Main Conference Day 1 - GT (Gulf Time, GMT+04:00)
Main Conference Day 1 - GT (Gulf Time, GMT+04:00)
With competition between the US and China, war between Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Gaza, along with boycotts and sanctions, how are these geopolitical divides being perceived by the world, and what are the consequences on business activity and investor sentiment in the Middle East? Discussing the implications of the imminent US elections on the regional and global economic landscape for the next four years. In what ways is climate risk affecting the market and how are businesses tackling this from a portfolio construction angle? Oil prices, interest and inflation rates – how is the GCC managing the pressures well and what’s the effect on market stability today? What’s in store for 2025?
Which city is truly the capital of capital in the Middle East, and why? What are the hottest sectors and trends bringing the most revenue and excitement today? Is it better to be sector agnostic or specific? Debate on PE, VC, credit or infra: which is the standout asset class for the Middle East and what factors are contributing to its prominence?
What unique value creation strategies are businesses adopting to achieve a competitive advantage in today’s market? Discussing crucial tips for supporting portfolio companies. How to contribute to building an ecosystem that survives the good, the bad and the ugly through impactful talent management techniques. How is value truly quantified and what does the Middle East value most?
An introduction: what differentiates independent sponsors from traditional private equity funds and how can their unique deal sourcing approach benefit LPs? What considerations should Middle East LPs prioritise when assessing opportunities in this nascent strategy? How is this method changing the overall private capital market?
Are secondaries featured on the Middle East menu – why/why not? In what ways can co-investments serve as a risk mitigation opportunity? How are investors engaging in direct investments and why are they attractive? Discussing the ins, the outs, the hurdles and new possibilities.
A select number of GPs will present their fund to a group of LPs, individually, in a closed-door setting.
Each GP will have 10 minutes to make their case, including time for audience Q&A.
These exclusive presentations are only open to pre-registered development finance institutions, endowments, foundations, insurance companies, pension funds and sovereign wealth funds, subject to qualification.
For GPs: to apply for pitching, please contact Marcia Brissett at marcia.brissett@informa.com
For LPs: to join, please contact Adrianna Moskal at adrianna.moskal@informa.com
How are ultra-high-net-worth retail channels reshaping the landscape of private equity investments in the Middle East? What implications does this trend have for deal pricing and competition with larger firms? How do retail investor strategies and return expectations differ from institutional investors? With recent regulatory changes and requirements, what key considerations should foreign asset managers keep in mind when working with UAE retail investors?
Exposing the elephants in the room: gather around the table to candidly discuss interesting encounters, regulatory and geopolitical preoccupations and exactly how you worked around awkward situations. This session serves as a collaborative and respectful platform to exchange perspectives on the nuances of the Middle East investment landscape in a confidential and constructive environment.
Open to 20 attendees, spaces are first-come, first-served. Run under the Chatham House Rule and closed to press.
LPs, to register, please contact adrianna.moskal@informa.com
GPs, to register, please contact munazzah.siddique@informa.com
Is the debt hype still alive in the Middle East? How can banks and alternative lenders work together to maximise growth? Direct lending, distressed, mezzanine, special situations and more: with a plethora of opportunities in credit, which ones are turning the heads of the investors today? Islamic finance principles: delving into the intricacies of Sharia-compliant investment solutions across the asset class.
What sectors are different LP types from different regions zooming in and out on and what factors are swaying those preferences? How are Middle Eastern LPs balancing portfolio diversification and strategic alignment with state goals? What challenges are the LPs facing when it comes to the investment selection process and how can they be best addressed? International appetite: which destinations are capturing the most LP interest?
How are Middle Eastern family offices allocating capital and what are the next steps? Is technology replacing real estate as the premier investment opportunity – or not quite? What requirements from GPs are top on the FO priority list? Why are family offices from Asia so drawn to the Middle East as a secondary base for family operations and investment, and vice-versa? In what ways are different family offices partnering with each other and what are the results?
Which top factor matters most when beginning to build relationships in the Middle East? An insight into the LP manager selection process: criteria and deterrents. Exploring cultural nuances: top tips for fund managers looking to cultivate a partnership that lasts through the toughest economic conditions.