IPO vs. M&A: What’s Powering Exits for UAE Entrepreneurs in 2026?
Business in the UAE is shifting gears. Founders are scaling fast, raising big, and thinking beyond the build. As of 2025, a lot of businesses need a smart exit plan. It is almost a must in the present business scene of the UAE.
When it comes to exit strategies, the two most powerful exit routes are IPOs and M&As. Go public or get acquired. Both can unlock capital, expand reach, and take your business global. But they move at different speeds and come with very different playbooks.
Exits attract investors, boost confidence, and turn private wins into public growth. For the UAE, every successful exit builds a stronger, more competitive economy. For successful exits, experience counts. Timing. Structuring. Tax planning. Not every business can pull it on their own.
Now let’s break down what’s really driving these exits in 2025. And which path might fit your next move.
UAE’s Exit Ecosystem in 2026: A Real Look at the Landscape
The UAE’s exit market isn’t slowing down. It’s heating up. Trends are changing.
In Q1 2025 alone, the region saw over 60 M&A deals in the UAE, with a total value of more than $20 billion, according to EY. That’s a 45% jump from the same period last year. Tech, fintech, energy, and healthcare led the charge. M&A services and transaction support are no longer niche, they’re essential.
At the same time, IPOs are holding strong. $ 2.4 billion was raised across 14 IPOs in the MENA region in Q1, with the UAE playing a major role. ADX and DFM are drawing serious institutional attention. Regional players are listing locally with global ambitions.
So, what’s fueling this momentum?
Diversification
The UAE government is all-in on diversification. Oil is no longer the only story. The government is trying to get the economic load off oil trade alone. The economy is being pushed toward knowledge, tech, and clean energy. That shift brings funding, regulation, and exits. New businesses are opening. Big names are entering the market. The UAE is becoming a business hub with all these factors coming together.
The UAE’s push toward AI, green energy, and digital finance has further accelerated exit opportunities, with new regulations favoring innovative business models and cross-border investment flows.
Regulatory Reforms
The rules are getting sharper. Regulatory reforms like the new Companies Law, faster licensing in free zones, and FDI-friendly frameworks make setting up and scaling easier. For investors and founders, this reduces friction and speeds up deal timelines. The environment is being set for business scaling. Tight regulations and strict rules as well as their application by the government creating a supportive eco system for businesses to thrive and for foreign investment to flow in confidently.
Recent ministerial clarifications in early 2026 have further streamlined antitrust approvals and introduced clearer frameworks for cross-border M&A, improving deal speed and certainty.
Global Business Base
The UAE has become a magnet for headquarters. As more businesses shift eastward, the UAE stands out as a neutral, stable, and globally connected base. That matters in M&A. Buyers want assets in markets with legal clarity and global access. They want safety, stability, law and order. These factors give them confidence and the UAE is winning here.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue to rank high in global corporate rankings for stability, making the UAE a preferred exit hub for regional and international investors.
Sovereign Wealth Funds and Regional Private Equity
Mubadala, ADQ, ADIA, and others are no longer passive investors. They’re strategic players. Backing IPOs. Structuring M&A deals. Driving consolidation in tech and healthcare. Private equity firms, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, are also increasingly active, shaping exits from behind the scenes.
The UAE’s exit ecosystem in 2025 is liquid, structured, and opportunity-rich. Whether you’re planning an IPO or preparing for acquisition, you’re not operating in a vacuum. You’re in one of the most dynamic markets for deal-making in the world.
Sovereign wealth funds are expanding into early-stage tech and green infrastructure, giving founders more options for both partial and full exits, while PE activity in mid-market healthcare, fintech, and logistics continues to grow sharply.
IPOs in the UAE: Capitalizing on Public Markets
Going public isn’t just for billion-dirham giants anymore. In 2025, IPOs in the UAE are faster, more accessible, and firmly on the radar for mid-sized and scaling businesses.
Let’s start with the process.
Solid Criteria
To launch an IPO, companies must meet eligibility rules set by the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA). These include financial history, corporate governance standards, and proper internal controls. For founders, it means having your house in order like clean books, clean structure, and a clear growth story.
SCA has introduced updated reporting standards and ESG disclosure expectations, making strong governance and sustainability metrics critical for IPO readiness.
Dual Licensing
The regulatory environment is also evolving. Dual licensing has made it easier for free zone companies to operate on the mainland, making more firms IPO-ready. New listing rules on ADX and DFM have lowered the entry bar while increasing transparency. Smaller floats. Faster timelines. Clearer requirements. That’s made IPOs a real option for a wider pool of businesses.
The dual licensing framework now allows smoother consolidation of free zone and mainland entities for IPO purposes, reducing restructuring delays.
Privatization Drive
What’s driving this momentum? UAE Vision 2071 is pushing the government to privatize key sectors and get more local champions onto the public market. Think utilities, transport, logistics, and finance. These aren’t just government exits, they’re signals to the market that IPOs are central to national strategy.
And it’s working. We’ve already seen big names like Parkin, Spinneys, and Moro Hub hit the market. More are coming. All eyes are on Tabby, Yango, and several fintech and health-tech players expected to IPO before the end of 2025. Some could be unicorns. All are set to shape the public investor landscape.
This momentum also benefits the m&a dubai ecosystem. Many firms preparing for IPOs are first turning to uae m&a transaction support to streamline their structure or clean up their cap table. The line between M&A and IPO is blurrier than ever.
Foreign Institutional Investment
Then there’s the capital itself. Foreign institutional investors are active. Very active. In Q1 2025, international inflows into UAE IPOs hit record highs, driven by strong dividend outlooks and liquidity on ADX. Public market sentiment is stable, valuations are realistic, and the appetite is there, especially in sectors like green energy, digital payments, and logistics.
That’s opened the door for m&a deal structuring experts to collaborate with founders choosing between acquisition offers and public listings. Advisory firms offering m&a tax & reorganisation services in uae are becoming part of the IPO prep conversation, especially for firms spinning off business units or consolidating before going public.
So what does all this mean for founders?
It means IPO isn’t a moonshot anymore. It’s a practical, achievable route if you’ve got the fundamentals right and if you’re getting smart guidance from firms offering m&a services and m&a transaction advisory services in dubai, even before you file your prospectus.
ADX and DFM have both introduced mid-cap IPO windows, specifically targeting growing tech, healthcare, and clean energy businesses, making public markets more accessible to founders beyond the traditional large-cap segment.
Key Takeaways for UAE IPOs in 2026
- Strong governance and ESG reporting are now non-negotiable.
- Dual licensing simplifies IPO eligibility for free zone firms.
- Privatization programs continue to drive public market activity.
- Foreign institutional investors are actively participating, boosting liquidity.
- Advisory support in M&A and IPO structuring is essential for smooth execution.
Mergers & Acquisitions: Catalysts for Growth and Consolidation
Not every company wants to go public. And not every exit needs a stock exchange.
M&A in Dubai is alive and aggressive. Deals are getting smarter, bigger, and faster when done right. For many UAE entrepreneurs, acquisition is the faster, cleaner path to cash, scale, or strategic realignment.
Let’s look at what’s driving it in 2025.
A New Legal Landscape That Changes the Game
A major update landed this year: Ministerial Decree No. 3 (2025). It’s focused on economic concentration and antitrust controls. That means big deals are getting more scrutiny. Cross-sector consolidation? Now it needs clearer justification. And the way you structure your deal matters more than ever.
That’s where m&a transaction advisory services in dubai are playing a critical role. Founders can’t afford missteps. Neither can buyers. Legal clarity and tax strategy go hand in hand. Professional services make it all simple for businesses. They get things done.
Mid-Market is Booming. But So Are the Giants
2025 isn’t just about billion-dollar mergers. The mid-market is exploding too. Think $50M to $200M deals. Logistics firms acquiring tech startups. Industrial players absorbing niche suppliers. Family businesses exiting to regional giants. But the big fish are still swimming.
The UAE saw megadeals in energy, fintech, and defense this year. These deals need experienced m&a deal structuring experts who can handle multi-jurisdiction, multi-entity operations.
Sovereign Wealth Funds Are Not Sitting Back
Mubadala, ADQ, and ADIA aren’t waiting for opportunities. They’re creating them with their own efforts. They’re leading deals, backing acquisitions, and reshaping sectors like clean energy, AI, defense, and digital health.
Sovereign funds are increasingly partnering with UAE-based family offices and PE firms to co-invest in mid-sized startups, creating dual-track exit pathways that combine IPO readiness with potential strategic buyouts.
Cross-Border Ambition Is Growing
The UAE isn’t just buying local. More deals are reaching into North America, Southeast Asia, and Europe. Tech companies, logistics players, and investment arms are actively pursuing assets abroad.
These cross-border deals require serious m&a tax & reorganisation services in uae to manage foreign compliance, repatriation strategies, and restructuring. It’s no longer just about getting the deal done, it’s about doing it smart.
Timelines Are Getting Longer. But That’s Not a Bad Thing
Regulatory reviews are adding more steps to the process. Deals that once took 3 months may now take 6 or more. But that’s not always a negative. It gives time for better due diligence, sharper negotiation, and tighter integration plans. Founders working with the right m&a advisory dubai teams know how to use this time wisely, refining structure, cleaning up liabilities, and preparing for clean exits.
M&A: The Fast Exit With More Moving Parts
An IPO puts your company in the spotlight. An M&A deal puts it in someone else’s hands. M&A services offer faster liquidity. Fewer disclosure headaches. But more behind-the-scenes complexity.You’re negotiating valuation, team retention, brand future, and control.
Integration can be tricky. But with proper uae m&a transaction support, you’re not guessing. You’re negotiating from a position of strength. This is especially true for founders in tech and software.
IN 2026, IT, fintech, and health-tech founders increasingly rely on M&A advisory for carve-outs, IP transfers, and licensing setups to avoid deal-killing legal or operational risks.
Deep Dive: IPO vs. M&A for UAE Entrepreneurs
There’s no universal “best” exit. It all depends on your business, your goals, and your timeline.
Here’s how IPOs and M&As stack up through the lens of what actually matters to UAE founders in 2025.
Capital Mobilization
An IPO can unlock huge public capital. You get access to equity markets, strong valuations, and a wave of new investors. Look at Parkin and Spinneys—both raised hundreds of millions and boosted their growth firepower overnight. But it’s not for everyone. M&A gives you faster liquidity. You sell all or part of your business, cash out quickly, and sometimes stay on to help it grow. For mid-size founders in m&a in dubai, this route is becoming the preferred play.
Market Visibility
IPOs put you in the spotlight. Everyone sees your numbers. Your story is out there. That kind of visibility can raise your brand and attract talent. But not all founders want the fame. M&A deals are quiet, controlled, and strategic. Many UAE deals in tech and healthcare this year were handled discreetly, with little public noise and a big private win.
Regulatory Burden
An IPO means full transparency. Continuous reporting. External audits. Public scrutiny.
It’s heavy, especially if you’re not ready for it. M&A? Still regulated. Especially post-Ministerial Decree No. 3 (2025). But once the deal is done, you’re out. No more public updates. That’s why founders using m&a transaction advisory services in dubai often prefer the M&A route when speed and privacy matter.
Valuation Approach
IPOs get their value from the market. If your story lands right, and timing is perfect, you might get a massive premium. But it’s risky. The market can turn fast. M&A valuations are negotiated. You talk terms. You build in protections. Clauses. Earn-outs. It’s more controlled. This is where m&a deal structuring experts in the UAE earn their keep, securing terms that protect founders and reward performance.
Execution Timeline
IPOs take time. 6 to 12 months of prep, paperwork, and roadshows. It’s a process.
M&A can move faster. If both sides are aligned, deals can close in a few months.
