Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
The UAE’s mergers and acquisitions market remained resilient despite regional geopolitical uncertainty, with long-term investor confidence holding firm, according to a report by Australian technology company Ansarada.
Its latest Middle East M&A Market Analysis for the first quarter (Q1) of 2026 found that the Middle East recorded “sustained” M&A activity, with 196 announced deals valued at $23.3 billion, compared to 207 deals worth $31.3 billion during the same period in last year.
The UAE recorded 33 announced deals worth $2.2 billion during the quarter, a 37% drop in volume from a year earlier.
However, Ansarada said the slowdown reflects a recalibration of capital deployment strategies rather than weakening investor appetite, with transactions continuing to advance under heightened due diligence requirements.
“The conflict may be reshaping deal timelines, but it’s not reshaping the region’s thirst for ongoing M&A activity. We remain confident in the long-term health of deal activity in the UAE, which we view as an enduring and critical hub for M&A in the region and beyond,” said Justin Smith, Managing Director, Ansarada.
The report said Gulf dealmaking continues to be supported by sovereign-backed investment strategies, economic diversification programmes and infrastructure spending.
“The GCC’s track record of economic resilience, seen particularly during COVID-19, continues to provide a strong basis for investor confidence.”
Saudi Arabia recorded 24 announced deals, up slightly from 23 in Q1 2025, while Oman recorded seven deals valued at $535 million, Qatar recorded four transactions and Kuwait recorded three deals worth $24 million.
Sector performance across the Middle East remained robust during the quarter. Technology was the most active sector by volume across the Middle East, generating 68 deals worth $7.3 billion, while transportation led by value with $8.2 billion across nine transactions.
Energy and natural resources contributed $2.2 billion across 18 deals, while healthcare recorded $1.9 billion across 19 transactions, and industrials generated $1.6 billion across 23 deals.
