Brookfield launches $2bn PIF-backed fund targeting 50% of investments in Saudi Arabia - Latest News from Saudi Arabia and the World

Brookfield has announced the first close of Brookfield Middle East Partners (BMEP), a new private equity fund anchored by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) that has raised approximately $2 billion to target investments across Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East. The fund aims to allocate 50% of its investments to Saudi Arabia, will deploy capital into buyouts, minority growth equity and other opportunities, and will focus on high-growth markets across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

"PIF continues to build upon Saudi Arabia's position as a global hub for investments through partnering with international industry leaders," said Yazeed A. Al-Humied, Deputy Governor and Head of MENA Investments at PIF. "Our partnership with Brookfield is designed to help anchor international private equity into Saudi Arabia and the region."

Brookfield Chief Executive Officer Bruce Flatt framed the fund as a response to rising international interest in the region, saying: "We see a compelling opportunity to partner with businesses across the region and position them for long-term growth." Brookfield itself will commit $500 million to BMEP, aligning its capital alongside that of PIF and other investors.

Fund strategy and sector focus

BMEP will pursue a diversified private equity strategy that includes control buyouts and minority growth investments across sectors identified as priorities for the region’s development. Target areas listed for investment include financial and business services, consumer services, industrials, technology and healthcare. The fund’s stated emphasis on the GCC underlines a regional focus while reserving half of allocations specifically for Saudi Arabia to support local companies and markets.

• Fund size at first close: approximately $2 billion
• Brookfield commitment: $500 million
• Planned allocation to Saudi Arabia: 50%
• Sector targets: financial and business services, consumer services, industrials, technology, healthcare
• Geographic focus: Gulf Cooperation Council countries and broader Middle East

Context and track record

Brookfield has a long presence in the Middle East, with nearly three decades of activity in the region and more than $16 billion in assets under management across private equity, real estate and infrastructure since it began making direct investments in 2015. For PIF, participation in BMEP aligns with its mandate to maximize long-term returns through global partnerships while fostering economic development and strengthening local capabilities. The sovereign wealth fund highlighted that the investment will help deepen and diversify Saudi Arabia’s capital markets by expanding financing options for local businesses and introducing new investment products.

Outlook

The creation of BMEP and Brookfield’s accompanying initiatives signal an intent to build both capital and capability within Saudi Arabia’s private markets. As part of the launch, Brookfield will introduce the Brookfield Academy in Saudi Arabia to deliver professional development and interactive learning programs for investment professionals, aiming to bolster local skills alongside capital deployment. With PIF as an anchor and Brookfield’s $500 million commitment, BMEP positions itself to be a prominent channel for international private equity into the Kingdom and the Gulf in the coming years, supporting buyouts and growth-stage opportunities as regional markets continue to evolve.