Global private equity firm EQT (managing $389 billion in AUM) has officially opened an office in Abu Dhabi, establishing a permanent on-the-ground presence to capture deep capital pools and expanding deal pipelines across the Gulf region.
Key Takeaways & Regional Strategy:
- Flexible Investment Ticket Size: Led by Gulf Chairman Jimmy Mahtani, EQT plans to target regional investments ranging from $15 million up to $1 billion.
- Target Sectors: Led by Middle East head Smiyet Belrhiti, the Abu Dhabi-based 10-person team will focus on healthcare, education, business services, digital infrastructure, and utilities.
- Strategic Footprint: Deepens regional ties for EQT’s global portfolio companies (such as Nord Anglia Education) while strengthening relationships with major Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds.
- Industry Trend: Joins a wave of global asset managers expanding in the Gulf to tap institutional capital and rising cross-border deal flow.
A strategic expansion cementing EQT’s commitment to the Middle East’s growing private markets ecosystem! 📊🇦🇪🇸🇪