The Middle East Investor Network is pleased to announce Preqin, a part of BlackRock, as an official 2026 network partner. The world's leading alternative assets intelligence platform, Preqin will attend all three ME-IN events across Dubai, Riyadh, and Abu Dhabi, contributing data-driven thought leadership and supporting the network's content production.

The Middle East Investor Network sat down with Pool Investments, a Saudi-based early-stage capital firm targeting one of MENA's most overlooked gaps: founder readiness at the pre-seed stage. Founding Partners Salman and AlQassem Hamidaddin share how they work with founders before the pitch is polished, helping sharpen positioning and prepare companies for institutional capital.

After the regional conflict hit the gulf, the Middle East Investor Network convened five digital boardrooms to keep the private markets investment community connected. Senior investors, fund managers, and allocators from across the Gulf came together under Chatham House rule to discuss portfolio positioning, real estate, liquidity, private credit, and the broader geopolitical picture. Here is what they told us.

ALTInvest by ME-IN has been rescheduled for 15–16 September 2026 following recent regional developments. We remain committed to delivering a secure, high-calibre forum for the alternative investment community. Registration is now reopened; please visit the ALTInvest page to secure your place for this autumn’s event.

We are pleased to announce Praxis as an annual member and ALTInvest sponsor. A global leader in fund and private wealth services, Praxis brings five decades of expertise in complex governance and structuring. This partnership provides our members with enhanced insights into international asset management and cross-border solutions.

The investment groups of Al Muhaidib Group and Burkhan World Investors, alongside private markets technology specialist Carta, sat down with the Middle East Investor Network to discuss whether the U.S. still remains the default destination for capital.

For many, the Israel, US, and Iran conflict represents uncharted territory. We were joined by Nicolas Michelon, geo-economics expert at Alagan Partners, and Abbas Hashmi, Family Office Principal at Saudi Family Holdings, to discuss how the alternative investment community should navigate this geopolitical shock.

Research by Oliver Kirkbright reveals a quiet, generational shift rewriting capital deployment across the Gulf. This isn't just portfolio rebalancing; it's a structural reset led by a new generation of decision-makers. These allocators are prioritising strategic participation over simple capital preservation.

Collective intelligence is reshaping Middle East venture capital as women in finance move beyond isolated decision-making. By pooling insights and fostering cross-border collaboration, these investors are navigating market shifts and bridging funding gaps. Join our upcoming GCC sessions to engage with the female leaders driving this new era of private markets.

Abu Dhabi is solidifying its position as the region’s primary hub for capital and financial innovation. Ghassan Zeidan, Founder and CEO of Paragon Consulting, joined the Middle East Investor Network to discuss why the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has become the preferred destination for fund managers.

The GCC private equity market is set to reach $7.4 billion by 2032, but relationship-based fundraising is over. To win over sophisticated LPs in 2026, emerging managers must prioritise institutional governance, local alignment, and operational excellence. Success now requires demonstrating genuine value creation and navigating a rapidly maturing institutional landscape.

The UAE’s new $10 billion National Investment Fund aims to double FDI by 2031, targeting tech, renewables, and logistics. Offering government-backed co-investment and a stable regulatory environment, the fund simplifies access for global capital. This strategic initiative strengthens the UAE’s position as a premier hub for sophisticated international investors.

Middle Eastern investment is shifting from passive capital to active co-investment, with regional players seeking direct control and fee transparency. Driven by economic diversification, GCC investors are prioritising strategic partnerships and institutionalised deal-sharing. This evolution is establishing the region as a sophisticated, indispensable leader in global private markets.