The Middle East’s mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market is poised for robust growth this year after a downbeat 2023, supported by national visions such as Vision 2030, government initiatives and growing strategic interest from regional and global players alike. The GCC, especially the UAE and Saudi Arabia, led the Middle East in dealmaking, both in terms of volume and valuation, underscoring their significant role in the region’s M&A landscape. Global consultancy firm EY said that the two GCC countries were the preferred destinations for investors in the January-June period, with 152 deals valued at $9.
8bn. The Gulf region, once known primarily for its vast oil reserves, is charting a new course guided by the leadership’s continuity and commitment to accelerate economic reforms. GCC countries’ trillion-dollar makeover, fuelled by the financial strength of their sovereign wealth funds, is driving a surge in both domestic and cross-border M&A activities.
Sovereign funds , such as Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) and Mubadala from the UAE and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, continue to lead the deal activity globally to support the GCC countries’ economic strategies. Building on last year’s momentum, the GCC’s M&A landscape in 2024 exudes optimism. With ample capital at their disposal, sovereign wealth funds, family offices and corporations are eager to invest and deploy resources.
The GCC’s M&A landscape is more vibrant than ever, driven by a confl.