CAIA Association, the global professional body for the alternative investment industry, has announced the next phase of its Middle East strategy marking one of its most ambitious expansions in the region to date. The organization plans to deepen its presence through new senior appointments, strategic partnerships, and localized educational programs, reflecting its long-term commitment to supporting some of the world’s fastest-growing private capital markets.
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A major part of this strategy is the opening of CAIA’s first dedicated Gulf office in 2026, which will serve as a regional hub and strengthen the association’s on-the-ground engagement with investors, regulators, and industry leaders. CAIA is also partnering with Saudi Arabia’s Financial Academy, the official training arm of the Capital Market Authority, to align with the nation’s financial education priorities. In addition, the association is expanding its Middle East chapter network with a new committee in Jeddah, joining existing communities in Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai.
To make its educational resources more accessible and relevant, CAIA will begin offering select program components and leadership materials in Arabic. It is also launching a new microcredential in Islamic Finance designed to meet rising global interest in Sharia-compliant investment practices. Available in both English and Arabic, the credential will explore foundational principles and their real-world applications for professionals in the region and beyond.
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This strategic expansion comes as the Middle East transforms from a capital exporter into a major global hub for private capital. CAIA’s plans follow years of collaboration with regulators, sovereign wealth funds, asset managers, and policymakers. The association aims to play a deeper role in developing local talent, strengthening industry standards, and fostering greater global knowledge exchange.
“Establishing a physical presence in the Gulf positions CAIA at the intersection of global capital flows and regional growth,” said John Bowman, CEO of CAIA Association. “This allows us to work more closely with sovereign investors, family offices, and corporates, and to contribute meaningfully to the local regulatory and educational infrastructure.” He emphasized that CAIA is committing long-term resources, curriculum, and local programming to support the region’s vision of becoming a world-class center for investment excellence.
As part of its expanded regional engagement, CAIA will host its final C-Suite Leadership Forum of the year in Riyadh on December 8, bringing together global asset managers, asset owners, and industry thinkers. The association will also play a prominent role at alternative investment events across Doha and Abu Dhabi in early December, with senior CAIA leaders speaking and moderating discussions on private markets, structured finance, and emerging investment trends.
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The Middle East continues to be one of CAIA’s fastest-growing regions. Membership has risen nearly 20% in the past two years, with candidate numbers also up 15%. This growth mirrors the region’s private markets momentum: MENA private equity investments reached $13.8 billion across about 100 deals in the first half of 2025, while nearly 80% of Middle East investors plan to increase their private equity allocations in the coming year. Meanwhile, the Islamic finance market is projected to soar to $7.31 trillion by 2030.
“There’s real global interest in understanding Sharia-compliant investing and how to apply it authentically in the Gulf,” said Laura Merlini, Managing Director for EMEA at CAIA. “Our new Islamic Finance microcredential and expanded Arabic-language programming not only fill an educational gap but help bridge global investment centers. This positions CAIA uniquely as we co-create the next benchmark for global financial education.”
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