For decades, the U.S. market was the "no-brainer" for Gulf investors; however, the logic of global allocation is being rewritten. As capital is increasingly redirected toward regional ecosystems and strategic infrastructure, the focus is shifting from simple diversification to long-term economic sovereignty. This is not a story of leaving the U.S. market, but rather one of building the rest of the world around it.

The sudden escalation of the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran has immediately reverberated across the Gulf, fundamentally altering the regional risk calculus. For private investors, family offices, and fund managers operating in the region, this geopolitical shock requires an immediate reassessment of strategies, liquidity, and portfolio resilience.

There's a quiet shift happening across the Gulf's sovereign wealth funds and family offices. It's not just about portfolio rebalancing or tactical tilts. It's generational: and it's rewriting how capital gets deployed across Private Markets Middle East.

Over the next few months, we’re hosting a series of Women in Investments breakfasts, lunches, and closed-door gatherings across the GCC, designed not as events, but as collaborative sessions for women shaping the next phase of private markets in the region.

Abu Dhabi is rapidly solidifying its position as the region’s primary hub for capital, investment, and financial innovation. Within this landscape, the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has emerged as the preferred destination for asset and fund managers looking to tap into institutional and sovereign wealth. In the lead-up to FutureFunds  in Abu Dhabi on 28th January , our Editorial Director, Oliver Kirkbright, sat down with Ghassan Zeidan , Founder and CEO of Paragon Consultin

The GCC private markets landscape has fundamentally shifted. Gone are the days when emerging fund managers could rely solely on relationships and promises. Today's institutional investors in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and across the Gulf demand sophistication, transparency, and proven value creation. With the GCC private equity market valued at $4.5 billion in 2025 and projected to reach $7.4 billion by 2032 , the opportunity is massive: but so is the competition. We’ve spent the las

On the twelfth day of private markets, my sovereign fund gave to me... The private equity and venture capital landscapes in the Gulf Cooperation Council continued their historic transformation in 2025. Fuelled by ambitious national visions and an unprecedented influx of both sovereign and international capital, the market witnessed activity that would make even Santa's workshop look understaffed. Here are the 12 most impactful developments that "shook" private markets in th

When establishing a fund in the UAE, both DIFC and ADGM present compelling but distinct value propositions for private markets managers. Both jurisdictions offer 100% foreign ownership, robust regulatory frameworks, and a highly attractive 0% tax environment. However, the choice between them depends significantly on your fund's size, strategy, investor base, and regional focus.

The UAE Cabinet has approved the establishment of the National Investment Fund with an initial capitalisation of AED36.7 billion (approximately $10 billion), marking a decisive shift in how the Emirates positions itself for international capital. This isn't just another government initiative: it's a comprehensive strategy to reshape the UAE's investment landscape and create substantial opportunities for sophisticated international allocators. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid anno

The Middle East's investment landscape is experiencing a fundamental shift. Gone are the days when regional capital simply wrote cheques and waited for quarterly reports. Today's sophisticated GCC investors are demanding direct access, fee transparency, and strategic control through co-investment partnerships that are rewriting the rules of private markets. Co-investment assets under management have surged past USD 2.5 trillion globally , growing at 20-25% annually since 2020