SuperReturn Middle East 2026

Details

• PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED
• Private wealth is rapidly becoming a key capital base for private markets, but access, alignment, and distribution remain evolving.
• This discussion will explore how wealth investors are deploying capital today.
• Are traditional distribution models still fit for purpose, or is there a shift toward greater control, transparency, and lower-cost access?
• As the Middle East positions itself as a global capital hub, how is private wealth in the region evolving, and how are sentiment and capital flows being shaped by the current environment?
• Expect a candid conversation on the role of private banks and wealth managers, where incentives are aligned or challenged, and what is really working in practice when it comes to deploying private wealth.
• Strictly limited to private banks, wealth managers and single-family offices only.
• Spaces are first-come, first-served. Run under the Chatham House Rule and closed to press.
• To register, please contact Niyati at niyati.saini @informa.com

Details

• As private credit continues to expand globally, what is driving its growth, and how is its role evolving relative to traditional bank lending and private equity? How are investors differentiating between managers, strategies, and underwriting quality to ensure consistent returns? As evergreen credit funds grow in popularity, how are investors assessing liquidity, transparency, and the use of gating mechanisms? In the context of conflict consequences, how sustainable is the current growth trajectory for private credit, and what will define the next phase of the market globally and in the Middle East?

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• PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED
• As private wealth increases its exposure to private markets, the structures used to deploy capital are becoming just as important as the assets themselves.
• This discussion will explore how investors are choosing between an expanding set of investment structures, from evergreen and semi-liquid vehicles to SPVs, secondaries, and bespoke structures. Do these models offer greater flexibility and access, or do they introduce new risks around liquidity, valuation, and alignment?
• The conversation will also examine how blended finance and consortium-style deals are emerging across the Middle East, particularly in sectors such as infrastructure, energy, and food security.
• How are private wealth investors participating alongside banks, sovereigns, and institutional capital, and what does effective structuring look like in practice?
• Expect a practical discussion on what works, what doesn’t, and how investors are balancing flexibility, access, and control when structuring private wealth investments across regions.
• Strictly limited to private banks, wealth managers and single-family offices only.
• Spaces are first-come, first-served. Run under the Chatham House Rule and closed to press.
• To register, please contact Niyati at niyati.saini @informa.com

Details

• How has LP appetite in private credit evolved in recent years, and what is driving the shift beyond traditional direct lending strategies? How are LPs thinking about the role of private credit within portfolios today, particularly as it increasingly overlaps with equity-like returns? How are Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds and family offices balancing the search for yield with disciplined risk management in private credit?

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• With capital flowing between the Middle East, East and West, how are fundraising dynamics evolving in the context of geopolitical conflict, and what is truly differentiating successful GPs today? How are fundraising models adapting, across blind pools, deal-by-deal, and independent sponsors? Where are LP expectations heading on liquidity, returns and cashflow, and how are GPs positioning to meet these while continuing to drive growth? As exit pathways broaden, from IPOs to secondaries and strategic sales, how should managers think about building credible, repeatable routes to liquidity?

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• As credit markets evolve globally, what is driving the growth of credit secondaries, and how is momentum building across the Middle East? How are investors approaching opportunities across secondary credit, and what local nuances differentiate the region from more other global markets? With the emergence of secondary NPL sales in the UAE, what does this mean for market development, bank balance sheets, and investor access to distressed opportunities?

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• As local LPs increasingly prioritise regional deployment, what does this mean for access to capital? With LPs taking a more selective and partnership-driven approach, how are relationships between local and international investors changing, and what does “alignment” now really look like in practice?As LPs reassess portfolio construction across funds, direct investments and sectors, how are allocation strategies shifting in the Middle East, and beyond?What role are corporate investors playing in this evolving ecosystem, as strategic capital providers, partners and acquirers, and how are they reshaping opportunities for GPs and the broader market?

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• How are investors deciding when to deploy capital into asset-backed lending versus traditional credit strategies? What are the most effective structures in asset-backed lending today, and how are investors navigating complexity, legal frameworks, and market-specific constraints? How is technology, particularly AI and data-driven analysis, transforming underwriting, monitoring, and risk management in asset-backed strategies? What differentiates successful asset-backed lending strategies in practice, from sourcing and structuring to execution and ongoing asset performance?

