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Region’s leaders turn to inorganic growth

4 November 2024

Commentary
Colin Foreman
Editor

Read the November issue of MEED Business Review

The world is at a crossroads, marked by profound shifts across geopolitics, economics and technology. The Middle East, particularly the six GCC states, has positioned itself at the heart of these changes. The region’s strategic location between East and West, and its connection to both developed economies and the rapidly growing Global South, enhances its role as a bridge in the shifting global order. 

As a leading oil and gas producer, the GCC is central to the energy transition. Its leaders are actively pursuing opportunities in artificial intelligence and automation to diversify their economies and prepare for a post-oil future.

Adapting to these rapid changes requires more than just organic growth. The region’s leaders have turned to inorganic growth by acquiring established firms, technologies and capabilities. This approach has been enabled by strong economic recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic and revenues from higher oil prices.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is the most high-profile exponent of this strategy. The PIF has not only launched new companies to drive domestic development, but also acquired stakes in a diverse range of local and international businesses. Its investments span industries as varied as steel production, sports and video game development, all aligned with the broader goal of transforming Saudi Arabia into a diversified, leading global economy.

The UAE is also making acquisitions. Over the past decade, it has consolidated key domestic industries and shifted its focus to strategic acquisitions that advance its economic agenda. Sovereign wealth funds and state-backed enterprises have pursued opportunities across sectors, seeking financial returns and the know-how to drive innovation and diversification at home.

Completing these deals during moments of change will enhance the region’s position as a key global player.

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

INDUSTRY REPORT:
GCC project finance
> Region remains global project finance hotspot
> PPP activity eases back but remains strong

> 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

To see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click here
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Colin Foreman

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