We are excited to further expand this strategic partnership in order to continue our expansion in the MENA region and globally." The strategic relationship between the two UAE investment firms and the messaging app is expected to expand Abu Dhabi's ecosystem of creative and tech-enabled businesses and foster new collaboration opportunities. Telegram was created by Russian brothers Pavel and Nikolai Durov in 2013 as a safe messaging app. Faris Sohail Faris Al Mazrui, Head of Mubadala's Russia and CIS Investment Program, said, "We believe Telegram is well-positioned for an inflection point that will turn it into a leading global technology firm." "The business represents a very interesting investment opportunity for Mubadala, and it will fit well into our larger portfolio of pioneering companies aiming to change their respective industries," says Mubadala. The company's regional headquarters will be in the UAE following the investment.