KKR has opened a new office in Abu Dhabi as part of its “long-term commitment” to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the wider Middle East.
The Abu Dhabi office, which is located within the city’s international financial centre, ADGM, will be led by Julian Barratt-Due, managing director and head of Middle East investing at KKR.
The new office will support both KKR’s investment activity and client partnerships across the Gulf.
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KKR cited Abu Dhabi’s stable economic foundations, strong regulatory framework, and long-term focus on diversification, all of which have positioned it “as a natural bridge between East and West”, the firm stated.
The Abu Dhabi opening, which is subject to final regulatory approval, is the latest addition to KKR’s existing regional hubs, having established offices in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) in 2009 and in Riyadh in 2014, which this year relocated to the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD).
Earlier this year, the alternative asset manager appointed retired US Army General David Petraeus as chair of KKR Middle East, as the firm deepened its engagement in the region.
“Since opening our first office in the Middle East 16 years ago, we’ve built strong partnerships with investors, businesses, and government entities across the region,” said co-chief executives Joe Bae and Scott Nuttall.
“The UAE has demonstrated remarkable stability, vision, and leadership in shaping a modern, diversified economy. Expanding our presence into Abu Dhabi reflects our deep confidence in the country’s continued growth and its emergence as one of the world’s most important financial and investment hubs.”
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Barratt-Due added that establishing a presence in ADGM puts KKR “at the centre of one of the region’s fastest-growing financial ecosystems”.
“Abu Dhabi’s commitment to innovation, infrastructure, and technology makes it an increasingly compelling market for global investors. With a strengthened on-the-ground presence, we look forward to working closely with our partners to deliver long-term value across the UAE and the wider region,” he said.
A number of private markets firms have been establishing offices in Abu Dhabi this year as they seek opportunities in the region.
Davidson Kempner and Monroe Capital both announced Abu Dhabi office openings in October, following Adams Street and Partners Group who have both established a physical presence in the city.
