MENA markets were home to 25 IPOs in 4Q 2024, making up nearly half (46%) of all IPO activity in the region last year, according to EY’s MENA IPO Eye 4Q 2024 report (pdf). Companies raked in a total of USD 7.9 bn in IPO proceeds last quarter, up 59.4% compared to 4Q 2023.

Talabat + OQEP saved the quarter: Talabat’s DFM debut and Oman’s OQ Exploration & Production’s Muscat listing accounted for the bulk of the proceeds made during the quarter, at around USD 2 bn each. If it wasn’t for these two issuances, the quarter would have been in decline on an annual basis in terms of the amount of funds raised.

A snapshot of 2024: The region saw a total of 54 IPOs across MENA markets in 2024, against 48 in 2023, most of which were concentrated in the GCC. Total listings raised a combined USD 12.6 bn in proceeds throughout the year — that is up 17.6% y-o-y —with the UAE being home to some of the region’s heftiest IPOs in terms of value. Nearly half of all MENA market IPOs in 4Q (11 out of 25) offered a free float exceeding 30% of their share capital, signaling strong investor appetite.

ACROSS THE REGION-

Saudi Arabia topped the IPO league table in terms of volume: The Kingdom saw the highest number of listings in 4Q 2024, with 17 IPOs (five of which were on the main market) locking in USD 1.1 bn in proceeds. Arabian Mills and United International Holding raised the largest sum of IPO funds in the Kingdom in 4Q at USD 300 mn each. While Tadawul IPOs raised more capital, the parallel market Nomu saw more companies going public with 12 IPOs over the same period raising a total of USD 119 mn.

Commercial and professional services raised the most funds in the Kingdom last year at 20%, materials at 12.5%, food and beverages at 10%, and healthcare equipment and services at 10%.

The UAE ranked first in terms of value: Three companies went public on the ADX in 4Q 2024 — Lulu Retail’s USD 1.7 bn IPO, ADNH Catering’s USD 235 mn IPO and Mair Group’s direct listing. Meanwhile, the DFM only saw one big-ticket listing in 4Q which raised more proceeds than all of ADX’s combined proceeds for the period — that is Talabat Holding’s USD 2 bn IPO.

Meanwhile in Egypt: CBE-owned United Bank was the only company to hit the EGX in 4Q2024, out of a total of two IPOs in the country throughout the year. The move marked the first public offering of a state-owned entity since 2021, as part of a broader privatization push.

THE OUTLOOK-

What’s in the pipeline this year: A total of 38 companies and 22 funds are planning to list across various exchanges in the region this year, signaling continued investor confidence in MENA markets. Saudi Arabia is set to lead the charge with 27 upcoming IPOs, followed by Egypt (5 IPOs), the UAE (3 IPOs), Algeria (2 IPOs), and Qatar (1 IPO). Among the high-profile companies eyeing IPOs are UAE flag carrier Etihad Airways and Dubai PE firm Amanat Holdings along with Savola’s consumer retail arm Panda Retail and PIF-backed lender Riyad Capital in Saudi Arabia.

Will ESG be steering market dynamics? EY sees ESG being a key theme shaping the Middle East’s investment landscape this year. Among other sustainability measures, the UAE’s new carbon emission law, set to take effect in May, mandates companies to report emissions, adopt decarbonization strategies, and engage in carbon offsetting, setting penalties for non-compliance. These standards are expected to positively impact IPO activity, as more companies brand themselves as ESG-compliant to appeal to a wider pool of investors.

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