Mergers and acquisitions activity across the Middle East and North Africa reached approximately $106 billion in 2025, reflecting strong deal momentum despite regional geopolitical tensions and global trade-policy uncertainty. Advisory reviews indicate that Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates led transaction value and volume, supported by sovereign-backed capital and cross-border expansion strategies.
According to regional M&A assessments, cross-border deals accounted for more than half of total activity, underscoring the growing internationalization of Gulf-based investors. Technology, diversified industrial products, and professional services were among the most active sectors by deal volume, while real estate and asset management contributed significantly to domestic deal value.
In the UAE, transaction flow was concentrated in technology platforms, industrial assets, and financial services, reinforcing the country’s positioning as a regional hub for digital infrastructure and capital markets activity. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, continued to deploy capital in line with its Vision 2030 objectives, with deal activity spanning technology, industrial development, tourism, and energy-related assets.
While financing conditions and geopolitical developments remain external risk factors, the region’s strategic investment agenda—particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE—points to continued M&A momentum in 2026, anchored by technology enablement, industrial capacity expansion, and long-term economic diversification strategies.
