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: |
> 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
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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:
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Saudi forecast remains one of growth
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Dubai seeks consultants for Al-Khawaneej stormwater project
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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.
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Developer plans two residential schemes in Saudi Arabia
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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.
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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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