Nahda Capital Sparks a Fresh Renaissance in GCC Private Equity

Hey folks, big news dropped in **DUBAI, UAE** this week! Nahda Capital Partners just filed to register its first private equity fund right out of ADGM. This fresh player jumps straight into the action across the Gulf Cooperation Council.

The Name Says It All: Time for Renewal

"Nahda" means renaissance in Arabic, and these guys picked it on purpose. They aim to spark renewal and resurgence by forging lasting partnerships. Moreover, they focus heavily on boosting the real economy. Consequently, they prioritize backing local founders, families, and institutions that drive real growth.

The team, led by Founder and Managing Partner Iñigo de Luna, brings serious firepower. These pros delivered roughly 36% gross IRR through multiple cycles. Therefore, they now chase a control-oriented mid-market strategy mainly in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the wider GCC.

Targeting the Sweet Spot: Resilient Businesses Ready to Scale

Nahda hunts founder-led and family-owned gems that ride structural regional waves. Many face generational shifts or crave institutional cash plus operational muscle to expand fast. Additionally, the firm partners closely with shareholders for majority stakes. They push professionalization, better operations, stronger governance, and smart buy-and-build moves.

Sectors look juicy: food production and distribution, healthcare, education, plus industrial tech. Interestingly, their style aligns with Sharia-compliant principles—real assets, careful leverage, solid governance.

Eyes on the Prize: Fundraising and Long-Term Vibes

Iñigo de Luna nailed it: tough times hit now, but safety and calm stay top priority. Still, he calls this a short shock, not a trajectory flip. The GCC keeps strengthening as a prime spot for building and investing long-term. Thus, Nahda stays convicted.

Pending approvals, they kick off fundraising soon. They target about $300 million for the debut fund, all managed from ADGM. Exciting times ahead for mid-market deals in the region!

IAAPA Expo Middle East Hits Pause: Safety First, Fun Delayed to 2027!

Hey attractions fam, big news just dropped from the desert vibes of Abu Dhabi, UAE. IAAPA, the powerhouse global association for the attractions industry, decided to push back IAAPA Expo Middle East. Instead of happening soon, the event now lands from 12 to 15 April 2027. The Board of Directors met on 10 March 2026, reviewed the latest developments in the Middle East region, and chose safety over speed.

Why the Postponement Makes Total Sense

Safety sits at the top of IAAPA’s priority list. They refuse to gamble with the well-being of members, exhibitors, visitors, partners, and everyone involved. The decision followed deep talks with the IAAPA EMEA Regional Advisory Board, the Manufacturers & Suppliers Committee, MENALAC leaders, plus tons of input from exhibitors, speakers, and local players. Everyone weighed in, and the consensus pointed to delay.  

Jakob Wahl, IAAPA’s President and CEO, didn’t sugarcoat it. He admitted the call hurt because so many poured time, money, and excitement into the inaugural edition. Still, he stressed that protecting the global community always wins. The team promises direct updates to exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, and attendees soon.  

Looking Ahead with Optimism

IAAPA stays fully committed to the Middle East attractions scene. They plan to deliver an epic gathering in 2027 where industry leaders spark innovation and build killer collaborations. The attractions world keeps evolving, and this pause simply clears the path for an even stronger comeback. Stay tuned – bigger thrills are coming!

Big Bucks Pour into Riyadh: $3 Billion Mega District Coming to King Salman Park!

Riyadh just leveled up big time. At MIPIM 2026, the King Salman Park Foundation dropped a bombshell announcement. They awarded Package 5 to a powerhouse consortium led by Kolaghassi Development Company. This massive residential-led mixed-use district will rise right next to the King Salman Park metro station. International cash flows in strong, showing serious global hype for Saudi Arabia's urban game-changer.

The project packs serious punch. It spans over 1 million square meters of built-up area. Developers aim for more than 3,700 residential units, a top-tier K-12 school, around 300 hotel keys, plus over 100,000 square meters of Grade A office space. Retail and dining spots will keep things buzzing. Everything targets LEED and WELL Gold sustainability standards. The total value tops SAR 11 billion (about USD 3 billion). A CMA-regulated fund from Mulkia Investment Company fuels it, blending Saudi and international investors. The Foundation supplies the land while private partners and local banks bring the muscle.

Why This Deal Screams Future-Proof Vibes

This isn't just another build. It highlights exploding confidence in King Salman Park as a global hotspot. Partners like Al Othaim Investment and RXR bring world-class expertise in huge mixed-use projects. Metro connectivity ties the district seamlessly into Riyadh's transport network. Meanwhile, the park pushes hard on delivery—93% of construction packages already awarded. Momentum builds fast as infrastructure ramps up.

George Tanasijevich, CEO of the Foundation, nailed it: this milestone proves rock-solid fundamentals and draws top talent to elevate Riyadh's global status. Ali Kolaghassi from the lead developer called it a long-term play embedding international know-how into the Kingdom's urban evolution. Sultan Al Hudaithi of Mulkia added that the vision, master plan, and Riyadh's fundamentals make this a killer long-term value creator.

King Salman Park keeps stacking wins. With over SAR 20 billion committed across packages, Riyadh transforms into a greener, smarter, more connected city. Exciting times ahead!