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• As attention shifts from large buyouts to the mid and lower mid-market, what is driving this momentum in the Middle East, and how does it compare to global trends? How are investors thinking about access, whether through direct deals, partnerships, or specialist managers, and what models are proving most effective? As more capital targets this market, how are businesses refining their approach to sourcing, pricing, and execution to maintain discipline and returns?

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• As venture ecosystems mature, where are the most compelling use cases for venture credit emerging across sectors and stages? How are venture credit providers structuring deals to balance downside protection with the growth needs of startups and scale-ups? How are relationships between equity investors and credit providers evolving, and what does effective alignment look like in practice?

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• PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED
• A closed-door discussion exploring how co-investments are reshaping LP–GP relationships across both global and Middle Eastern markets.
• Co-investment is increasingly a core expectation rather than an optional extra. How are GPs structuring these partnerships in practice, and how are allocation decisions evolving across different types of LPs?
• The conversation will examine how co-investments are being used as a tool for access, alignment, and fundraising in the current environment.
• What works when partnering with family offices, and where do tensions emerge around control, objectives and performance?
• Expect a candid exchange on how co-investment strategies are being executed today, how fund models are adapting, and what truly drives successful LP–GP partnerships in practice.
• Limited seating. Spaces are first-come, first-served. Run under the Chatham House Rule and closed to press.
• To register, please contact munazzah.siddique@informa.com

Details

• A practical, discussion-led workshop focused on how private credit can be structured and executed within evolving legal frameworks across the Middle East.
• This session will explore the latest developments in key jurisdictions such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia, where legal regimes are increasingly adapting to support private credit markets and enhance lender protections.
• Participants will gain insight into what has changed, what is now possible, and how to navigate local legal systems effectively.
• The workshop will cover critical areas including the structuring and enforcement of security, taking charges over dynamic or fluctuating assets, and the processes around registering and perfecting security interests. It will also explore how private credit structures can be aligned with Shariah principles, and how investors are navigating both conventional and Islamic frameworks in practice.
• Designed for both investors and advisors, this session will offer a practical lens on how to operate within the region, highlighting key considerations, common pitfalls, and what differentiates successful credit transactions in practice.

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• As Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds continue to deploy capital globally, how are their investment strategies evolving across regions, sectors, and asset classes? With increasingly structured allocation frameworks and longer engagement cycles, how should GPs think about building successful, long-term partnerships with sovereign investors? How are SWFs balancing global diversification with growing domestic and strategic priorities?

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• An interactive, discussion-led workshop designed to unpack how emerging managers actually get backed in today’s market, and what LPs are really looking for beyond the pitch deck.
• Together, LPs and GPs will explore where first-time funds should be raising capital globally, how to navigate the realities of track record constraints, and what truly differentiates emerging managers, from local connectivity and sourcing advantage to alignment and communication.
• The session will also examine how due diligence frameworks are evolving for smaller funds, how return expectations and risk profiles are being assessed, and what role institutions, from DFIs to regional allocators, can play in building a stronger pipeline of next-generation managers in the Middle East and beyond.
• Expect a candid, practical exchange on what works, what doesn’t, and how both managers and investors can better position themselves in an increasingly selective and volatile fundraising environment.

Details

• PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED
• This session explores how investors are navigating the growing challenge of zombie funds in global private markets.
• As exit timelines extend and distributions slow, an increasing share of capital remains tied up in ageing funds with limited visibility on realisations.
• How are LPs assessing these positions, and what options exist to unlock value or manage exposure?
• Set against a backdrop of market uncertainty and geopolitical volatility, this discussion will examine how liquidity constraints, valuation challenges, and prolonged holding periods are reshaping portfolio construction and allocation decisions.
• Expect a candid exchange on what is working in practice and how LPs are adapting to a world where capital may remain locked for longer than expected.
• Limited seating. Spaces are first-come, first-served. Run under the Chatham House Rule and closed to press.
• This exclusive session is only open to pre-registered banks, corporate investors, development finance institutions, endowments, family offices, foundations, insurance companies, investment consultants, pension funds, RIAs, sovereign wealth funds and wealth managers subject to qualification.
• LPs, to register, please contact Niyati at niyati.saini @informa.com

Details

• A case study-led session showcasing how global and regional players are deploying private credit across different markets and strategies.
• Through three distinct case studies, leading investors will present real examples of credit transactions, offering insight into how deals are sourced, structured, and executed in practice.
• The session will highlight a range of approaches across both Middle Eastern and international contexts.
• Each case will explore the investment rationale, structuring considerations, risk management, and outcomes, providing a practical view of how capital is being deployed in today’s evolving credit landscape.
• Expect a candid look at what has worked, what has been challenging, and what drives performance across different markets.
• 8 mins presentations each followed by 6 mins Q&A

