The Globe and Mail reports in its Tuesday edition that Brookfield is pressing ahead with its expansion in the Middle East, raising money for a regional private equity fund and investing in energy infrastructure despite the threats to trade and security from the Iran war. The Globe's James Bradshaw writes that Brookfield announced Monday it has raised about $2-billion for the first close of Brookfield Middle East Partners, or BMEP, a fund conceived in 2024 that aims to invest half its capital in Saudi Arabia and the rest across countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain (all figures U.S.). Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, or PIF, a sovereign wealth fund that manages $910-billion, is the anchor investor in BMEP. Brookfield has also raised money from other regional and global investors that were not identified in Monday's announcement. The money raised so far includes a $500-million commitment Brookfield made to the fund. The fund is expected to have its final close later this year, which could push its total assets past the $2-billion mark. Despite the war, Brookfield hasn't broken stride on its plan to increase its investments in the Middle East and expand its regional partnerships.