We wrap our recent MENA travelogue with a keen look at Abu Dubai and Dubai, the principal emirates of the UAE. According to the Khaleej Times, the region “is emerging as a global magnet for capital, bolstered by rising foreign investor appetite, strong fundamentals, and a robust pipeline of IPOs across diverse sectors.” Given this time of macro uncertainty, “the UAE’s financial markets are standing out for their stability, depth, and reform-driven momentum.”

It is also ripe for private market investors. The UAE’s Ministry of Economy reports 90% of the region’s private companies are family owned. These businesses also represent 40% of the country’s GDP. Petro dollars are channeled to government funds and individuals in ruling families, some more entrepreneurial than others. These include conglomerates, financial services, car dealers (Toyota is the largest) and construction (malls and hotels). Estimates run as high as $30 trillion for the size of private capital investments by 2030.