$200M Boost for DNEG Group from UAE’s United Al Saqer Group to Drive AI-Powered Content Production

Bengaluru/Mumbai: The DNEG Group, a leading visual entertainment technology company based in London, has secured a $200 million investment from United Al Saqer Group (UASG), a major business group from the UAE. This deal values DNEG at over $2 billion and aims to boost its growth and innovation plans. DNEG is part of Prime Focus.

Expansion into AI

With this funding, DNEG plans to shift from just providing visual effects to becoming a partner in content production and AI-powered technology across various sectors. UASG’s support will speed up the launch of DNEG’s technology division, Brahma, which is working on an advanced AI-powered CGI (computer-generated imagery) tool. This tool, including the recently licensed Ziva technology, will make creating realistic digital content easier and more accessible.

DNEG’s content arm, Prime Focus Studios, will also expand its production of high-quality films, building on its recent work with “The Garfield Movie.” They are currently involved in several big projects like “Animal Friends,” “Ramayana,” and “The Angry Birds Movie 3.”

New Visual Hub in Abu Dhabi

DNEG plans to open a new office and visual hub in Abu Dhabi, aiming to create a world-class environment for content production and distribution in the Middle East. This move will create many new jobs in the media and tech sectors, highlighting Abu Dhabi as a centre for creativity and technology.

Namit Malhotra, the CEO of DNEG, will continue leading the company. He will be joined on the board by representatives from UASG and NaMa Capital, who will also help oversee Brahma.

Acquisition of Cloud Technology

In 2023, DNEG made an agreement to acquire Prime Focus Technologies’ cloud technology for media and entertainment, adding to its capabilities.

Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development praised the investment as a sign of Abu Dhabi’s growing role in creativity and technology. Nabil Kobeissi, CEO of UASG, expressed excitement about partnering with DNEG to advance AI and content creation technologies, boosting Abu Dhabi’s position in the global market.

Strategic Direction

Namit Malhotra emphasized that this investment would allow DNEG to enhance its services and expand its global reach, especially with the new studio in Abu Dhabi. Prabhu Narasimhan, Executive Chairman of Brahma, highlighted their goal to make Brahma a top AI tool for creators to bring their stories to life efficiently.