
What The Numbers Say About UAE Private Markets Right Now
The UAE’s private markets are continuing to perform with the consistency that participants in this ecosystem have come to expect. When investors and operators assess
Zuhair Shamma is the Co-Founder and CEO of Zest, a digital transactional infrastructure company transforming how private market deals are executed across emerging markets. He leads Zest’s vision to bring global best practice, strong governance, and seamless digital workflows to private markets. These markets have historically lacked integrated, compliant, and repeatable execution rails.
At Zest, Zuhair is building end-to-end digital infrastructure that spans SPVs, escrow, and licensed distribution. This enables funds, syndicate leads, and family offices to raise capital, safeguard investor funds, and scale distribution with clarity, trust, and institutional-grade execution.

The UAE’s private markets are continuing to perform with the consistency that participants in this ecosystem have come to expect. When investors and operators assess