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• PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Details

• PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED
• As more entrepreneurs transition into family offices, the question is no longer just where to invest, but how to build the platform behind it.
• This closed-door discussion will explore what it really means to institutionalise private wealth.
• What does a “modern” family office look like in practice, and how are SFOs evolving from founder-led capital to structured, disciplined investment platforms?
• Where should capabilities sit - in-house or outsourced - and what are the trade-offs between control, cost, and expertise?
• Set against a backdrop of growing sophistication in both Middle Eastern and global family offices, this session will unpack the real decisions, gaps, and inflection points in building an institutional-grade family office.
• This is a candid exchange between emerging and established family offices on what works, what scales, and what experienced family offices wish they had done differently.
• Strictly single-family offices only. Limited seating. Spaces are first-come, first-served. Run under the Chatham House Rule and closed to press.
• SFOs, to register, please contact Niyati at niyati.saini @informa.com

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• As AI accelerates demand for compute, how are data centres, chips and energy converging to create a new infrastructure investment landscape globally? Where are investors seeing the most compelling opportunities across the value chain? What is driving the Middle East’s emergence as a hub for AI infrastructure, from energy advantage to capital availability, and how does this position it in the global race? As demand grows, how are investors navigating key challenges across financing, capacity, power, location, and execution?

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• Why is data and technology sovereignty becoming a strategic priority for governments and investors globally? How are countries approaching sovereignty in practice, from regulation and data localisation to infrastructure and control over digital ecosystems? How is the Middle East positioning itself between global technology blocs, and what does this mean for partnerships, capital flows, and long-term strategy? From an investor perspective, how does the push for sovereignty reshape where and how capital is deployed across technology platforms?

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• A fast-paced deep dive into what Anthropic, OpenAI, A16z, Kleiner Perkins, and other top AI leaders are saying about where AI is headed and where to invest.

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• A case study-led session exploring how infrastructure investments are being delivered on the ground, across mobility and logistics.
• The session will feature two focused case studies: one on EV ecosystems and transportation infrastructure, and one on logistics and supply chain infrastructure, including ports, freight, and distribution networks.
• This session will unpack how investors are identifying opportunities, structuring deals, and executing at scale.
• The discussion will also consider how an evolving geopolitical environment is shaping infrastructure priorities, reinforcing the importance of resilience, connectivity, and long-term planning.
• Expect practical insights into how capital is being deployed, how projects are brought to life, and what differentiates successful infrastructure investments across both regional and international markets.
• 10 mins presentations each followed by 5 mins Q&A

Details

• PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED
• Family offices today are navigating an increasingly complex investment landscape, balancing global opportunities, evolving allocation strategies, and heightened scrutiny on risk.
• This closed-door discussion will explore how SFOs are approaching capital deployment in practice.
• Where are investors allocating today across regions, and how are views diverging in the current environment?
• What does effective due diligence look like when investing directly, and where are the common pitfalls?
• This is a candid exchange on how decisions are being made in real time, what is driving allocation, where conviction lies, and how sophisticated investors are pricing risk and opportunity.
• SFOs, to register, please contact Niyati at niyati.saini@informa.com

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• Where is AI genuinely creating value today across industries, and how can investors distinguish real impact from hype? As AI is embedded into businesses, which parts of the value chain are most at risk, and which are most defensible? How is AI changing the way private markets investors source opportunities, assess value, and make decisions in practice?

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• As energy security rises up the agenda globally, how is this reshaping infrastructure investment priorities across renewables, traditional energy, and new technologies? How is the Middle East balancing its role as a global energy producer with growing ambitions around energy independence and diversification? To what extent is capital shifting toward electricity generation as economies move beyond oil? How are capital structures evolving to finance energy infrastructure at scale, across equity, debt, and public-private partnerships?

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• In a more disciplined fundraising environment, how are investors reassessing risk, from valuation discipline to path to profitability and portfolio construction? To what extent is the traditional VC fund model fit for purpose in emerging ecosystems, and does the Middle East require a fundamentally different approach to timelines and returns? As venture activity expands beyond Series A, how are investors approaching both early-stage opportunities and the emerging gap in growth-stage capital across the Middle East? With VC exits becoming more complex and less predictable, how are venture investors rethinking liquidity, from M&A and secondaries to new pathways for realising returns?

