CNBC International · Oct 2, 2026 · 15m · 6m saved
With Samia Bouazza, Group CEO of 2PointZero
The AI tools 2PointZero has deployed across its companies over the last six years have lifted EBITDA, or operating earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, by between 5% and 10%, its group chief executive Samia Bouazza said.
CNBC's host described a portfolio running from African copper mines and American gas pipelines to European fashion and food, and asked whether it was too diversified. Bouazza said size is an advantage when governance is right.
"There is no such thing that is too big when it's well governed and well run." — Samia Bouazza
Samia Bouazza, group CEO of 2PointZero, on CNBC International: she built Multiply from a communications agency into a listed investment company, and now runs the Abu Dhabi group formed from its November 2025 merger.
The full segment is covered here so you can skip it. 15 minutes of audio, 9 minutes of reading.
Here are the 10 insights that matter.
Key Takeaways
AI tools have added between 5% and 10% to EBITDA, and she called the gain measurable
She said no group is too big when it is well governed and its chief executives run their own businesses
The AI assistant in her office cannot act on the business without a human, and refused to email a company CEO
She said the goal is not to replace people but to measure productivity in EBITDA and free time for deeper work
The group deployed 20 billion in five years and she said it can now deploy 20 to 30 billion, with no hurry to do it
Her focus areas are energy for data centers, mining, and spending by a growing middle class
Her advice to Middle East founders: there is no right moment, so start now
1. One Group, Three Sectors
CNBC's host started with International Holding Company, or IHC, the Abu Dhabi-listed group with more than 1,300 subsidiaries, chaired by Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed, Abu Dhabi's deputy ruler. In November 2025 IHC combined Multiply Group, Ghitha Holding and the original 2PointZero through a share-swap merger.
Asked to describe 2PointZero in one sentence, she gave its reach and purpose.
She said the group's aim is to reach almost a billion people through its energy and consumer businesses
"We're in 85 countries across the world, 150 billion dirham of assets, and our purpose through our 50 companies is to positively impact the lives of 10% of the human population." — Samia Bouazza
Asked what ties energy, food, retail and apparel together, she named the holding company and its mandate.
The common thread is how capital is allocated, not what the companies sell
"The holding company, the capital allocation mandate, and the four pillars: risk management, very healthy assets, alpha players, disciplined capital allocation, very strong usage of AI tools to optimize performance." — Samia Bouazza
