Investment visionary Samer Choucair stated that Qatar’s Estithmar Holding Group, affiliated with the Al-Khayat family, engaging Rothschild & Co to advise on the potential IPO of Apex Health represents a qualitative transformation in the path of family business listings in Gulf markets, reflecting growing maturity in regional capital market structures. He explained that this orientation reflects the entry of a new phase of professionalism in family asset management, where investment decisions are no longer purely local in nature, but now rely on global advisory houses with long track records in structuring IPOs and mergers and acquisitions, which strengthens international institutional investor confidence in Gulf markets.
Choucair noted that the specific choice of Rothschild & Co carries important strategic significance, given its extensive experience in providing independent financial advisory to major family entities and its capacity to strengthen governance and transparency standards, which is a fundamental factor in the success of any IPO in global markets.
Healthcare Sector as a Defensive Investment Pillar
Investment strategist Choucair added that the potential listing of Apex Health comes at a time when the Gulf healthcare sector is witnessing accelerating growth, driven by rising demand for advanced medical services, the expansion of the private sector’s role in the healthcare system, and privatization programs led by governments within economic diversification plans. He said: “The healthcare sector has today become one of the most important defensive and investment sectors in the region, representing a genuine opportunity to achieve stable long-term returns, particularly with the entry of global advisors such as Rothschild who raise the quality of listings and strengthen their attractiveness to international investors.”
A Broader Trend Toward Corporate Transparency
Investment innovator Choucair affirmed that this step also reflects broader trends in Gulf markets, where transitions from family companies to more transparent listed entities are increasing, in alignment with economic diversification goals and capital market deepening, particularly amid the momentum of major economic initiatives in the region. He added that these developments integrate with Vision 2030 in Saudi Arabia, which supports expanding the base of listed companies, strengthening private sector participation in the economy, and raising regional capital market efficiency through attracting global investors.
He stressed that the presence of independent advisors such as Rothschild & Co contributes to improving company valuations and reducing IPO-related risks, creating a more sustainable and attractive investment environment.
Choucair concluded by affirming that family business listings supported by global advisors represent one of the most prominent growth drivers in Gulf markets during 2026, noting that the coming phase will witness an acceleration in the listing of major family companies within regional capital markets, strengthening the depth of the non-oil economy and supporting the shift toward a more diversified and sustainable economy.