Bloomberg Businessweek
Why the Middle East Is Becoming Attractive to International Investors
Nov 19, 2024
Noor Sweid, founder of Global Ventures and the only Arab woman managing a VC fund in the Middle East, shares her insights on the region's booming investment landscape. She discusses the exciting shift towards venture capital, fueled by a young demographic and economic diversification. Ellen Huet, a tech writer for Bloomberg News, dives into AI's regulatory landscape, examining the implications of political changes and Silicon Valley's evolving stance on regulations. Together, they explore the Middle East's growing sectors like fintech and agritech, showcasing its potential for innovation.
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Quick takeaways
- International investors are increasingly focusing on the Middle East for venture capital, with over 51% of recent funding coming from abroad.
- The region's governments are actively supporting entrepreneurship through initiatives and incubators, aiming to harness the potential of their youthful population.
Deep dives
BlackRock's Expansion in the Middle East
BlackRock has recently received a commercial license to operate in Abu Dhabi, highlighting its strategy to deepen ties within the Middle East. This move is significant as Abu Dhabi and Riyadh compete for the title of the region's main business hub, now holding over a trillion dollars in sovereign wealth each. For BlackRock's CEO, Larry Fink, establishing operations in these countries is a logical step to tap into vast financial resources. The influx of capital indicates a growing trend of foreign investment aimed at shaping the economic landscape of the region.
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