But with new antitrust rules, even M&A deals can drag. UAE founders now rely on uae m&a transaction support teams to navigate the growing review process and keep momentum.
Post-Exit Roles
IPOs often keep the founder on board, but with limitations. You answer to shareholders now.
M&A deals vary. Many include earn-outs, advisory roles, or even full exits. Some founders take their cash and walk. Others stay on as part of a bigger growth plan.
In sectors like IT, founders often work with m&a advisory for IT companies in uae to negotiate clear post-exit responsibilities and rewards.
IPOs offer scale, attention, and long-term play.
M&A offers speed, flexibility, and strategic alignment.
Both can work. But you need the right partner in your corner, someone who knows the landscape, speaks the language, and builds exits around your business, not the other way around.
Emerging Trends Shaping Exits in 2026 UAE
Exits aren’t just about money. They’re shaped by what’s happening around the deal. Here’s what UAE entrepreneurs are watching closely this year.
Sustainability Is Starting to Pay
ESG isn’t a checkbox anymore. Investors, especially those in IPOs and strategic acquisitions are rewarding businesses with sustainable models, clean operations, and low-risk environmental profiles.
If your business has clean supply chains, climate reporting, or strong employee practices, your exit valuation may be higher. IPO-ready firms with solid ESG disclosures are seeing more serious bids and smoother approvals.
In 2026, regulatory maturity is becoming a valuation multiplier. Governance quality and disclosure discipline are now directly impacting pricing. Companies with structured board oversight, clean audit trails, and transparent reporting frameworks are commanding stronger investor confidence and faster regulatory clearances.
Tech Is Still the Main Target
AI, cloud platforms, and fintech infrastructure are fueling M&A appetite. Big corporates are acquiring rather than building. That’s good news for UAE tech founders. And it’s why m&a advisory for it companies in uae is in such high demand deals in these sectors come with added complexity around IP, licenses, and data governance.
In 2026, tech acquisitions remain strong, especially in AI, fintech, and B2B SaaS. However, diligence has become deeper and more forensic. Buyers are stress-testing IP ownership, cybersecurity frameworks, recurring revenue durability, and regulatory exposure before signing term sheets. Premium valuations still exist, but only for businesses that can withstand this higher scrutiny.
Private Equity and Family Offices Are Getting Bolder
The mid-market M&A scene is being reshaped by new money. Local family offices and global PE funds are active, aggressive, and willing to pay a premium for founder-led businesses. This has created more options for UAE founders who want partial exits or strategic growth capital. The right m&a services firm can help shape these offers into long-term wins.
In 2026, more mid-market capital is competing directly with strategic buyers. Private equity and family offices are not just participating — they are driving valuation tension. Competitive bidding environments are becoming more common, giving founders stronger negotiation leverage and more structured deal options such as minority buy-ins and staged exits.
Dual Licensing is Changing the Game
The new dual licensing rules are helping free zone businesses access mainland opportunities and public markets without relocation. That flexibility makes more companies IPO-eligible or acquisition-ready, especially when paired with proper m&a tax & reorganisation services in uae to handle cross-zone compliance.
In 2026, dual-track exit strategies are gaining momentum. Founders are preparing for IPO readiness while simultaneously engaging strategic buyers. IPO preparation is increasingly used as leverage in M&A negotiations, strengthening valuation discussions and improving deal terms.
Diversity Is Getting Valued
Firms with female leaders, diverse boards, and independent governance are getting better market reception. It’s no coincidence that IPO prospectuses now highlight board composition. Founders preparing to list are actively improving their governance profiles and in M&A, this creates stronger buyer confidence.
Beyond optics, diversity and structured governance are now viewed as risk-mitigation tools. Buyers and public investors are correlating independent boards and diverse leadership with stronger long-term performance and lower regulatory exposure.
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing for a Successful Exit in 2026
Here’s the checklist every UAE founder should have in hand. Whether you’re eyeing an IPO or thinking about selling.
