Read the November 2024 MEED Business Review
1 November 2024
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The GCC is abuzz with merger and acquisition (M&A) activity. In the first six months of 2024, 10 of the highest-valued M&As in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region took place in the GCC, and the UAE and Saudi Arabia recorded a combined 152 M&A deals worth $9.8bn. The November issue of MEED Business Review takes an in-depth look at how the ambitions of regional governments to diversify away from oil and gas and embrace newer areas of the economy is driving this M&A boom.
We also examine how the Mena M&A market is being boosted by energy deals, such as those being pursued by UAE energy giant Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc). In October, the firm received the necessary approvals to complete its purchase of a 50% stake in chemicals producer Fertiglobe from Dutch-listed OCI, taking its total shareholding in the business to 86%, and also secured agreement from German chemicals firm Covestro for a takeover worth €14.7bn ($16.1bn). The latter looks set to be the biggest M&A deal involving a Mena company this year and could even be among the 10 biggest M&A deals in the world in 2024.
The latest issue also includes detailed analysis of the region's project finance market. Major deals such as the $6.1bn financing for Neom Green Hydrogen Company, which closed in 2023, demonstrate that the GCC is a global project finance hotspot, and the region looks set to retain this title thanks to the use of project finance structures across a widening array of sectors, from infrastructure to green energy. And while public-private partnership (PPP) activity has eased back in the Mena region since last year, the number and value of contracts finalised in the first nine months of 2024 means this year is set to be one of the most active for PPP deal-making so far this century.
This month's exclusive 17-page market report highlights how Abu Dhabi is forging an investment policy that aims to capitalise on all future eventualities. The UAE govenment has raised its growth forecasts and is targeting artificial intelligence (AI) opportunities, while the country's banks are reaping the benefits of good fundamentals. Adnoc is on an upstream spending spree and is also developing its downstream portfolio. At the same time, the country's infrastructure sector is on an upward trajectory, water PPP activity is rising, UAE utilities are ramping up capacity procurement, and the construction sector is strengthening through consolidation in the middle of another boom.
Meanwhile, in this month's issue, the team examines how Kais Saied has been appointed for a second term as Tunisia’s president after winning 90.7% of the vote in the country's October election, and assesses the impact that the continuation of the Ukraine war will have on the reopening the oil export pipeline that runs from Iraq to Turkiye.
We also look at the GCC railway projects that are drawing global attention, learn why the transmission and distribution sector is heading for a record year and discover how Libya is preparing for its first licensing round in more than 15 years.
The November issue is also packed with exclusive interviews. Kingdom Holding’s CEO, Talal Ibrahim Almaiman, confirms that Saudi Arabia's ambitious project to build the world’s tallest tower is back on track; Thomas Altmann, Acwa Power’s executive vice-president for innovation and new technology, explains how the Saudi firm is tapping AI to help it win projects; and Tomaz Guadagnin, Engie’s managing director for Flex Gen in Asia, Middle East and Africa, discusses why the French utility developer and investor plans to only bid for projects that align with its strategy and 2045 net-zero target.
We hope our valued subscribers enjoy the November 2024 issue of MEED Business Review.
