Photo Credit: WAM
Global private markets firm EQT has launched a dedicated Middle East platform and opened a new office at Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), marking a major expansion of its presence in the Gulf region.
The firm, which manages around US$389 billion in assets, said the Abu Dhabi office will establish a permanent on-the-ground presence in the GCC and support its long-term growth strategy across the region.
EQT said Abu Dhabi was selected as the base for its regional operations due to ADGM’s international financial ecosystem, regulatory framework and institutional environment. The office will allow the company to strengthen relationships with investors, businesses and strategic partners across Gulf markets.
The Abu Dhabi location is the first office under a broader Middle East platform that EQT plans to expand over time.
The regional platform will be chaired by Jimmy Mahtani, who has been appointed Chairman of GCC while continuing in his position as Chairman of India and Southeast Asia for EQT Private Capital.
Smiyet Belrhiti has been appointed Head of Middle East and Senior Executive Officer, with responsibility for leading the Abu Dhabi office.
Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM, said Abu Dhabi continues to attract major global investment institutions and long-term capital as it strengthens its position as an international financial centre.
He welcomed EQT to ADGM, saying the firm’s arrival would contribute to the continued development of Abu Dhabi’s financial ecosystem and support the emirate’s ambition to strengthen its role as a major global investment hub.
Jean Eric Salata, Chair of EQT Group, said the company has built strong relationships with leading regional investors over the past three decades, making the establishment of a permanent presence in Abu Dhabi a significant next step.
Per Franzén, CEO and Managing Partner of EQT, said the launch reflects the company’s confidence in the scale of investment opportunities emerging across the GCC.
He noted that EQT sees opportunities to support the growth of existing portfolio companies while investing in new businesses operating in sectors undergoing structural transformation and attracting long-term capital.
Smiyet Belrhiti said the Middle East is producing a growing number of high-quality companies operating in sectors aligned with EQT’s long-term investment strategies.
He added that the company sees strong potential for businesses from the region to develop into globally significant companies over the coming decade.
With the opening of its Abu Dhabi office, EQT now operates in more than 25 countries, representing markets that collectively account for more than 80 percent of global GDP.
