The Middle East is witnessing a significant shift in its initial public offering (IPO) market, which was previously dominated by government entities and family-owned businesses. Companies backed by private equity funds are now emerging as new players seeking to capitalize on listing opportunities in the region. British bank Barclays and Emirates NBD Capital have begun strengthening their presence in preparation for the next phase, as the Gulf region transforms into a promising market for private equity funds. This trend is fueled by a wave of IPOs valued at over $50 billion since 2022, an expanding base of local and international investors, and a diversification of sectors heading to the market. As Nikita Turkine, head of markets, stated:
