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EQT announced the establishment of its Middle East platform together with the opening of an office in the Abu Dhabi Global Market on September 23, 2026, marking the firm’s first physical presence in the region despite more than a decade of investment activity there. The Swedish private markets firm, which manages USD 389 billion in assets, said in a statement that the Abu Dhabi base will serve as a strategic hub for deepening engagement with investors, companies and partners across the Gulf Cooperation Council. The platform integrates private equity and infrastructure strategies under EQT’s One EQT approach, drawing on the organization’s global capabilities to align with ambitious national development agendas in healthcare, education, digital technology, industrials and energy transition.[[1]](https://mb.cision.com/Main/87/4399208/4283042.pdf)
According to the company’s press release, the move builds on longstanding institutional relationships and will enable closer support for existing portfolio companies with operations in the GCC, including Nord Anglia Education, Virtusa, Banking Circle, Nothing and SAUR. Jimmy Mahtani has been appointed Chairman of GCC in addition to his current responsibilities for India and Southeast Asia at EQT Private Capital, while Smiyet Belrhiti, who brings more than two decades of regional private equity experience, will lead the Abu Dhabi office as Head of Middle East and Senior Executive Officer. The office will initially host more than 10 professionals covering investments, client solutions, capital raising and business operations, with plans for further expansion across the Middle East.[[2]](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-09-23/eqt-opens-abu-dhabi-office-in-long-term-middle-east-commitment)
EQT CEO Per Franzén stated in the announcement, “The launch of EQT’s Middle East platform reflects our conviction in the scale and momentum of opportunity across the GCC.” The firm highlighted Abu Dhabi’s role as a globally connected financial centre with a strong regulatory framework, making it an ideal location from which to support the region’s economic diversification efforts. A Bloomberg report noted that the opening forms part of a wider trend of private markets firms establishing on-the-ground teams in the UAE to pursue deals in energy, digital infrastructure and private equity amid resilient capital flows.[[3]](https://www.marketscreener.com/news/private-equity-firm-eqt-launches-middle-east-platform-opens-abu-dhabi-office-ce785ad9db8bf723)
A PitchBook analysis of MENA private capital found that private equity investment reached record levels in 2025, with IT deals accounting for nearly half the total value and Saudi Arabia emerging as a leading market through its Vision 2030 initiatives. Ocorian’s Global Asset Monitor placed Middle East private markets assets under management at a record $73 billion at the end of 2025, more than double the level from a decade earlier, driven primarily by private equity funds. These figures underscore the momentum EQT cited as central to its decision to establish a permanent platform in the region.[[4]](https://pitchbook.com/news/reports/h2-2025-mena-private-capital-breakdown)
The announcement detailed how the local presence will allow EQT to work more closely with portfolio companies seeking to expand into the GCC while identifying fresh investment prospects tied to structural economic shifts. ADGM, where the office is located on Al Maryah Island, has seen the number of financial services entities rise 27 percent in the first half of 2026 to 392, reinforcing its appeal as a base for global firms. EQT’s statement emphasised that the platform will contribute to the region’s innovation ecosystem and long-term growth objectives.[[3]](https://www.marketscreener.com/news/private-equity-firm-eqt-launches-middle-east-platform-opens-abu-dhabi-office-ce785ad9db8bf723)
Per Franzén added that Abu Dhabi represents a natural choice given its strategic importance as a global business and investment hub. The development comes as family offices have become the largest group of private capital investors in the Middle East, accounting for nearly half of active participants according to a BlackRock Aladdin report, with sovereign wealth funds allocating 43 percent of their exposure to private markets. EQT indicated it will continue to build its team and footprint across GCC markets over time.
