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?

Despite record regional growth, a gap remains between Saudi ambition and global investor participation. What holds back international investors from deploying capital in the region? How can LPs and GPs build confidence in partnerships? What steps are being taken to turn curiosity into conviction?

What domestic opportunities exist for private credit to finance SMEs, infrastructure and trade in the GCC? How are GPs structuring funds to manage risk while delivering commercial and developmental outcomes? Which legal and regulatory frameworks are needed to support a scalable and resilient private credit market?

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?

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?

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?

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. Transforming Care: Private Capital's Role in Saudi Arabia's Healthcare Evolution
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?