As the region stands at the cusp of a golden age for public-private partnership (PPP) projects, early momentum must come with bankable projects, proper risk allocation, credible pipelines and scaled-up capacity.

If the region gets those fundamentals right, PPPs will move from a novel solution to a default option for delivering infrastructure, writes MEED editor Colin Foreman in this month’s issue of MEED Business Review.

Our opening Agenda section takes a deep dive into the world of public-private collaboration, as governments across the region accelerate PPPs to fund and deliver strategic projects.  

This month’s market focus covers Saudi Arabia, and finds the kingdom looking to chart a more adaptable course as regional pressures mount.

MEED’s latest issue also includes our 2025 power developer ranking, in which we reveal that Saudi Arabia’s Acwa Power has tightened its grip on the top position, extending its lead over international competitors as new projects and equity stakes lift both its net and gross capacity to record levels.

This issue is bursting with analysis. The team examines the acquisition of Aberdeen-based Wood Group by Dar Al-Handasah Consultants Shair & Partners Holdings (Sidara); looks at the opportunities presented by Dubai-based Alec Holdings’ initial public offering (IPO) announcement; and interviews Abdellah Merad, SLB’s executive vice-president of core services and equipment, about the US oil field services major’s efforts to boost its regional standing.

In current affairs, we discover that China’s belt and road initiative has surged in the Middle East, and look at the growing challenges faced by Tunisia’s president as the unions turn foe. 

We hope our valued subscribers enjoy the October 2025 issue of MEED Business Review. 

Must-read sections in the October 2025 issue of MEED Business Review include:

> AGENDA: 

> A new dawn for PPPs

> GCC pushes PPPs to deliver $70bn pipeline

> CURRENT AFFAIRS:

> China’s Belt and Road initiative surges in Middle East

> Tunisia’s president faces growing challenge from unions

> ACQUISITION: Wood takeover could boost Sidara profits

> INTERVIEW: SLB strives to boost regional standing 

> ALEC: IPO is chance for Alec to showcase its capabilities

> SAUDI ARABIA MARKET REPORT: 

> COMMENT: Riyadh strives for sustainable growth

> GOVERNMENT: Riyadh confronts rising regional chaos

> ECONOMY: Riyadh looks to adjust investment approach

> BANKING: New funding sources solve Saudi liquidity challenge

> OIL & GAS: Aramco turns attention to strategic projects

> GAS: Saudi Arabia and Kuwait accelerate Dorra gas field development

> POWER: Saudi Arabia accelerates power transformation

> WATER: Transmission projects drive Saudi water sector growth

> CONSTRUCTION: Saudi construction pivots from gigaprojects to events

> TRANSPORT: Infrastructure takes centre stage in Saudi strategy

> MEED COMMENTS: 

> Dubai heads towards record year for road building

> Crucial quarter ahead for world’s two largest airport projects

> Aseer-Jizan highway is a test case for Gulf infrastructure PPPs

> Oman makes strides forward in global LNG race

> GULF PROJECTS INDEX: Gulf projects market builds on its growth streak

> JULY 2025 CONTRACTS: August activity falls back below average

> ECONOMIC DATA: September 2025: Data drives regional projects

> OPINION: Yet another annus horribilis

> BUSINESS OUTLOOK: Finance, oil and gas, construction, power and water contracts