, reflects S&P Global Ratings’ assessment of MAYR’s adequate enterprise risk profile and strong financial risk profile.

The rating acknowledges several defining characteristics of the organisation: very strong liquidity coverage, a conservative funding profile principally sustained through shareholder investment, and established relationships with shareholders who continue to provide material support. S&P Global Ratings’ stable outlook reflects expectations that MAYR will maintain steady levels of capitalisation as its balance sheet expands, underpinned by ongoing shareholder backing.

Dr. Obaid Saif Hamad Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Board of MAYR, described the rating as marking an important milestone in the Authority’s institutional journey. He emphasised that the achievement underscores the importance of strengthening financial frameworks and enhancing governance and risk management practices in line with international standards. “We view this rating as an institutional responsibility that reinforces our commitment to financial discipline, strengthens the confidence of our partners, and supports the development of our relationships with regional and international financial and investment institutions,” Dr. Al Zaabi remarked.

The rating comes as MAYR pursues a specialised investment mandate focused on providing long-term capital to companies operating in sectors related to food security. Its investment model supports activities that may have limited access to commercial financing, given their risk profiles, extended investment horizons and development requirements. As the UAE strengthens its position in sustainable debt issuance across the region, institutional credit ratings such as this reinforce investor confidence in Arab institutions pursuing development outcomes.

MAYR’s investment pipeline for 2026 to 2028 prioritises geographic diversification and expanding the Authority’s presence across Arab countries. Priority investments span crop and animal production, agri-manufacturing, microfinance and fisheries, with the Authority seeking to mobilise additional financing from development finance institutions and the private sector. The rating follows significant institutional transformation undertaken since 2024, including the development of MAYR’s new institutional identity, restructuring of operations and governance frameworks, and enhancements to risk and portfolio management practices.

The Authority’s expanded institutional identity reflects a comprehensive investment approach to food security, recognising the interconnected roles of investment, productive capacity and value chains. Its scope extends beyond agricultural production to encompass companies and sectors associated with food security, including food processing and activities that support the broader food security ecosystem. Through its investments and partnerships, MAYR continues to support sustainable food security across Arab countries, strengthen the role of long-term investment in developing productive capacity and value chains, and contribute to mobilising financial resources that generate sustainable economic and development outcomes for member states.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

The rating signals growing confidence among international credit agencies in Arab institutional development and strengthens the ecosystem for investment-led development across the region. As an Abu Dhabi-headquartered organisation with a mandate spanning Arab nations, MAYR’s improved credit standing enhances the Emirate’s role as a hub for institutional finance, regional investment and collaborative development. The stable outlook and strong financial assessment reflect the kind of disciplined governance and long-term strategic thinking that characterises Abu Dhabi’s approach to economic development.

The rating also underscores the importance of patient capital and institutional investment in addressing regional challenges such as food security. By attracting improved credit recognition, MAYR becomes better positioned to mobilise financing from development finance institutions and private sector investors, thereby amplifying the impact of its capital allocation across Arab countries and contributing to the kind of sustainable economic outcomes that benefit the broader region, including Abu Dhabi’s own interests in regional stability and prosperity.

Source: WAM