The Middle East isn’t emerging - it’s accelerating. From Abu Dhabi to Riyadh, allocators are actively deploying capital across private equity, credit, venture, and alternatives. Through Apex Invest, we’re creating high-impact events that connect fund managers with serious investors, facilitating meaningful conversations that lead to long-term relationships.
We launched Apex Invest events in the region to build meaningful relationships between allocators and fund managers. Since November, our events in Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Cayman, and beyond have seen more than $11 trillion in AUM represented, including sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and global allocators ready to deploy capital. The aim? Real conversations. Strategic relationships. Tangible results.
Allocators seek long-term alignment, not transactions
This region rewards those who show up consistently and invest the time. Capital raising here isn’t transactional. It's personal. Allocators want to see alignment with local values, governance, and strategy - not just your fund terms.
They’ll ask:
- Will you actively engage between fundraises?
- Are you committing your own capital alongside investors?
- Can you demonstrate alignment with our values such as governance, Shariah principles, sustainability, or national strategy?
The message is clear: pitch decks are expected, but relationships drive results.
“Partnerships in the Middle East are relationship-driven, and real estate scale depends on trusted, embedded collaboration.”
- Rainer Schoor, Standard Land
Tailored events, powerful outcomes
In Abu Dhabi, our November roundtable connected managers with sovereign wealth funds and pension capital. Riyadh followed, with over $3.4 trillion represented. Singapore delivered a cross-regional bridge, where 29 managers met $4.7 trillion of allocator capital, including many from the Gulf seeking Asia exposure.
These events are curated, not crowded. Each meeting is matched. Every conversation is tracked. Follow-ups are supported. And the connections made are nurtured through our platform long after the event closes.
Asia to the Middle East: capital is moving in both directions
Asian managers are showing growing interest in the Gulf. Many are looking to do more than raise capital. They want to build a presence, form relationships with key allocators, and explore collaborative structures. At the same time, Middle Eastern investors are increasingly active across Asia, particularly in venture, real estate, and secondaries.
To support this cross-regional momentum, we hosted a dedicated roundtable bringing together Asian managers and Middle Eastern allocators, including sovereign wealth funds and family offices.
Chaired by Dr Bhaskar Dasgupta, the roundtable focused on regulatory access, cross-border investment structures, and sector alignment. Speakers shared experience from across healthcare, real estate, innovation, and digital assets, offering insights on building relationships that last.
- Ahmed Rabbat, Moraal Holdings, outlined how family offices are investing across healthcare, real estate, and innovation, emphasising the UAE’s rapid transformation, transparent governance, and international investment standards.
- Rainer Schoor, Standard Land, spoke on international real estate, allocator expectations, and why Middle Eastern partnerships are key to scaling.
- Dr Sabine Schaffer and Ronald Barrot, Pro Invest, highlighted hospitality and residential strategies spanning Australia and the Gulf.
- Leena Khaleel, Key Capital, shared insights on venture capital, secondaries, and the accelerating pace of digital innovation.
“Being politically stable, transparent, and digitally performing has helped investors and business owners consider the UAE as a hub for local and global businesses.”
- Ahmed Rabbat, Moraal Holdings
This roundtable reinforced what we have seen across all Apex Invest events: allocators value consistency and local relevance. Through Apex Invest, we provide the forum, the structure, and the follow-up needed to turn introductions into trusted partnerships.
Understanding the regulatory terrain
If you’re coming into the region, your first step isn’t fundraising - it’s navigating the local landscape. Dr Dasgupta likens the regulatory framework to a mezze platter: diverse, rich, and best approached with a guide.
Key hubs such as DIFC and ADGM offer English common law frameworks, 100% foreign ownership, no personal tax, and access to digital asset regulation via VARA. Saudi Arabia’s CMA is reshaping Riyadh into a capital hub. Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman each present unique access routes, depending on your strategy.
Whether you’re setting up a fund platform, SPV, advisory licence, or feeder fund, the structures exist, but expect bespoke, not off-the-shelf.
- This region is open for business, but not for tourists: Allocators want consistent engagement, alignment with local values, and evidence of long-term commitment.
- There is no single “Middle Eastern investor”: Each market has its own investor profile and expectations, so a one-size-fits-all approach will not work.
- Local partners are your fastest route in: A credible local presence builds trust and accelerates access to serious capital.
- The first ticket is the hardest. The second comes faster: Once you gain the backing of a respected allocator, others are more likely to follow.
- This region offers more than capital. It offers strategic lift: Capital raised here often comes with access to networks, partnerships, and long-term regional opportunities.
“The pace of digital growth here is phenomenal. Allocators are no longer just observing innovation—they’re fuelling it.”
- Leena Khaleel, Key Capital
Raising capital through credibility and consistency
Middle Eastern capital is serious, sophisticated, and increasingly global. But entry depends on more than credentials. It requires presence, humility, and patience.
“One of the biggest surprises to me is the speed at which things are processed and the willingness to learn and adapt. That mindset fuels opportunity.”
– Dr Sabine Schaffer, Pro Invest
We don’t just host events. We foster long-term relationships, support cross-border collaboration, and connect managers with allocators who share their ambitions.
The opportunity is here. The capital is here. We provide the structure and support to build real investor relationships.
Next stop: Apex Invest Europe, Lausanne Palace, Switzerland
Join us from Monday, September 22, as Apex Invest heads to Europe for two focused days of investor engagement at the iconic Lausanne Palace.
Key highlights:
- 200+ allocators
- 100+ fund managers
- 12+ hours of content
- 10+ hours of networking
- 2 LP-only events
For managers looking to build meaningful relationships with leading allocators, this is not just another event. It is your next opportunity.
Apply to attend Apex Invest Europe: Lausanne Palace, September 23- 25, 2025
