Dealmaker Middle East: 5 major private capital investment moves

Welcome to the inaugural weekly update from Dealmaker Middle East – a new publication dedicated to covering private equity, private debt, and real estate investments across the region. Here’s a roundup of five noteworthy recent transactions:

1. Private equity firm eyes Riyadh airport logistics hub

Private equity firm ewpartners (formerly eWTP Arabia Capital) is partnering with King Salman International Airport Development Company (KSIADC) to explore plans for a special economic zone within King Salman International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Read more

2. Ibtikar closes second VC fund to back Palestinian startups

Ibtikar Fund has officially closed its second venture capital vehicle, Ibtikar Fund II, at $25 million, marking a key milestone in its mission to drive economic growth through investment in Palestinian tech startups. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has joined as a limited partner, representing its first equity investment in a venture capital fund in the West Bank. Read more

3. UK-based emerging markets investor Gemcorp opens Abu Dhabi office

Gemcorp Capital, a London-based global asset management firm specialising in emerging markets, has received a Financial Services Permission (FSP) from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) to operate in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and has opened a new office in Abu Dhabi. Gemcorp's core strategy is to invest in unique self-originated private credit and special situations opportunities across emerging markets. Read more

4. GIB Capital, Cenomi launch new $266m Saudi real estate investment fund

Cenomi Centers, an owner, operator and developer of retail and lifestyle destinations in Saudi Arabia, has announced a partnership with Riyadh-based GIB Capital (GIBC) to establish a closed-end Shariah-compliant real estate investment fund with initial capital of SAR 1 billion (about $266 million). Read more

5. Kuwait: Janus Henderson completes acquisition of NBK Wealth

London-headquartered global asset manager Janus Henderson has completed its acquisition of NBK Wealth, the wealth management arm of the National Bank of Kuwait Group. NBK Wealth’s private investments team will join Janus Henderson as the firm’s new emerging markets private capital division. Read more

Additional articles you might have missed: