Private equity has long been viewed as an indicator of economic development within a country. It plays a key role in economic diversification as well as employment and value creation. In the MENA region and more specifically the GCC, the changes in regulatory infrastructure together with economic restructuring and demographic changes, have given rise to a wealth of investment opportunity. As a result, the private equity industry has grown at a phenomenal rate, with recent studies showing a compound annual growth rate of 41% over the last 5 years, taking total institutional private equity under management to around $1bn. This growth is a testament to the increased consensus amongst investors and private equity players alike, of the region’s great potential in terms of investment opportunities.