Amid Political Unrest, Private Equity Firms Navigate Challenges in the Middle East

Riyadh-based private equity firm Amwal AlKhaleej operates exclusively in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The firm has tailored its approach to the local business culture, where debt financing is relatively limited and family-owned businesses are prevalent. Given the turmoil that has rocked the Arab world for the past several months, how are private equity investors reacting? What will business prospects in the region be in the future? Fadi Arbid, chief executive officer of Amwal AlKhaleej, discussed these questions and more with Knowledge at Wharton.