Dubai reinforced its position as a rising global hub for private markets as the Dubai International Financial Centre and the International Private Equity Market unveiled outcomes from the inaugural IPEM Future Preview, an exclusive closed-door gathering of leading private capital investors held this week at DIFC.
Hosted for the first time in the region, the event convened senior decision makers from sovereign wealth funds, global investment firms, and growth and venture platforms to examine how long-term capital can drive innovation, resilience, and economic transformation. Discussions reflected growing confidence in Dubai as a gateway to new liquidity and investment opportunities.
Participants agreed that the Gulf, and Dubai in particular, has entered a new phase as a private capital hub, supported by strong macroeconomic fundamentals and a stable, business-friendly environment. Global investors are increasingly deploying capital at scale in regional financial centres such as DIFC, expanding both portfolio allocations and on-the-ground operations.
A key theme was the emergence of “transformative capital,” a concept describing how private markets are recalibrating after recent volatility by prioritising investments that deliver financial returns alongside long-term strategic value. Sectors such as artificial intelligence, data, and climate innovation featured prominently, reflecting shifting priorities among institutional investors in the Gulf.
Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, said the event demonstrated strong global confidence in DIFC as a platform for long-term capital and deeper collaboration.
Antoine Colson, CEO and Managing Partner of IPEM, described the Preview as a milestone in Dubai’s ambition to become a world-leading investment hub.
Insights from the gathering will shape the agenda for IPEM Future Dubai 2026, scheduled for May 13 and 14, as the emirate continues to strengthen its role in the global private capital ecosystem.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