Must-read sections in the November 2024 issue of MEED Business Review include:
> AGENDA:
> Acquisition with a view to transition
> M&A market boosted by energy deals
> CURRENT AFFAIRS:
> Tunisian election reconfirms Kais Saied as president
> Ukraine war to weigh on Iraq-Turkiye oil pipeline talks
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INDUSTRY REPORT: |
> JEDDAH TOWER: World’s tallest tower is back on track
> INTERVIEW: Acwa Power taps artificial intelligence
> REGIONAL RAIL: GCC rail projects draw global attention
> INTERVIEW: Engie sticks to a selective projects approach
> POWER: Transmission and distribution sector heads for record year
> LIBYA: Libya mulls offering development blocks in licensing round
> UAE MARKET REPORT:
> COMMENT: UAE economy defends gains
> GOVERNMENT: UAE ups growth forecasts and targets AI opportunities
> BANKING: UAE banks reap the harvest
> UPSTREAM: Adnoc’s upstream goals drive spending spree
> DOWNSTREAM: Adnoc curates vast downstream portfolio
> POWER: UAE utilities ramp up capacity procurement
> WATER: UAE PPP activity rises
> CONSTRUCTION: UAE construction consolidates
> TRANSPORT: UAE infrastructure sector is on an upward trajectory
> MEED COMMENTS:
> Hard negotiations ahead for Dubai Metro's Blue Line
> Race to build world’s tallest tower restarts
> World Cup stadiums attract international contractors
> Adnoc crafts burgeoning chemicals portfolio
> GULF PROJECTS INDEX: Gulf Projects Index continues tentative climb
> SEPTEMBER 2024 CONTRACTS: Region records 55% increase in value of deals signed
> ECONOMIC DATA: Data drives regional projects
> OPINION: Biden leaves a mixed legacy
> BUSINESS OUTLOOK: Finance, oil and gas, construction, power and water contracts
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Exclusive from Meed
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Safety and security matters3 April 2026
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Saudi forecast remains one of growth3 April 2026
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Oman’s Nama PWP tenders consultancy contract3 April 2026
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Safety and security matters
3 April 2026
Commentary
Colin Foreman
EditorRead the April issue of MEED Business Review
Employment and investment opportunities in a low or no-tax environment have been key attractions for people and businesses located in the GCC for decades. Another crucial factor has been safety and security.
That reputation has been tested by the missile and drone attacks that began on 28 February. Whether the GCC’s safe haven status has been damaged depends on perspective.
For some, the fact that attacks occurred fundamentally changes how the region is viewed. For others, the ability to absorb a serious shock, respond quickly, and keep daily life and businesses functioning demonstrates resilience.Any assessment of safety is also relative. Many people and businesses that relocate in the GCC do so not only for opportunity, but because of dissatisfaction elsewhere. Common reasons include limited economic prospects, high taxation, distrust in political leadership and concerns about personal safety. Even with the recent conflict, the GCC may still compare favourably for those considering these factors.
There is no doubt that missile and drone attacks are extremely dangerous, and the fear of further incidents can linger. Even if attacks are infrequent, the uncertainty matters. It can influence personal decisions, travel advice, and the cost of insurance and risk management. These perceptions will shape the region’s attractiveness.
Safety concerns vary. In many parts of the world, higher levels of crime are an everyday worry for residents and businesses. For some, the GCC may still feel like the better option, provided the current tensions do not become the new normal.
How this question is answered will play an important role in how the region’s economies perform in the period ahead. If confidence returns quickly and the risk is seen as contained and manageable, investment and hiring will likely rebound faster than many expect. If uncertainty persists or escalates, the road to recovery will be a long one.
READ THE APRIL 2026 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDFEconomic shock threatens long-term outlook; Riyadh adjusts to fiscal and geopolitical risk; GCC contractor ranking reflects gigaprojects slowdown.
Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the April 2026 edition of MEED Business Review includes:
> AGENDA: Gulf economies under fire> GCC CONTRACTOR RANKING: Construction guard undergoes a shift> MARKET FOCUS: Risk accelerates Saudi spending shift> QATAR LNG: Qatar’s new $8bn investment heats up global LNG race> LEADERSHIP: Shaping the future of passenger rail in the Middle EastTo see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click here
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Saudi forecast remains one of growth
3 April 2026
MEED’s April 2026 report on Saudi Arabia includes:
> COMMENT: Risk accelerates Saudi spending shift
> GVT &: ECONOMY: Riyadh navigates a changed landscape
> BANKING: Testing times for Saudi banks
> UPSTREAM: Offshore oil and gas projects to dominate Aramco capex in 2026
> DOWNSTREAM: Saudi downstream projects market enters lean period
> POWER: Wind power gathers pace in Saudi Arabia
> WATER: Sharakat plan signals next phase of Saudi water expansion
> CONSTRUCTION: Saudi construction enters a period of strategic readjustment
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Dubai seeks consultants for Al-Khawaneej stormwater project
3 April 2026
Dubai Municipality has issued a consultancy tender to assess and upgrade the stormwater drainage system serving the Al-Khawaneej First residential district in northeastern Dubai.
The project, listed as TF-22-E1, covers the upgrading and rehabilitation of the stormwater system in the area. The tender has been issued by the municipality’s Sewerage and Recycled Water Projects Department.
