Arqaam Capital is stepping up its investment banking efforts as deal-making activity surges in Saudi Arabia. The Dubai-based financial services firm is making bold moves to capture a larger share of the region’s growing appetite for mergers, acquisitions, and capital market transactions.
This comes as Saudi Arabia continues to position itself as a global financial hub, attracting international investors and local businesses alike. With a fast-changing economic landscape and a reform-driven government agenda, investment opportunities are flourishing—and Arqaam Capital wants in.
Saudi Arabia’s deal activity reaches new heights
Saudi Arabia has become one of the busiest markets in the region for investment banking. Driven by the ambitious Vision 2030 plan and a rapidly diversifying economy, the Kingdom has seen a major rise in deal activity in sectors like energy, infrastructure, tech, and consumer services.
In 2024 alone, Saudi deal volumes hit record highs, with billions of dollars flowing through mergers, acquisitions, and IPOs. International banks and regional players have been quick to respond, increasing staff, launching new products, and competing for high-profile mandates.
Amid this wave, Arqaam Capital has been actively working on several major deals, both in the public and private sectors. The firm is ramping up its advisory services, equity capital market support, and research coverage to meet growing client demand.
Arqaam Capital builds a stronger IB platform
Arqaam Capital’s strategy centers on growing its investment banking division across the Gulf, with a sharp focus on Saudi Arabia. According to senior executives, the firm has been quietly building a pipeline of deals in sectors aligned with national priorities, including renewable energy, technology, and logistics.
To strengthen its team, Arqaam has hired experienced bankers and analysts who bring deep knowledge of the Saudi market. The company is also investing in digital tools and platforms to offer faster, data-driven advisory services to clients.
The firm’s leadership says they are committed to long-term engagement in the Kingdom and are not just there to chase short-term gains. This message seems to be resonating with clients, as more businesses seek reliable partners with local expertise and global standards.
Why Saudi Arabia is a top focus for investment banks
There are several reasons why investment banks, including Arqaam Capital, are doubling down on Saudi Arabia:
- IPO pipeline: The Tadawul (Saudi stock exchange) has seen an explosion in IPO listings. From oil services to fintech companies, the appetite for going public is growing fast.
- Privatization drive: The Saudi government is pushing ahead with the privatization of state-owned enterprises, creating opportunities for advisory roles and asset sales.
- FDI growth: Foreign direct investment is at its highest level in years, opening the door for cross-border M&A activity.
- Vision 2030 projects: Massive giga-projects like NEOM and The Line require financial structuring, funding solutions, and strategic partnerships—all areas where investment banks can contribute.
All these trends align perfectly with Arqaam Capital’s investment banking goals in the region.
A broader Gulf strategy with Saudi at the center
While Saudi Arabia is the central focus, Arqaam Capital is not ignoring other markets. The firm continues to support deals in the UAE, Egypt, and North Africa. However, executives say that Saudi Arabia currently offers the “most significant upside” in terms of both volume and value.
The company’s strategy is built around being agile and responsive. Instead of large bureaucratic setups, Arqaam focuses on lean teams with specialized skills and on-the-ground intelligence.
This approach allows the bank to move quickly and offer tailor-made solutions—especially important in Saudi Arabia, where local regulations and business culture require careful navigation.
Research and insights add competitive edge
Another key pillar of Arqaam Capital’s growth is its strong research division. Clients value deep insights into market trends, company performance, and macroeconomic shifts. In a volatile global environment, this kind of clarity is more important than ever.
Arqaam’s research reports cover listed and private companies, regional sectors, and economic forecasts. In Saudi Arabia, their coverage has helped clients better understand opportunities and risks before making major financial decisions.
Investment banking teams often collaborate directly with research analysts to ensure that their advice is backed by accurate, timely data. This synergy enhances the firm’s reputation for quality and reliability.
Challenges ahead—but also big opportunities
Like all financial institutions operating in the region, Arqaam Capital faces challenges. These include stiff competition from international banks, complex regulatory environments, and global market uncertainty.
But Arqaam’s leadership remains optimistic. They believe that by staying focused on Saudi Arabia’s transformation and offering high-quality advisory services, they can carve out a meaningful share of the deal-making space.
The firm’s performance so far seems to support this confidence. In 2024, Arqaam was involved in several high-profile IPOs and M&A transactions. Executives say the 2025 pipeline looks even stronger, thanks to ongoing economic reforms and investor interest in Saudi Arabia.
Arqaam’s long-term vision for the Kingdom
Looking ahead, Arqaam Capital aims to become one of the top regional players in investment banking within Saudi Arabia. To do this, the firm is taking a “local-first” approach—building strong relationships, hiring Saudi talent, and supporting national economic goals.
The company’s efforts align closely with the Kingdom’s push for greater private sector participation and financial innovation. By being present, agile, and knowledgeable, Arqaam believes it can play a key role in shaping the next phase of Saudi Arabia’s economic growth.
Conclusion: A strategic move at the right time
Arqaam Capital’s decision to expand its investment banking presence in Saudi Arabia appears to be a timely and strategic one. With deal-making activity soaring and the Kingdom actively transforming its economy, financial firms that invest now could reap long-term rewards.
As the region becomes more competitive, banks like Arqaam that combine regional insight with global standards will likely have the edge. With a clear focus on investment banking in Saudi Arabia, Arqaam Capital is setting itself up for a strong future in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.
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