Middle East M&A activity moderated in the first half of 2026, with an estimated 272 transactions recorded, down approximately 8% year on year. Saudi Arabia remained one of the region’s leading deal markets, recording an estimated 74 transactions during the period. Yet beneath the headline numbers, the market continued to demonstrate resilience as investors concentrated capital on strategic sectors, technology-driven businesses and long-term value creation, according to PwC Middle East's latest TransAct Middle East – 2026 Mid-Year report. While geopolitical uncertainty and a more selective investment environment tempered overall activity ...