Top Private Equity Firms in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has rapidly emerged as a vital hub for PE activity in the Middle East, driven by its Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy, robust capital markets, and a focus on non-oil industries. Riyadh has become a financial center where private equity firms, family offices, and international investors compete for the best investment opportunities.

Many private equity firms in Saudi Arabia target growth sectors like technology, healthcare, consumer goods, beverage, and manufacturing, while offering their clients a range of funds and advisory services.

Through strategic stakes and specialization in high-growth areas, these firms support companies that must endure shifting economic cycles and prepare for long-term growth.

1. Public Investment Fund (PIF)

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) is the Kingdom’s Sovereign Wealth Fund and the largest private equity investor in Saudi Arabia. Since its founding in 1971, PIF has grown into one of the largest private equity firms internationally, managing assets exceeding $900 billion.

Headquartered in Riyadh, PIF invests across a range of sectors including infrastructure, real estate, financial services, renewable energy, technology, and consumer goods.

PIF is central to Vision 2030 and acts as both shareholder and catalyst for corporate growth, often taking significant stakes in global companies while also backing domestic champions. With its active portfolio, the firm is reshaping Saudi Arabia’s private markets and attracting global capital partners to the Kingdom.

2. Olayan Financing Company (The Olayan Group)

The Olayan Financing Company, part of The Olayan Group, is one of Saudi Arabia’s most influential family-owned investment firms. Founded in 1947, Olayan has built a diversified portfolio spanning manufacturing, consumer goods, beverage, financial services, and industrials.

Olayan invests both directly in companies and indirectly through private equity funds, maintaining offices in New York, London, and Riyadh. As a shareholder in some of the world’s most recognized corporations, Olayan Financing Company remains a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s corporate investment landscape and a symbol of family office leadership in private markets.

3. Abdul Latif Jameel Investment (ALJ Investments)

Abdul Latif Jameel Investment is a diversified private investment firm headquartered in Jeddah. Since its founding, the firm has pursued private equity investing in sectors such as renewable energy, mobility, healthcare, and real estate.

ALJ Investments works closely with global partners and family offices, taking strategic stakes in companies and helping them expand across the MENAT region. Its operationally focused private equity strategies and specialization in energy transition make it a key contributor to Vision 2030’s diversification goals.

4. Jadwa Investment

Jadwa Investment, founded in 2005 and headquartered in Riyadh, is one of the most established independent private equity firms in Saudi Arabia. The firm manages multiple private equity funds that invest across petrochemicals, consumer goods, healthcare, and financial services.

Jadwa is known for its hands-on approach and operational improvements, helping family-owned businesses and middle-market companies endure competitive challenges. Its focus on governance and shareholder alignment makes it a trusted partner for clients and investors seeking sustainable long-term growth.

5. Alkhabeer Capital

Based in Jeddah, Alkhabeer Capital is a private equity and asset management firm specializing in family-owned and mid-market companies. Since its founding, Alkhabeer has raised private equity funds targeting sectors such as manufacturing, consumer services, healthcare, and business services.

The firm helps companies grow by providing both capital and advisory, working closely with management and shareholders to implement operational improvements. Alkhabeer is also active in Islamic finance, offering tailored solutions to family offices and institutional clients.

6. Investcorp

Although founded in Bahrain, Investcorp maintains a strong presence in Saudi Arabia and has offices in Riyadh. It is one of the largest alternative investment firms in the region, with specialization in private equity, real estate, and credit.

Investcorp invests across a range of sectors, including healthcare, logistics, consumer products, and technology. With its global network and offices in New York and London, Investcorp provides Saudi clients access to international private equity investment opportunities while supporting domestic corporate growth.

7. NBK Capital Partners

NBK Capital Partners, although based in Dubai, is one of the private equity firms that often invests actively in Saudi Arabia. The firm focuses on private equity and credit strategies across the Middle East, with strong capital deployment into healthcare, education, logistics, and business services.

Since its founding, NBK Capital Partners has raised multiple private equity funds that target middle-market companies. The firm helps its portfolio achieve long-term value creation through operational improvements and a practical, hands-on approach to growth.

8. Gulf Capital

Gulf Capital, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, is another regional player with significant exposure to Saudi Arabia. The firm invests across private equity and credit, with specialization in technology, healthcare, and consumer-driven sectors.

Gulf Capital’s strategy blends growth investing with buyout opportunities, taking stakes in middle-market companies and partnering with management teams for operational improvements. Its presence in Saudi Arabia underscores the Kingdom’s role as the largest market for private equity in the GCC.

9. Riyad Capital

Riyad Capital, the investment arm of Riyad Bank, is one of Saudi Arabia’s leading investment management and private equity firms. Headquartered in Riyadh, it operates across multiple asset classes, including private equity, venture capital, and alternative investments. The firm focuses on growth-oriented sectors such as technology, infrastructure, financial services, and industrial development.

Through its private equity funds and strategic partnerships, Riyad Capital supports the expansion of mid-market and family-owned companies while aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 diversification goals. Its disciplined investment strategy, local expertise, and advisory capabilities make it a key institutional player in driving sustainable corporate growth within the Kingdom.

Let’s Recap

Saudi Arabia’s private equity market is growing rapidly as part of its broader economic transformation. From large investment firms like Jadwa and Swicorp to operationally focused private equity firms such as Vision Ventures and Amwal AlKhaleej, the Kingdom is home to a diverse mix of players supporting buyout deals, growth investing, and private equity and credit strategies.

These private equity firms operate with a shared mission: to help great companies achieve their full potential through active portfolio management, operational improvements, and strategic capital deployment.

Private equity firms in Saudi Arabia often partner with global capital partners and institutions, ensuring the Kingdom remains well integrated into private equity international markets. With firms headquartered in Riyadh and offices in New York, London, and Dubai, Saudi private equity investing is no longer regional but part of a global private equity firm focused ecosystem.

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