Gulf markets are riding a wave of optimism as hopes for a U.S. interest rate cut fuel gains across the region. But behind the numbers, the Middle East's economic landscape is evolving rapidly—drawing in global banks, asset managers, and tech innovators eager to tap into its unique blend of opportunity and tradition. As of October 27, 2025, the region is not just a hotbed for oil but a magnet for capital, innovation, and relationship-driven business.
According to Simply Wall St, investors seeking undiscovered gems in the Middle East are spoiled for choice. Their latest screener highlights ten companies with robust fundamentals, such as Baazeem Trading, Qassim Cement, and Sure Global Tech, all boasting strong health ratings and, in many cases, impressive revenue and earnings growth. ATP Yazilim ve Teknoloji Anonim Sirketi, a Turkish software and infrastructure solutions provider, stands out with a staggering 431.6% earnings surge over the past year—outpacing even the industry’s remarkable 243.8% growth. The company, now debt-free, posted second-quarter sales of TRY 2.34 billion and net income of TRY 970.73 million, up dramatically from the previous year. Despite recent share price volatility, ATP trades at a valuation 72.9% below its estimated fair value, suggesting room for further appreciation.
But it’s not just homegrown firms making headlines. On October 27, 2025, Barclays PLC announced a significant expansion into Saudi Arabia, a move that underscores the bank’s commitment to the region’s future. With a provisional Capital Market Authority (CMA) license in hand, Barclays plans to launch investment banking and global markets activities in the Kingdom once the license is fully active. The bank has already secured premises in Riyadh’s prestigious King Abdullah Financial District, with an office slated to open in 2026.
Barclays’ Group Chief Executive, C.S. Venkatakrishnan, explained the strategy at the Future Investment Initiative summit, stating, “Saudi Arabia is central to our Middle East growth strategy and we are very excited to support the Kingdom’s growth ambitions under its Vision 2030. Expanding our capabilities in the Kingdom is a significant milestone for us as we continue to grow our regional footprint in key markets.” He emphasized Barclays’ historical ties to the region and its readiness to help clients transform and grow in what he called a “dynamic market.”
To strengthen its Saudi franchise, Barclays has appointed Mohammed Al-Sarhan as Independent Non-Executive Chairman of the Board. Al-Sarhan brings deep experience from leadership roles at Al Safi Danone, Al Faisaliah Group, IKEA, and Bahri. “I am truly excited to join Barclays at this pivotal moment for the bank’s growth in the Kingdom. It is an honour to work alongside two outstanding leaders, Khaled El Dabag and Walid Mezher, both of whom bring deep expertise and a strong commitment to the region,” Al-Sarhan said. He expressed confidence that the team would make a “meaningful impact for our clients and support the Kingdom’s ambitious transformation.”
This expansion is more than symbolic. Barclays’ presence in the Gulf Cooperation Council—where it already operates in the UAE and Qatar—will help the bank deepen relationships with corporate, institutional, and sovereign wealth fund clients. The move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, an ambitious plan to diversify the Kingdom’s economy and establish it as a global investment hub. Earlier in 2025, Barclays also received its Regional Headquarters (RHQ) license, further cementing its commitment to the region.
The Middle East’s allure is not lost on asset managers either. As reported by Business Insider, the region is home to some of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds and family offices, collectively managing trillions in assets. For decades, global asset managers have sought to tap into this wealth, but many still misunderstand what makes the region tick. The key, according to industry insiders, is building trust and relationships—something that can’t be achieved with a single Zoom call or a flashy presentation.
Viraj Sawhney, head of Middle East private equity for Warburg Pincus, observed at the SuperReturn Middle East conference in Dubai, “The region feels more like the East than the West.” He stressed that local references and long-term relationships matter far more than slick sales pitches. Awaiz Patni, CFO of a Saudi Arabia-based family office, echoed this sentiment: “Money will only come if you build a relationship.” Offices may not be strictly necessary, but physical presence is. “You have to be present, physically present,” Sawhney insisted.
This relationship-driven approach is shaping the business culture across the Gulf. Hedge funds such as Millennium, Brevan Howard, Schonfeld, and ExodusPoint have opened offices in Abu Dhabi or Dubai, lured by tax benefits and employee preferences. But as Mark Oshida of Cambridge Associates pointed out, a physical office is often more about working with local family offices than satisfying the demands of sovereign wealth funds. The bottom line? To get deals done, you need to show up, learn the culture, and—yes—drink plenty of Arabic coffee.
Patience is also a virtue. Taimoor Labib of Affirma Capital noted that transactions in the region “do take longer than other places.” Max Burke of Actis, who moved to Dubai from London, warned dealmakers to be prepared for many breakfasts, lunches, coffees, and dinners. As Khalil Chami, CFO of Ali & Sons, put it, “You have to study the region from a cultural perspective. If you’re just here for a transaction, we can tell.”
These traditions aren’t just for show. They serve a purpose: aligning values and building trust. “We want to see if your values align with ours,” said Patni. With so much wealth at stake, the region attracts both genuine investors and opportunists. Spotting the difference is crucial, Chami said. Sawhney summed up the regional ethos: patience, flexibility, and humility are essential—qualities that, he noted, aren’t always present in the West.
For international banks and asset managers, the Middle East offers both promise and challenge. The market is dynamic, the competition is heating up, and the culture demands a nuanced, respectful approach. Barclays’ expansion into Saudi Arabia, the rise of undiscovered tech and infrastructure stocks, and the influx of global asset managers all point to a region on the cusp of transformation. But the real key to success remains what it has always been: building real, lasting relationships—one cup of coffee at a time.
The Middle East’s economic story is being rewritten by those willing to adapt, invest, and engage deeply with its people and traditions. In a world increasingly defined by fast deals and fleeting connections, the Gulf reminds us that some things—like trust and patience—are worth their weight in gold.
