The MENA region saw a significant jump in public listings in the first quarter of 2025, with 14 IPOs raising a combined $2.4 billion, according to a new report from Ernst & Young (EY).
The figure marks a 106% increase in proceeds and four more IPOs compared to the same period last year.
Listings came from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, highlighting growing investor interest and market activity across the region. In the UAE, Alpha Data, a software and IT services company, was the sole IPO during the quarter, raising $163 million through its debut on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX).
Gregory Hughes, EY MENA IPO and Transaction Diligence Leader, credited the momentum to rising demand for public listings, which has helped accelerate market reforms. He noted that the trend is pushing the introduction of new financial products and driving improvements in governance, transparency, and accountability.
EY’s report signals continued strength ahead, with 21 companies across various sectors preparing to go public later this year. The outlook suggests that regional exchanges are poised for further growth, as market confidence builds and regulatory frameworks evolve to support an expanding investor base.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
