Amwal AlKhaleej Offers Strategic Insight on Regional Private Equity Industry to INSEAD MBA Students
Amwal AlKhaleej, a leading regional private equity firm, recently welcomed visiting MBA students from the Asian and European campuses of INSEAD, one of the world’s leading business schools, and offered strategic insight into the private equity industry in the Middle East, highlighting industry trends and opportunities for growth.
Mr. Fadi Arbid, Saudi Arabia Country Head, Executive Vice President, at Amwal AlKhaleej commented on this interaction, “We are very delighted to have had this opportunity to interact with INSEAD students. We are committed to share our knowledge with the community to generate interest and understanding among today’s and tomorrow’s leaders. Amwal AlKhaleej’s greatest asset is the quality of its team and we strongly value talent like that displayed by INSEAD Graduates.
During a presentation to the students, Mr Fadi Arbid shared his experience of the private equity market in the region, highlighting that the private equity industry in the Middle East has witnessed a tremendous growth in the past few years, evolving from an infant to a multi – billion dollar growth market. Despite this phenomenal growth, the region’s private equity market is small relative to its gross domestic product with a 0.5% share of the total GDP. In developed markets, the industry’s size accounts to up to 2-3% of the overall GDP, indicating significant untapped potential in this region.
According to Mr. Arbid, much territory remains uncharted and there will be an increased focus on more complex and lucrative value creation plays that require greater expertise and knowledge. Private Equity firms who pursue differentiated strategies to add value to their portfolio companies will be in a good position to generate strong and increased returns in order to raise future funds. This growth cycle will contribute to the maturing industry in the Middle East.
Philip Anderson, Professor of Entrepreneurship, INSEAD, commented on this interaction “This visit is unique as it is the first time our INSEAD MBA students were able to visit the Middle East where INSEAD recently launched our Centre of Research and Executive Education. Our MBA students had the opportunity to meet with Amwal AlKhaleej, a leading private equity player, greatly benefiting from the local and global market knowledge perspectives offered by the firm. It is clear from Amwal AlKhaleej there are opportunities in the Middle East however only private equity firms that can truly demonstrate value creation for portfolio companies will be successful.”
