The UAE and Middle East have long played a role in connecting regions and economies. Through a new collaboration with International Holdings Company (IHC), Global Citizen will expand its efforts in this region to defend the planet and end extreme poverty.
Founded in 1999, IHC has grown into one of the world's largest investment companies and the most valuable holding company in the Middle East. With a network of more than 1,300 businesses, IHC supports innovation and growth across four key areas: technology, infrastructure, financial services, and consumer industries.
As part of the partnership, Global Citizen and IHC will expand engagement across the UAE and the Middle East, collaborating on advocacy initiatives and global programming focused on key priorities including youth development, sustainable development - particularly the use of artificial intelligence to support agriculture and global food security - and efforts to end extreme poverty around the world.
The partnership was formally announced in January 2026 at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, during a private reception hosted by IHC.
L to R: Vice Chair & Managing Director of 2PointZero, an IHC Group Company, H.E. Mariam AlMheiri, Global Citizen Co-Founder & CEO Hugh Evans, IHC CEO and Managing Director Syed Basar Shueb at private IHC x Global Citizen reception in Davos, Switzerland, January 2026.
The reception included remarks from IHC CEO and Managing Director Syed Basar Shueb; H.E. Mariam AlMheiri, Vice Chair and Managing Director of 2PointZero, an IHC Group Company; and Global Citizen Co-Founder and CEO Hugh Evans.
Global Citizen Co-Founder and CEO Hugh Evans addresses room at private IHC x Global Citizen reception in Davos, Switzerland, January 2026.
Shueb said in a statement: "At IHC, we believe that business has a responsibility to support initiatives that contribute to long-term global progress, and in doing so, support opportunities for sustainable growth."
H.E. Mariam AlMheiri Joins Global Citizen Board
Ahead of the World Economic Forum and the partnership announcement, Global Citizen welcomed five new members to its Global Board of Directors, including H.E. Mariam AlMheiri. In addition to her role at 2PointZero and her position on the Global Citizen board, she serves as Head of the International Affairs Office at the UAE Presidential Court, advancing international cooperation through science diplomacy and cross-border partnerships that strengthen global resilience.
Previously serving as UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment and Food Systems Lead for COP28, H.E. AlMheiri played a pivotal role in the Dubai climate summit, supporting efforts to integrate food and agriculture into global climate action and promote more sustainable food systems.
H.E. AlMheiri is no stranger to Global Citizen. She joined Evans on the Global Citizen NOW stage in New York City in April 2025 for a fireside chat around the global narrative that transcends cross-border and dismantles misconceptions, and how she believes understanding and cross-cultural integration can transform international relations.
"I am genuinely excited about this partnership and its scale," H.E. Mariam AlMheiri added. "Real progress comes from investing in people and requires a holistic, long-term approach to opportunity, education, and resilience."
H.E. AlMheiri is also slated to appear on stage at this year's Global Citizen NOW at Spring Studios in New York on May 14, 2026.
The partnership between Global Citizen and IHC will strengthen collective action in the region, with a focus on AI, agriculture, food security, and sustainability by building long-term collaboration to help end extreme poverty within our lifetime.
L to R: Global Citizen President Liza Henshaw, Global Citizen Co-Founder & CEO Hugh Evans, IHC CEO and Managing Director Syed Basar Shueb, Vice Chair & Managing Director of 2PointZero, an IHC Group Company, H.E. Mariam AlMheiri and Chief Strategy and Growth Officer, IHC, Peter Abraam at private IHC x Global Citizen reception in Davos, Switzerland, January 2026.