Details

• PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED
• Real estate remains a core allocation for family offices, but how assets are held and structured is often as important as the investment itself.
• This closed-door discussion will explore how SFOs are structuring real estate investments in the Middle East and beyond, from trophy assets to broader portfolio exposure.
• When does it make sense to hold directly versus through SPVs or other vehicles, and how do jurisdiction, governance, and long-term objectives shape these decisions?
• The conversation will also examine how investors are thinking about timing and opportunity. How are family offices positioning for potential corrections, and how does this influence both structure and strategy?
• This is a practical exchange on how sophisticated investors are approaching the real estate market today, what works in practice, and how structure, timing, and conviction come together in decision-making.
• Open to single family offices only. Limited seating. Spaces are first-come, first-served. Run under the Chatham House Rule and closed to press.
• SFOs, to register, please contact Niyati at niyati.saini@informa.com

Details

• How are shifting population dynamics and global capital flows reshaping where real estate opportunities are emerging today? To what extent is geopolitics influencing real estate allocation decisions, particularly across regions like the Middle East, US, Europe, and Asia? In a market that has seen both rapid growth and sudden uncertainty, how are investors thinking about resilience, structure, and long-term value in real estate today?

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• PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED
• Energy transition and impact investing are becoming increasingly important areas of focus for family offices, particularly as next-generation investors place greater emphasis on sustainability and long-term societal outcomes.
• This closed-door discussion will explore how SFOs are approaching these opportunities in practice.
• Where are investors deploying capital across areas such as renewable energy, waste-to-energy, and emerging technologies, and how are they balancing purpose with performance?
• The conversation will also examine the challenges in this space. How do you assess whether an investment is truly impactful, and how do you navigate issues around measurement, scalability, and evolving frameworks such as carbon credits?
• And how are single family offices navigating the complexity of investing in energy transition and impact across both regional and global markets amid energy price volatility and geopolitical uncertainty?
• Open to single family offices only. Limited seating. Spaces are first-come, first-served. Run under the Chatham House Rule and closed to press.
• SFOs, to register, please contact Niyati at niyati.saini@informa.com

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• As innovation shifts from software to deep and advanced technologies such as semiconductors, robotics, and quantum computing, where are the most compelling opportunities emerging globally and in the Middle East? In a world shaped by geopolitical tensions, supply chain constraints, and strategic competition, how are governments and investors positioning themselves around critical technologies such as chips and advanced tech infrastructure? As next-generation technologies move closer to real-world deployment, how should investors think about risk, from capital intensity and long timelines to cybersecurity and system vulnerability?

Details

• PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED
• Limited spaces for GPs only.
• To register, please contact Munazzah Siddique at munazzah.siddique@informa.com

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• In the wake of escalating geopolitical tensions, from US–Iran conflict to shifting Gulf rivalries, is this a prolonged period of structural instability or familiar cyclical disruption? What does a truly multipolar world look like in practice, and how are shifting power centres reshaping global influence? With US policy becoming increasingly unpredictable, from trade to foreign intervention, how should investors interpret and navigate the ripple effects globally? In what ways are macro forces, volatile inflation, interest rates, currency movements, and a weakening dollar, being driven by politics rather than pure economics? In a world of rising fragmentation and deglobalisation, how are alliances, trade corridors, and regional blocs evolving, and what does that mean for global stability?

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• How is the Middle East positioning itself within global portfolios, and what is driving sustained investor conviction in the region? Which asset classes and sectors are emerging as the strongest engines of growth today? How are firms navigating deployment, valuations, and execution in such a fast-moving and competitive market, while adapting strategies to capture long-term opportunities amid shifting macro conditions, geopolitical dynamics, and evolving investor expectations? How are fund managers distinguishing between short-term “hot capital” and more durable, long-term institutional commitments, and what does that mean for market resilience?

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• How are GPs building stronger ecosystems around portfolio companies? How is technology, particularly AI, changing how portfolio companies are managed? How are fund managers scaling portfolio companies beyond their home markets? What are the methods to creating value when exit routes are still developing and timelines are less predictable?

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• In a market shaped by geopolitical shocks, what does effective risk mitigation look like today, beyond traditional diversification? As industry risks become harder to predict, how are investors building portfolios that can withstand uncertainty rather than trying to forecast it? As AI becomes embedded across the ecosystem, how are investors preparing for if it goes wrong?

