MENA Capital Markets Enter New Growth Phase as Regional Leaders Convene at Arqaam Capital Investor Conference
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is emerging as an increasingly influential destination for global capital, supported by growing foreign investment, expanding debt and equity markets, and sustained economic diversification, according to experts and industry leaders gathered at Arqaam Capital’s 13th Annual MENA Investor Conference in Dubai.
Held under the theme “From Resilience to Market Leadership: Scaling Capital Across MENA,” the two-day conference brought together policymakers, economists, exchange executives, sovereign investors, institutional fund managers, and business leaders to examine the evolving investment landscape across the region.
The event was attended by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan alongside senior representatives from regional stock exchanges, financial institutions, listed companies, and investment firms.
Economic Diversification Strengthens GCC Investment Appeal
A central theme throughout the conference was the continued diversification of Gulf economies and their growing attractiveness to international investors.
According to Simon Ballard, approximately 76 percent of the UAE’s GDP is now generated by non-oil sectors, highlighting the success of long-term economic diversification strategies.
Speakers noted that foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into GCC countries reached an estimated US$300 billion between 2019 and 2024, with the UAE accounting for more than half of the total. Strong fiscal fundamentals, investor-friendly regulations, and the ability to attract global talent were identified as key drivers behind the region’s sustained growth.
Regional Capital Markets Continue to Deepen
The development of regional capital markets featured prominently in discussions, with exchange leaders outlining initiatives designed to enhance liquidity, broaden investor participation, and strengthen market infrastructure.
During a fireside discussion, Hamed Ali highlighted the continued expansion of Dubai’s capital markets.
Dubai Financial Market’s market capitalization is approaching AED 1 trillion, while average daily trading value has surpassed AED 1 billion for the first time. Foreign investors now account for 51 percent of trading activity, while institutional investors contribute nearly 70 percent of trading volumes.
Notably, 84 percent of new investors joining the market in 2025 were foreign nationals, reflecting growing international confidence in the emirate’s financial ecosystem.
Across the region, exchange operators discussed reforms focused on debt-market expansion, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), securities lending frameworks, and improved market accessibility.
Fixed Income Market Presents Significant Opportunities
The conference also highlighted the growing importance of GCC fixed-income markets.
Industry experts pointed to an estimated US$508 billion in GCC debt maturities between 2026 and 2030, creating substantial refinancing opportunities for issuers and investors.
A panel featuring Omar Musharraf, Fady Gendy, and Jad Raouda explored how the region’s debt markets are becoming increasingly attractive to global investors seeking stable returns supported by strong sovereign balance sheets and resilient corporate fundamentals.
Technology and Private Capital Reshape Investment Landscape
Beyond traditional asset classes, participants examined how artificial intelligence, venture capital, entrepreneurship, quantitative investing, and demographic shifts are generating new opportunities across MENA.
Discussions focused on the evolving startup funding environment, the increasing role of private capital, and the growing influence of quantitative investment strategies and index-based investing on institutional capital flows.
Dubai Real Estate Continues Record Growth
Dubai’s property market remained a key focus area throughout the conference.
According to Aliaa Elesaaki, Dubai recorded approximately 58,000 real estate transactions valued at AED 176 billion by the end of April 2026.
Off-plan sales accounted for 73 percent of activity, while cash buyers continued to dominate transactions.
Elesaaki noted that the current real estate cycle differs significantly from previous market booms, with genuine end-user demand increasingly replacing speculative investment. The proportion of units resold within 12 months has fallen to just 4 percent, compared to 17 percent and 25 percent during earlier market cycles.
Further highlighting Dubai’s appeal, the city accounted for 23 percent of all global residential transactions above US$10 million in 2025, recording 500 such deals, outperforming major international markets including New York and Los Angeles.
In the first quarter of 2026 alone, Dubai registered 163 luxury property transactions exceeding US$10 million, setting a new quarterly record.
Long-Term Confidence in Regional Markets
Commenting on the outlook for regional real estate and capital markets, Jaap Meijer said recent geopolitical developments may have prompted greater investor selectivity, but strong economic fundamentals, population growth, and sustained demand continue to support long-term opportunities across GCC markets.
Meanwhile, Riad Meliti emphasized that MENA has moved beyond being viewed solely as a resilient investment destination.
He noted that the region is now characterized by increasing scale, liquidity, sophisticated capital markets, and expanding opportunities across equities, fixed income, private capital, and technology sectors.
Strengthening MENA’s Global Investment Position
Now in its 13th year, Arqaam Capital’s MENA Investor Conference continues to serve as a leading platform for dialogue between investors, policymakers, and business leaders on the forces shaping economic growth and capital allocation across the Middle East and North Africa.
The conference underscored the growing role of MENA markets in global investment portfolios and reinforced confidence in the region’s long-term trajectory as economies diversify, capital markets deepen, and investment opportunities continue to expand.