1. Get Your Financials in Shape
This isn’t optional. Audited accounts, proper IFRS adoption, and clean forecasts build credibility. No investor or buyer wants surprises in due diligence.
In 2026, serious buyers expect 12–24 months of financial hygiene before a transaction. That includes audited financial statements, a normalized EBITDA bridge that clearly explains one-offs, and transparent revenue quality metrics such as contract tenure, churn rates, and customer cohorts. Working capital controls are also under deeper review, especially for mid-market deals.
2. Nail Regulatory Compliance
Make sure you meet Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) requirements. If you’re in a regulated sector, align early with the Ministry of Economy (MOE). Delays here can kill deal momentum.
3. Build Strong Governance
Appoint independent board members. Clarify roles. Get serious about internal controls. Buyers and public investors want to see real oversight—not just names on paper.
In 2026, governance discipline is tied directly to valuation. Clean share registers, clear ESOP structures, properly documented IP assignment, and well-drafted key commercial contracts are now baseline expectations. Cap table confusion or undocumented equity promises can materially reduce deal value.
4. Prepare Your Story
For IPOs, that means a solid investor pitch and a strong roadshow plan. For M&A, it’s about building a sharp Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM) that makes your business irresistible.
Exit readiness now requires choosing the right preparation track. For M&A, founders are building structured data rooms early — a reusable “single source of truth” containing financials, contracts, compliance files, HR records, and IP documentation. For IPOs, disclosure readiness is equally critical, with prospectus-level documentation, risk factor clarity, and forward-looking statement discipline prepared well in advance.
5. Watch the Market
Timing matters. Your sector’s momentum, macro conditions, and competitor activity all affect valuation. Move when your window is open.
6. Engage the Right Advisors Early
Don’t wait until the term sheet lands. Start working with m&a advisory uae firms, lawyers, and tax consultants as early as possible. The team at ADEPTS helps UAE founders structure exits that maximize value and minimize post-deal regret.
In 2026, tax and structuring reviews are happening earlier in the lifecycle. Founders are conducting group structure sanity checks (free zone vs mainland alignment), modelling transaction tax outcomes (share sale vs asset sale), and assessing cross-border exposure before entering negotiations. Early modelling prevents last-minute restructuring that can delay or derail deals.
Case Studies and Practical Lessons from UAE Exits in 2025–2026
In 2024, Dubai-based Tabby became the UAE’s standout IPO. The fintech firm went public on the DFM with a valuation crossing AED 5 billion, driven by strong local investor appetite and a robust pre-IPO funding round. This listing proved how homegrown tech can command premium valuations when backed by solid fundamentals and governance.
On the M&A side, Careem’s partial acquisition by e& underscored a rising trend: strategic, local buyers stepping in with long-term visions. The deal reportedly valued the Careem Super App at over AED 1.1 billion, marking one of the region’s most strategic digital acquisitions.
But not every exit sailed smoothly. A planned IPO by a UAE logistics group stalled due to valuation disagreements between founders and underwriters. Lesson: market timing and alignment on value expectations are everything. Regulatory hurdles also delayed an Abu Dhabi health tech M&A transaction, where cross-border data compliance concerns pushed timelines by months.
Entrepreneurs are also learning how to balance post-exit roles. In several 2024 exits, founders stayed on in strategic advisory positions or transitioned into non-executive board roles — preserving continuity without operational entanglement.
Cross-border deals brought extra complexity. One Dubai e-commerce firm sold a minority stake to a UK buyer but had to restructure its legal entities across two free zones to meet repatriation and tax clarity needs. A clear reminder: exit planning in the UAE must account for legal infrastructure across jurisdictions.
Dual-track strategies are emerging. Companies prepare for IPO while entertaining strategic buyouts, leveraging advisory services to maintain flexibility and control.
Future Outlook - What’s Next for UAE Entrepreneurs Post-2025?
The line between IPO and M&A is blurring. Some firms are exploring dual-track strategies — preparing for an IPO while entertaining buyout offers. Regulatory innovation is catching up. The digitization of shareholder rights, new frameworks for dual-class shares, and sandboxed listing environments are all part of the game now. These moves will make IPOs more founder-friendly.
