Riyadh - Mubasher: Saudi Arabia’s mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market continues to show resilience despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty across the region, according to Ansarada’s latest Middle East M&A analysis report.
In the first quarter (Q1) of 2026, the Middle East region recorded sustained M&A activity, with 196 announced deals valued at a combined $23.30 billion, compared to 207 deals at $31.3 billion in Q1-25.
Saudi Arabia accounted for 24 deals valued at $689 million in Q1-26, up from 23 deals at the end of March 2025, representing a 4% increase in deal volume.
Managing Director at Ansarada, Justin Smith, commented: “The conflict may be reshaping deal timelines, but it’s not reshaping the region’s thirst for ongoing M&A activity. We remain confident in the long-term health of deal activity in Saudi Arabia, which we view as an enduring and critical hub for M&A in the region and beyond.”
Smith continued: “While volatility continues, there is a lot of dry powder out there waiting for the right time, while deals already in motion continue to progress with more rigorous diligence.”
He elaborated: “The fundamental strategic drivers for M&A in Saudi Arabia remain strong, and dealmakers have to become more accustomed to operating in a new normal of volatility.”
Across the broader Gulf, deal activity also remained relatively stable. Oman recorded seven deals valued at $535 million, while Qatar recorded four transactions and Kuwait recorded three deals at $24 million.
