EQT opens first Middle East office in Abu Dhabi — The National
European investment company EQT has opened its first office in the Middle East at the ADGM financial centre in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The office will serve as the headquarters of the company’s new Middle East platform, which will seek investment opportunities in the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, The National reports.
Platform for the Gulf countries
EQT manages $389 billion in client assets. The company said the expansion takes into account differences in the priorities and market dynamics of the Persian Gulf states and the wider Middle East. EQT plans to further develop its regional platform.
EQT Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner Per Franzén said the company sees opportunities to support the growth of its existing portfolio companies and invest in new businesses. This includes sectors undergoing structural transformation and attracting long-term capital.
Office leadership
Jimmy Mahtani has been appointed head of EQT’s operations in the Gulf countries. He is also head of EQT Private Capital in South and Southeast Asia. The ADGM office will be led by Smiet Belriti as senior executive director; he will also manage the company’s operations in the Middle East.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Belriti said the region is seeing a growing number of high-quality companies in industries that align with EQT’s long-term strategies. According to him, the company aims to be a long-term partner for businesses that could become globally significant over the next decade.
Investor presence in Abu Dhabi
EQT’s entry into ADGM came after private credit provider Blue Owl, which manages $315 billion in assets, established a base in Abu Dhabi in June. EQT said the ADGM office will help deepen engagement with investors, companies and partners in the Gulf countries.
Following the opening of its Abu Dhabi office, EQT will have offices in more than 25 countries, which together account for more than 80% of global economic output.
