Main Conference Day TwoTuesday, 27 January 2026 - Riyadh (UTC, GMT+03:00)

Exploring how political developments, particularly in the U.S., are influencing risk assets, capital flows, and investor positioning. What lessons can be drawn from past policy frameworks like the “Seven Steps of Maximum Pressure,” and how might they shape trade, diplomacy, and investment strategies?

How are GPs and LPs across the GCC capitalising on the rise of IPOs and equity transactions to unlock value and drive growth? What structures and strategies are emerging to support cross-border dealmaking and regional integration? Are valuations, timelines, and risk allocations aligned with market realities?

How are investors leveraging the complementary strengths of GCC economies – from Saudi Arabia’s transformation to the UAE’s financial innovation, Qatar’s strategic capital deployment, and Kuwait’s growing role in regional capital markets?

How is private credit evolving in the GCC, and what role are innovative structures like sukuk and private placements playing in financing the real economy? In what ways can Shariah-compliant instruments offer scalable, risk-adjusted alternatives to traditional credit strategies? How are local and international GPs structuring funds to meet both commercial and developmental mandates and SME growth?

Leading VCs and PE firms unpack the realities beyond the hype: where is AI today, what breakthroughs are on the horizon, and what infrastructure is needed to support scalable growth? We’ll also explore why sectors such as AI are attracting capital across the GCC, how investors are approaching risk and responsibility, and what it means for global power dynamics. Is the region ready to lead in these strategic domains- and how can investors position themselves at the forefront?

Part 1: New market report (10 minutes): Venture exits in MENA - IPOs, M&A and what comes next

Part 2: 20 minute panel

How can GPs stand out and how can LPs better identify long-term, sustainable VC strategies in the region? What structural gaps – like Series B funding and lack of exits must be addressed to build a mature and investible ecosystem? How can the region nurture sector-specific scale-ups in AI, fintech, and deep tech while avoiding over-concentration and valuation gaps? Why do so many MENA startups stall at Series A/B and how are sovereign funds and fund of funds addressing this bottleneck?

How are LPs and GPs collaborating to structure co-investments that offer direct access and alignment? What role do secondaries and GP-led deals play in creating liquidity and optionality for investors? How are firms building scalable platforms for co-investment across regions like the GCC? What are LPs looking for in terms of governance, speed, and transparency in co-investment processes?

With a surge of new funds launching is the market ready to absorb this capital? This session will explore whether LPs are prepared to commit more, and under what structures. Are there enough investable projects to meet growing demand? We’ll also tackle key questions around valuations, deal timelines, and risk allocation - are they realistic in today’s environment? Join leading GPs and infrastructure investors to unpack the dynamics shaping the region’s infrastructure investment landscape.

Saudi Arabia's leading family offices share how they're balancing traditional wealth preservation with strategic growth opportunities across emerging sectors and markets. How are families adapting their criteria for identifying exceptional investment partners in an increasingly competitive environment? What does portfolio construction innovations look like across asset classes? How do you balance strategic decision-making frameworks for evaluating emerging sectors such as AI, defence technology, and sustainable infrastructure while maintaining alignment with long-term wealth preservation goals?

Unicorns of the Middle East: What’s driving scale?

Join intimate, expert-led roundtables exploring key questions and sectors shaping the private capital landscape in the region

1. Fintech: sandboxes, sectors and market growth
2. Education and ed tech: how can the private sector access opportunities?
3. Unlocking mid-market private equity
4. Islamic finance in focus: Unlocking liquidity, innovation & growth
5. Regional LP perspectives on Venture Capital
6. Evergreen fund structures: Learning from European and US best practice. When will the model arrive in the region?
7. Talent: How can you attract, retain and develop top talent in an AI-driven world?
8. Digital infrastructure at scale: Where is the region allocating capital and who’s deploying?
9. Debate: Blind pool vs single-asset - which model works best?
10. Fees: How can private fund fee structures be designed to align LP and GP interests while remaining competitive and sustainable?