Source: Arab News – “MENA sovereign investors on track for $8.8tn assets by 2030”
The landscape of global capital is shifting, and at its center are sovereign investors from the Middle East and North Africa. According to the latest Global SWF report, featured in Arab News, MENA state-owned investors are projected to expand their combined assets to approximately USD 8.8 trillion by 2030, representing more than a 57 percent increase within five years.
This momentum is already visible. In the first nine months of 2025, sovereign investors across the region deployed USD 56.3 billion across 97 international deals, with the United States emerging as the leading investment destination. The report highlights that while outbound activity remains strong, inbound flows into MENA are still relatively limited.
Key Drivers Behind the Expansion
The region’s investment acceleration is led by the “Oil Five,” the most active sovereign investors in MENA:
- Mubadala: USD 17.4 billion deployed
- Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA): USD 9.6 billion
- Qatar Investment Authority (QIA): USD 7.6 billion
- Public Investment Fund (PIF): USD 6.2 billion
- Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Co. (ADQ): USD 4.8 billion
These funds are channeling capital beyond traditional hydrocarbon sectors, focusing increasingly on renewable energy, digital technology, artificial intelligence, tourism, and large-scale urban development. This aligns with broader national visions aimed at long-term diversification and sustainable economic growth.
Regional and Global Implications
The forecasted rise to USD 8.8 trillion signals a structural evolution in the role of MENA and GCC sovereign investors. Their global influence is expanding as they invest in technology, infrastructure, and real assets across leading economies. At the same time, their domestic mandates are strengthening, with greater emphasis on funding national giga-projects, developing new industries, and enabling private-sector participation.
For the private sector, this dual-track investment strategy presents significant opportunities. International companies may find new pathways for co-investment, while regional businesses stand to benefit from increased capital allocation toward emerging sectors.
Outlook
As highlighted by Arab News and Global SWF, MENA sovereign investors are transitioning into global investment powerhouses. Their expanding financial capacity, diversified portfolios, and deepening strategic mandates position the region as a central player in shaping global capital flows in the years ahead.
