Private Equity-Backed IPOs Seen Gaining Traction in the Gulf (1)

The Middle East has become one of the busiest regions for initial public offerings in recent years, a market so far dominated by state-backed and family-run businesses. Bankers now see a new opportunity emerging: private equity-backed listings.

Barclays Plc and Emirates NBD Capital are positioning for the Gulf’s evolution into a credible exit market for private equity sponsors, underpinned by about $50 billion in initial share sales since 2022, a widening mix of sectors going public and deeper institutional and international participation. This would also come as a potential boon to an industry that has in recent years struggled to ...