SPACs and direct listings could make a comeback. The ADX and DFM are actively exploring new products to attract mid-sized growth firms, including UAE family-owned businesses and tech startups looking to skip the traditional roadshow. The UAE’s positioning as a global business and tech hub is only deepening. With capital flowing in from sovereign funds, private equity, and Asia-based family offices, the exit landscape is maturing – fast.
ADEPTS’ Role in Supporting UAE Entrepreneurial Exits
ADEPTS works with founders long before the exit clock starts ticking. Our ICV certification support ensures businesses are well-positioned for high-value partnerships or IPO scrutiny.
For joint ventures, we design growth strategies that scale valuation – and we’ve helped multiple UAE-based JVs achieve 20–30% uplift in pre-deal valuation through smart tax structuring and IFRS compliance.
Exit readiness isn’t just financial. It’s regulatory, legal, and strategic. ADEPTS provides a full suite: capital structure reviews, tax impact assessments, and IPO/M&A documentation support. We help entrepreneurs position themselves to meet both MOE and SCA standards while aligning with future investors’ expectations.
In 2026, ADEPTS begins engagements with a structured exit readiness diagnostic. This includes auditability assessments, governance gap analysis, and detailed earnings quality reviews to identify weaknesses before buyers or regulators do.
We also provide valuation support and deal modelling to help founders understand pricing scenarios under IPO, full sale, JV, or partial exit structures — before entering negotiations.
Tax-optimized structuring remains central to our advisory approach. Whether it is a share sale, asset carve-out, joint venture, or staged exit, we model outcomes to preserve founder value and reduce transaction friction.
Documentation discipline is another 2026 priority. We ensure companies are prepared for regulator scrutiny, bank due diligence, buyer review processes, and — where relevant — public-market disclosure standards. Clean documentation directly impacts speed and valuation.
In 2024, ADEPTS advised a UAE med-tech startup that exited via a strategic acquisition. Our team optimized the holding structure, unlocked tax efficiencies through double tax treaties, and helped negotiate favorable earn-out terms, while keeping the founder in a board advisory role post-exit.
From navigating antitrust clearance to aligning with ESG mandates and ensuring shareholder clarity, ADEPTS remains the trusted advisor for founders building to sell or list.
Conclusion
Whether you’re aiming for an IPO or exploring a strategic M&A, the UAE offers a vibrant, fast-evolving exit landscape.
But one size never fits all. The right path depends on your sector, your growth story, and your personal ambitions.
With deep expertise and proven results, ADEPTS helps UAE entrepreneurs structure smarter exits, maximize value, and avoid last-minute surprises.
Plan early. Exit right. Build the legacy you want.
IPOs reward scale, governance strength, and market timing.
M&A rewards strategic fit, proof of value, and execution certainty.
In 2026 UAE, the real winner is the founder who builds an exit-ready business before choosing the route.
FAQs:
Directors now face stronger personal liability for misleading disclosures or material omissions. Active oversight of financials and risk factors is mandatory — passive approval is no longer defensible.
A filing is required when combined UAE turnover and market impact cross Ministry thresholds. If a deal materially affects market share or control, regulatory clearance should be assumed.
Most legacy VAT credits fall under a five-year limitation window. If not formally claimed or preserved, they may expire permanently.
It allows regulated institutions to stabilize share prices shortly after listing. This reduces early volatility and protects against sharp post-IPO swings.
Listed companies must disclose governance structure, board diversity, sustainability risks, and environmental impact indicators. ESG reporting is now a compliance expectation, not a branding tool.
AI companies linked to strategic infrastructure face deeper national security review. While valuations remain strong, regulatory scrutiny is significantly higher.
Reviews typically range from 30 to 90 days, depending on complexity. SPAs must factor this into long-stop dates and conditional closing clauses.
If they list on UAE onshore exchanges, federal capital market rules apply. Free zone incorporation does not exempt them from national securities regulation.