The bid submission deadline is 23 April.
The works form part of Dubai’s wider efforts to strengthen flood resilience and support sustainable urban infrastructure development.
Two separate consultancy tenders were issued in March as part of a broader review of the emirate’s water and wastewater infrastructure to support future population growth.
One involves a study to develop a sustainable urban drainage systems strategy across the emirate. The other covers a review of the emirate’s sewage treatment and recycled water distribution strategy.
The Al-Khawaneej First consultancy role will include data collection, site investigations and an assessment of existing drainage conditions.
Additionally, the consultant will be required to identify flooding hotspots and evaluate the performance of the current system.
The project covers the preparation of preliminary and detailed designs, tender documents and construction packages as well as construction supervision through to project handover.
The municipality added that integrated drainage solutions are to be developed as part of the package, including sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and nature-based approaches to address current and future stormwater demand.
READ THE APRIL 2026 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDFEconomic shock threatens long-term outlook; Riyadh adjusts to fiscal and geopolitical risk; GCC contractor ranking reflects gigaprojects slowdown.
Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the April 2026 edition of MEED Business Review includes:
> AGENDA: Gulf economies under fire> GCC CONTRACTOR RANKING: Construction guard undergoes a shift> MARKET FOCUS: Risk accelerates Saudi spending shift> QATAR LNG: Qatar’s new $8bn investment heats up global LNG race> LEADERSHIP: Shaping the future of passenger rail in the Middle EastTo see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click herehttps://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/16249098/main.jpg -
Developer plans two residential schemes in Saudi Arabia
3 April 2026
Saudi developer Alramz Real Estate is planning two new residential developments in Jeddah and Riyadh.
In a Tadawul filing on 31 March, Alramz said it had signed an agreement with Oud Capital to establish a sharia-compliant real estate investment fund to develop the Alramz Front project in Jeddah’s Al-Firdous district.
The fund is targeting approximately SR650m ($173m), with Alramz committing about SR81.6m. The company will also contribute land totalling around 47,800 square metres, valued at SR215m, as an in-kind contribution.
The project is expected to deliver nearly 900 residential units. Alramz will serve as developer and exclusive marketer under a development contract valued at about SR269m.
Separately, Alramz said it had acquired mixed-use plots in Riyadh’s Al-Malqa district for SR94.6m. The 8,600 sq m site will be developed into a residential scheme comprising approximately 135 apartments.
READ THE APRIL 2026 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDFEconomic shock threatens long-term outlook; Riyadh adjusts to fiscal and geopolitical risk; GCC contractor ranking reflects gigaprojects slowdown.
Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the April 2026 edition of MEED Business Review includes:
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Oman’s Nama PWP tenders consultancy contract
3 April 2026
Oman’s Nama Power & Water Procurement Company (Nama PWP) has opened a tender for the provision of environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting consultancy services.
The tender seeks proposals from interested parties to support the utility in assessing its ESG maturity and identifying gaps against the Oman Investment Authority’s ESG guidelines.
The deadline for firms to submit offers is 10 May.
According to the tender notice, the selected consultant will develop the required ESG policies, strategy, report and implementation roadmap.
Nama PWP, part of Nama Group, said the scope of work is intended to support the company’s wider ESG framework as it continues to procure new power and water capacity in Oman.
The utility also recently opened a tender seeking proposals from qualified law firms to provide legal consultancy services in Oman.
The selected firms will be included on a panel and engaged on an as-needed basis. They will deliver legal advisory services across a range of matters relevant to Nama PWP’s business.
The deadline for firms to submit offers is 21 April.
In March, the state utility released its latest seven-year plan outlining the rapid expansion of solar and wind projects.
It expects the renewable energy share of Oman’s power generation mix to increase steadily across the period, reaching 16% in 2028 and 21% in 2029 before rising to 30% in 2030. This compares to about 4% in 2024.
The pipeline includes a series of large-scale independent power projects scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2031.
Solar photovoltaic capacity in the sultanate is projected to rise from 1.54GW in 2024 to 23.26GW by 2031. Wind capacity is expected to grow from 120MW to 6.75GW,
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