Wealthy investors in the Middle East are drawn to alternative investments in their pursuit of wealth creation, according to the first study of private wealth in the region by the Qatar Financial Centre Authority and London-based market insight firm Campden Wealth.

The study found that 65% of Middle East investors want wealth creation, meaning at least 8% growth in assets under management per year. This contrasts with high net worth individuals in western countries, who continue to focus on preserving their cash.