Penalties include administrative fines, transaction invalidation risks, and potential escalation for repeated non-compliance. Proper system alignment is essential before rollout.
Preparing for both IPO and M&A creates competitive tension. Buyers pay more when founders have credible public-market alternatives.
Regulators can step in earlier to protect investors. Weak capital structures or governance gaps may trigger supervision before a crisis unfolds.
Unreconciled VAT filings, transfer pricing gaps, undocumented related-party transactions, and weak working capital controls are major red flags.
ESOPs should be clearly documented, cap-table aligned, and structured for clean vesting acceleration. Ambiguity reduces deal certainty and valuation.
It compensates investors in cases of market misconduct. Strong regulatory backing improves overall investor confidence in listed issuers.
Higher rates compress valuations and reduce liquidity. Many PE-backed firms time IPOs around rate stabilization cycles.
Clean tax filings, regulatory compliance records, employment documentation, and clear indemnity clauses are critical to ring-fence historical exposure.
References
- Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP, “UAE Capital Markets Overhaul 2026: New Regulatory Framework for the Capital Market Authority,” January 20, 2026, https://www.clearygottlieb.com/news-and-insights/publication-listing/uae-capital-markets-overhaul-2026-new-regulatory-framework-for-the-capital-market-authority
- PwC Middle East, TransAct Middle East 2026 (PwC, February 2026), https://www.pwc.com/m1/en/publications/2026/docs/transact-2026-middle-east.pdf
- Latham & Watkins LLP, “Major Updates Recalibrate the UAE Capital Markets Regime,” February 2, 2026, https://www.lw.com/en/insights/major-updates-recalibrate-the-uae-capital-markets-regime
- Dentons, “New Capital Markets Laws in the UAE,” January 26, 2026, https://www.dentons.com/en/insights/articles/2026/january/26/new-capital-markets-laws-in-the-uae
- Middle East Briefing, “UAE Capital Markets Overhaul: Investor Protection and Growth,” February 9, 2026, https://www.middleeastbriefing.com/news/uae-capital-markets-overhaul-investor-protection-and-growth/
- Al Tamimi & Company, “UAE Capital Market Regulatory Overhaul: Key Changes from 1 January 2026,” accessed February 2026, https://www.tamimi.com/news/uae-capital-market-regulatory-overhaul-key-changes-from-1-january-2026/
- King & Spalding LLP, “A New Era for UAE Federal Securities Regulation: The 2025 CMA Decree-Laws,” February 2026, https://www.kslaw.com/news-and-insights/a-new-era-for-uae-federal-securities-regulation-the-2025-cma-decree-laws-february-2026.
- EY, “M&A activity in MENA region experienced strong growth in 2025 with 884 deals totaling US$106.1b,” February 11, 2026, https://www.ey.com/en_pk/newsroom/2026/02/m-a-activity-in-mena-region-experienced-strong-growth-in-2025-with-884-deals-totaling-us-106-1b
- PwC Middle East, “Middle East defies global M&A slowdown with 33% surge in 2025 deal volumes,” February 12, 2026, https://www.pwc.com/m1/en/media-centre/2026/transact-middle-east-2026.html
- “UAE issues laws to strengthen capital markets regulation,” The National, January 2, 2026, https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/markets/2026/01/02/uae-law-markets/
- Abdulla Alateibi Advocates & Legal Consultancy, “Legal Checklist for Mergers and Acquisitions in the UAE,” (2025), https://alateibi.ae/blog/legal-checklist-for-mergers-and-acquisitions/
- Financial Times, “Middle East IPOs fall by a third as post-pandemic boom fades,” December 25, 2025, https://www.ft.com/content/1691b18b-46b7-4a34-9bc8-37cee197c273
- Reuters, “Abu Dhabi’s newest sovereign fund takes control of peer ADQ in major wealth reshuffle,” January 30, 2026, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/abu-dhabis-newest-sovereign-fund-takes-control-peer-adq-major-wealth-reshuffle-2026-01-30/
