Investcorp’s Executive Chairman Mohammed Alardhi believes the outlook for initial public offerings is brightening across Gulf markets. His comments arrive as regional exchanges like Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul and the UAE’s ADX see renewed activity after a quiet period. Investors are watching for new listings that could signal deeper liquidity.

A stronger IPO pipeline matters for regional economies aiming to diversify beyond oil. Successful listings can attract foreign capital and bolster local stock markets. For Investcorp, a leading alternative asset manager, this trend could mean more deal flow and opportunities to advise companies on going public.

The last major IPO wave in the Gulf peaked around 2019 before slowing amid global uncertainty. A sustained recovery would mark a shift in investor sentiment. Next, watch for announcements from state-backed enterprises and family-owned conglomerates considering public debuts, which could set the tone for 2024.