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

The UAE's journey from tax haven to structured tax jurisdiction has created the most significant regulatory shift in Middle East private markets since the region opened to international capital. For the first time in decades, fund managers and institutional investors must navigate a bifurcated system where tax planning becomes as critical as deal sourcing. This isn't just regulatory housekeeping. The introduction of a 9% federal corporate tax and the OECD's 15% minimum tax fr

The Middle East private equity landscape has fundamentally shifted. What once centered around opportunistic deal-making has evolved into sophisticated, jurisdiction-specific strategies that demand careful consideration of regulatory frameworks, capital deployment mechanisms, and long-term positioning. Fund managers today face a critical decision: establish operations in the UAE's established financial ecosystem or capitalize on Saudi Arabia's unprecedented capital mobilizatio

The numbers don't lie. MENA's family office sector is experiencing a seismic shift that's reshaping how institutional capital flows through the region. With over $500 billion in assets under management in 2025 and 18,800 ultra-high-net-worth individuals calling the Middle East home, we're witnessing the emergence of a sophisticated investment ecosystem that rivals London and New York. But here's what most people miss: this isn't just about wealthy families getting more organi

The global financial landscape is currently undergoing a monumental transformation driven by the "Great Wealth Transfer," an inter-generational move that's projected to shuffle a stunning $83.5 trillion by 2048.

A comprehensive analysis of the $2.67 trillion transformation and investment opportunities across PE, PC, and VC.