Nasser Alardhi, head of Investcorp’s investment management division, signals growing confidence in Gulf Cooperation Council markets as private equity activity accelerates and initial public offerings gain momentum across the region.
- GCC private equity deal volume rose 38% YoY in Q4 2025
- $2.3 billion raised via 14 IPOs in GCC countries during 2025
- Average private equity transaction size reached $145 million in 2025
- Investcorp committed $1.6 billion to GCC investments in 2026
- New Nasdaq Dubai green bond segment and Saudi Tadawul tech corridor launched in 2025
- IPO lock-up periods now average 18 months, reflecting stronger investor confidence
Nasser Alardhi, senior executive at Investcorp, highlighted a notable uptick in private equity investments within the GCC, citing a 38% year-on-year increase in deal volume through Q4 2025. This expansion reflects improved investor sentiment, strengthened balance sheets among regional sovereign wealth funds, and an active pipeline of mid-market opportunities in sectors like healthcare, infrastructure, and renewable energy. The resurgence in the IPO market is equally significant, with 14 new listings across Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar raising over $2.3 billion in 2025—up from $970 million in the prior year. Alardhi attributed this rebound to stable macroeconomic conditions, enhanced regulatory frameworks, and the launch of new stock exchange initiatives such as the Nasdaq Dubai green bond segment and Saudi Tadawul’s tech-focused listing corridor. Key metrics underscore the transformation: the average transaction size for GCC private equity deals jumped to $145 million in 2025, while IPOs now feature longer lock-up periods (averaging 18 months), indicating greater institutional participation and long-term conviction. These developments have prompted Investcorp to allocate $1.6 billion toward regional investments in 2026, including a $320 million commitment to a joint venture focused on digital infrastructure in Abu Dhabi. Market participants, from pension funds to family offices, are increasingly viewing the GCC as a high-growth alternative asset class. The shift is also influencing cross-border capital flows, with European PE firms forming strategic partnerships with local entities to access regional growth corridors.