Arqaam Capital annual conference opens in Dubai as UAE urges MENA to shift from resilience to market leadership
Sheikh Nahyan opens Arqaam Capital annual conference in Dubai on June 3, 2026, highlighting UAE’s global investment role and MENA’s move from resilience to leadership and confidence.
The Arqaam Capital annual conference opened in Dubai on June 3, 2026, with UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan calling for a move “from resilience to market leadership” across the Middle East and North Africa.
He addressed a two-day gathering of regional and international investors, sovereign wealth funds, listed companies and policy makers at The Ritz-Carlton in Dubai International Financial Centre.
Sheikh Nahyan frames UAE as a global investment and innovation hub
Sheikh Nahyan told delegates that under the leadership of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan the UAE has solidified its role as a global centre for investment, innovation and international partnerships.
He said the nation’s long-term vision, institutional strength and openness have allowed markets to function and the economy to advance even amid recent regional challenges.
Conference theme spotlights transition from resilience to leadership
Organisers set the conference theme as “From resilience to market leadership: broadening capital in the Middle East and North Africa,” framing the region’s next phase as one of proactive capital formation.
Speakers argued that MENA no longer only reacts to global trends but is beginning to shape capital flows, listing activity and investment priorities worldwide.
Participation underscores regional market momentum
The two-day forum brought together senior executives and market leaders from across the region, including representatives of Dubai Financial Market, Bahrain Bourse, Kuwait Bourse and Muscat Exchange.
Corporate participants included ADNOC Drilling, Adis Holding, First Abu Dhabi Bank, TECOM Group, Dubai Residential REIT, Binghati and Shorouq Partners, alongside international institutional investors and policy makers.
Data from 2025 conference used to demonstrate investor engagement
Organisers highlighted the success of the 2025 edition, noting more than 600 institutional meetings, 90 listed companies representing over $1 trillion in market capitalisation, and 222 institutional investors from 110 global organisations.
Speakers used those figures to illustrate growing liquidity, heightened IPO activity and expanding cross-border flows into Gulf markets.
Calls for capital to support productive economy and human development
Sheikh Nahyan and panelists emphasised that financial markets should extend beyond yield generation to support productive projects, research, infrastructure and human capital.
They stressed investment in education, entrepreneurship and national talent development as essential to sustainable growth and long-term competitiveness.
Technology, AI and responsible investing on the agenda
Delegates explored how rapid advances in artificial intelligence and financial technology will reshape investment, transparency and institutional efficiency.
Speakers urged responsible deployment of these tools to increase market integrity, broaden access and raise productivity across sectors.
Market reforms and regional policy shifts attract global capital
Panel discussions highlighted structural reforms across the Gulf and wider MENA that are enhancing market depth, improving regulatory frameworks and encouraging IPOs and bond issuance.
Executives noted that greater transparency, governance improvements and strengthened exchanges are key drivers behind recent increases in foreign and institutional allocations to the region.
The conference also served as a platform for sovereign wealth and institutional investors to discuss allocation strategies, including growing interest in fixed income, real assets and technology-enabled businesses.
Sheikh Nahyan’s opening remarks underlined the UAE’s stability, institutional resilience and commitment to openness as competitive advantages in attracting long-term capital.
He congratulated Arqaam Capital for convening the forum and welcomed participants to Dubai and the UAE, expressing confidence that the dialogue will strengthen partnerships and support the region’s economic trajectory.
Looking ahead, delegates said sustained momentum will depend on continued reforms, investment in people and responsible capital deployment that prioritises sustainable development and shared prosperity.