Details

• PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED
• 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 banks, corporate investors, development finance institutions, endowments, family offices, foundations, insurance companies, investment consultants, pension funds, RIAs, sovereign wealth funds and wealth managers subject to qualification.
• For GPs: to apply for pitching, please contact Marcia at marcia.brissett@informa.com
• For LPs: to join, please contact Niyati at niyati.saini@informa.com

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• As GP-led secondaries move firmly into the mainstream, what does best practice look like in reality, and what lessons have emerged from experienced experts in the field? As the market evolves, how are direct secondaries and complementary structures developing alongside CVs, and where are investors finding the most compelling opportunities today? In a world of extended hold periods and ongoing liquidity needs, how is the secondaries ecosystem reshaping the relationship between GPs, LPs, and capital providers, and what will define the next phase of growth?

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• PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED

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• How have geopolitical disruptions, particularly around key routes like the Strait of Hormuz, reshaped food supply chains, input costs such as fertilisers, and ultimately global food prices? What does true food security look like today for the Middle East, and how are countries balancing import dependence with building domestic resilience? Where are the most compelling investment opportunities emerging across the food value chain in a more turbulent environment?

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• PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED
• As geopolitical tensions reshape global priorities, defence and strategic sectors are moving firmly into the investment mainstream.
• From AI-powered autonomous systems to dual-use technologies with both military and commercial applications, private capital is increasingly playing a role in building the next generation of security infrastructure. How are LPs and GPs approaching a space that was once considered off-limits, and what is driving its rapid emergence as a high-growth investment theme?
• Where are the most compelling opportunities across defence, cybersecurity, and advanced technologies, and how are investors balancing innovation, regulation, and ethical considerations?
• As nations place greater emphasis on technological and defence sovereignty, how is this shaping priorities and capital allocation across both global and Middle Eastern markets?
• Limited seating. Spaces are first-come, first-served. Run under the Chatham House Rule and closed to press.
• To register, please contact munazzah.siddique@informa.com

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• As sustainability narratives evolve globally, what is the reality on the ground? In an environment where returns are back in sharp focus, how is private capital demonstrating that impact strategies can deliver both competitive financial performance and meaningful social and environmental outcomes? Where are the most compelling opportunities emerging today across climate, natural capital and water security, particularly in regions like the Middle East where structural needs are accelerating investment demand? As the market matures, what will define credibility and success in impact investing, and how are leading firms positioning themselves for the next phase of development?

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• Where are the most compelling opportunities emerging across the healthcare value chain today? As healthcare demand rises globally due to demographic shifts, how are investors building platforms that can scale across regions while navigating regulation and local market dynamics? How is AI reshaping healthcare investing, from drug discovery to diagnostics and delivery, and where is it creating real, scalable value? What does it take to successfully invest in healthcare, and how are partnerships with operators and specialists shaping outcomes in practice?

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• PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED
• DEI is entering a new phase. High-profile policy shifts and changing internal strategies at major institutions are prompting a reassessment of how diversity, equity and inclusion factor into investment decisions.
• For LPs and GPs, the question is no longer just commitment, but consistency, credibility and commercial relevance.
• This closed-door discussion explores how DEI priorities are evolving across global markets and the Middle East, and what this means for capital allocation, manager selection and long-term value creation.
• • Are recent shifts signalling a pullback, or a more pragmatic recalibration of DEI in investment strategies?
• • How are LP expectations on DEI changing in practice - and how consistent are they across regions?
• • What does credible DEI integration look like today when scrutiny is increasing and narratives are shifting?
• • As policies evolve, how are GPs balancing commercial performance with maintaining meaningful progress on diversity?
• Limited seating. Spaces are first-come, first-served. Run under the Chatham House Rule and closed to press.
• To register, please contact munazzah.siddique@informa.com

Details

• How are geopolitical tensions and regional instability reshaping LP behaviour? As LPs become more deliberate and cautious, what has fundamentally changed in how capital is deployed, from commitment pacing to portfolio construction and diversification? With greater scrutiny on new commitments, how are LPs redefining manager selection, and what now separates those who secure capital from those who fall away? As capital becomes more strategic, how are LPs balancing financial returns with broader objectives, from reinforcing domestic markets to supporting long-term economic priorities?

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• What makes a GP truly stand out to family offices, and what are the common reasons they don’t proceed with an allocation? As single-family offices become more active and selective, what kind of access, flexibility and alignment do they expect from fund managers? With growing global ambition, where are single family offices deploying capital today, and how are regional priorities diverging?

