UAE Tops Outbound Acquisition Investment
During the first half of 2026, the Middle East and North Africa region recorded a total of 390 mergers and acquisitions deals valued at $46.7 billion, according to a report by Ernst & Young (EY). Although activity declined compared to the same period in 2025, which saw 434 deals worth $58.8 billion, the pace of deals accelerated in the second quarter, with significant momentum in May and June, accounting for 61% of the deals and 79% of their total value during the quarter. Domestic and outbound deals drove activity, with local deals worth $16 billion between March and June—more than quadrupling compared to the same period last year—driven by high-value investments in real estate, energy, and technology sectors. The United Arab Emirates led the list of outbound investors, highlighted by Dubai Aerospace Industries’ acquisition of Macquarie AirFinance for $7 billion. The technology sector maintained its prominence, especially in artificial intelligence solutions and digital transformation, with investor interest focusing on software platforms and business services. Conversely, inbound deal activity slowed due to geopolitical factors. However, sovereign wealth funds, including Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Mubadala, continued to play a strategic role by directing investments to bolster economic diversification across the region.
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