Saudi Arabia continues to lead the region in Saudi Arabia private equity activity, securing the top spot in the MENA market. The Kingdom accounted for 45 percent of all transactions across the region in the first half of the year.
According to recent figures, Saudi Arabia closed 13 private equity deals during this period. This marks an 8 percent year-on-year increase and places the Kingdom ahead of the UAE, which recorded 12 transactions. Meanwhile, the UAE’s total saw a 25 percent decline compared to the previous year.
Together, Saudi Arabia and the UAE represented 86 percent of MENA’s private equity transactions. This dominance underlines their growing influence within the region’s investment landscape. Although regional deal volume shrank by 38 percent overall, larger and higher-conviction investments helped maintain capital value.
In fact, despite the slowdown in total transactions, disclosed deal value only fell 11 percent. Saudi Arabia continues to attract capital due to scale-ready businesses and a steady flow of sovereign and foreign investment. Analysts believe the surge in $100 million-plus deals reflects a maturing private equity market.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia private equity trends match the Kingdom’s performance in venture capital. Recent reports show that the country raised $860 million from venture funding during the same period. This figure reflects a 116 percent increase, further proving its appeal to both local and international investors.
In terms of volume, 114 venture capital deals took place, up 31 percent from the previous year. This growth shows momentum across Saudi Arabia’s broader investment ecosystem. Notably, 12 out of 13 private equity transactions involved Saudi-based investors, demonstrating solid domestic engagement.
Conversely, the UAE attracted more foreign participation, with two-thirds of its deals led by international players. This contrast highlights Saudi Arabia’s strong internal drive and the UAE’s gateway position for cross-border capital.
Furthermore, the regional shift toward larger deals continues. Deals between $500 million and $1 billion rose to 29 percent of the total. Transactions over $1 billion made up 14 percent, which means that is the highest share in five years. However, smaller deals below $50 million dropped to a record low of 14 percent.
On a value basis, deals in the $500 million to $1 billion range now account for 42 percent of capital. This figure surpasses the $1 billion-plus bracket, which dropped to 36 percent. The trend reflects global changes, as investors now focus on fewer but larger investments.
Despite global uncertainty, Saudi Arabia private equity remains a stronghold in the Gulf. Backed by sovereign support and policy reform, the Kingdom shows no signs of slowing its investment momentum.
