Summit DayTuesday, 13 October 2026 - GT (Gulf Time, GMT+04:00)

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?

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?

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?

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?

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.