An Excess of Capital Opportunity: Jad Ellawn, Brookfield, on the Growth Optics in the GCC

Why It Matters

The outlook signals a multi‑trillion‑dollar pipeline of private‑capital projects in the GCC, offering investors diversified entry points into logistics, housing, AI infrastructure and fintech as the region modernizes.

Key Takeaways

• Brookfield sees unprecedented private‑capital opportunities across GCC sectors.
• Logistics real estate demand surges with e‑commerce and population growth.
• Residential market shifting to vertical, high‑tech living experiences.
• AI infrastructure investment will require $7 trillion globally, including power.
• Private equity expands in payments and K‑12 education in Saudi Arabia.

Summary

Jad Ellawn, senior executive at Brookfield, outlined the firm’s view that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is experiencing an unprecedented wave of private‑capital opportunities across real estate, infrastructure, renewables and private‑equity. He highlighted how demographic growth, rising immigration and still‑low e‑commerce penetration are creating a surge in logistics‑focused real estate, while Saudi Arabia’s long‑term urban planning is reshaping residential demand toward high‑rise, technology‑enabled living.

Ellawn noted that AI‑driven digital infrastructure will need roughly $7 trillion of global investment, encompassing data centers, power generation, chips and fiber, and that Brookfield is positioning itself to fund that build‑out in the region. In private equity, the firm has consolidated its payments footprint by merging Network International with Magnati and acquiring Rack Bank’s payments business, giving it a dominant presence in 50 countries. It is also scaling its exposure to private K‑12 education through a large stake in GEMS Education, targeting growth in Saudi Arabia.

“We are full‑guns blazing on digital infrastructure,” Ellawn said, underscoring the scale of capital required for AI. He cited the merger that now dominates the Gulf payments market and the recent acquisition as concrete examples of Brookfield’s aggressive expansion. The investment in GEMS Education reflects a belief that rising household incomes will drive demand for premium schooling.

Brookfield’s long‑term, cycle‑resilient investment philosophy suggests that capital will continue to flow into the GCC, supporting infrastructure, logistics, housing and digital services. For investors, the message is clear: diversified exposure to these high‑growth sectors could capture the region’s next wave of economic transformation.

Original Description

At SuperReturn Saudi Arabia, we spoke to Jad Ellawn, Managing Partner, Regional Head, Middle East, Brookfield about his 17 years experience working of investing in the Middle East. Watch the interview to learn about the latest activity in the Middle East, including real estate developments in Saudi Arabia, growth in digital infrastructure, and recent moves in digital payments.

00:00 Why the Middle East is a once-in-a-cycle opportunity for private capital

00:50 Saudi real estate growth bets: logistics demand & e-commerce tailwinds

01:18 The next 20–30 years of living in Riyadh: residential goes vertical

01:58 AI’s real opportunity: the $7T buildout of digital infrastructure & power

02:35 Private equity focus: scaling digital payments across the Gulf

02:57 Investing in people: the private education boom and GEMS expansion

03:29 Brookfield’s long-term DNA: underwriting through cycles in the region

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