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• What investment strategies work best in different markets globally, and how should investors adapt their approach across regions rather than applying a single playbook? What lessons and best practices from developed markets can be applied to emerging markets, and vice-versa? How are emerging markets working together today, and what does a successful cross-market collaboration look like on the ground?

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• As energy dynamics shift and supply chains realign, how is the India–GCC relationship evolving? Where does this create new investment angles? With India’s deep talent pool and mature tech ecosystems, how are investors identifying which capabilities truly drive competitive advantage? Highlighting some of the most compelling success stories and learnings from those who have leveraged this partnership effectively.

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• Having consistently demonstrated resilience through past cycles, what lessons from previous crises are shaping how it sustains momentum today, and how does it position itself in an increasingly eastward-shifting global order? As capital, talent and institutions continue to concentrate in the UAE, how is it strengthening its position as the region’s leading commercial hub? As the ecosystem matures, how are investors thinking about scaling from Dubai? Is it a destination market, or a launchpad for regional and global expansion?

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• As capital flows become increasingly shaped by geopolitics, regulation and strategic partnerships, the GCC is emerging as a central node connecting global markets. This session brings together a series of focused case studies exploring how investors are navigating and building across key corridors - from Türkiye, Central Asia and Africa to Europe and the United States.
• Through short, insight-driven presentations, speakers will share real-world examples of cross-border investment, partnership structures and the practical realities of operating across these regions.
• From formal agreements and evolving trade routes to shifting political dynamics and sector opportunities, the session will unpack what is actually driving capital movement today - and where the next opportunities lie.
• Featuring:
• Türkiye & the GCC
• Africa & the GCC
• Central Asia & the GCC
• Europe & the GCC
• USA & the GCC
• 7 mins presentations each followed by 5 mins Q&A

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• As Saudi accelerates its economic diversification, where are the most investable opportunities emerging? As regulation evolves and markets open further to foreign capital, how is the kingdom reshaping the investment landscape? What does this mean for access, competition and long-term returns?

Details

• PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED
• Spaces are limited and only open to those who have pre-registered.
• To enquire, please email Munazzah Siddique at munazzah.siddique@informa.com

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• As capital increasingly flows between the GCC and North Africa, where are the most compelling opportunities emerging, and what is driving that alignment today? As governments step in with reforms and incentives in countries including Egypt and Morrocco, how investable is the region today, and where are investors still seeing friction in practice? With North Africa exporting talent, IP and scalable business models into the GCC, how are investors identifying which companies can successfully bridge both markets? What does a credible exit pathway look like across North Africa, and how does GCC capital change that equation?

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• How are countries like Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain redefining their roles within the GCC investment landscape? Where are the most compelling opportunities emerging across these markets, and how visible are they to international investors? With capital becoming more selective and inward-focused, how are investors in these markets thinking about deployment - locally, regionally, and globally?

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• Gaming is no longer just entertainment. It is emerging as one of the most compelling frontiers for venture-scale returns.
• Across the Middle East and beyond, capital is flowing into gaming ecosystems, with sovereign-backed strategies, rapid company scaling, and breakout success stories reshaping how investors view the sector.
• From early-stage studios to billion-dollar outcomes in a matter of months, gaming is producing a new generation of “hidden champions” and globally competitive platforms.
• This session explores how gaming is evolving into a serious investment category, where value is being created, how regional hubs like the UAE are attracting talent and companies, and what recent success stories reveal about the speed and scalability of the sector.
• Through real-world examples and founder-led insights, we examine what it takes to build, back and exit gaming ventures in today’s market, and why this space is moving from niche to necessity for forward-looking investors.

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• As China deepens its investment footprint across the GCC, from infrastructure to technology, what is underpinning this strategic shift, and where are investors seeing tangible results? With strong interest in Chinese technology, from AI to advanced manufacturing, how are GCC investors accessing these capabilities, and overcoming the risks and limitations? As the Middle East navigates relationships with both China and the US, how are investors managing this multi-alignment strategy - and what does it mean for long-term partnerships and capital flows?

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• What differentiates the tourism strategies of the Middle East compared to other markets? Where across the tourism value chain are investors seeing the most attractive returns? As geopolitical tensions and regional conflicts impact travel sentiment, how resilient is the tourism investment thesis, and where are investors seeing recovery or continued demand?