Swedish private equity EQT opens Abu Dhabi base for ME push

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Swedish private equity EQT opens Abu Dhabi base for Middle East push

September 23, 2026

DUBAI,— Swedish private equity firm EQT is opening a new office in Abu Dhabi and launching a Middle East platform, the company announced Wednesday.

The move gives EQT a direct presence in the Gulf and adds it to a growing list of investment firms setting up shop in the region in recent years.

The new platform will support EQT’s current portfolio companies, strengthen its ties with local institutions, and look for fresh investment deals, the firm said in a statement.

Jimmy Mahtani will serve as chairman of the firm’s Gulf business and will head the platform. The Abu Dhabi office, based in the emirate’s financial district, will be run by Middle East head Smiyet Belrhiti.

Staff joining the office will work across private capital, infrastructure investing, fundraising, and general operations.

EQT manages $389 billion in assets worldwide. Among its portfolio firms with a presence in the Gulf is Nord Anglia Education.

More global investment firms have been building up their presence in the Gulf, drawn by the region’s closeness to some of the world’s biggest sovereign wealth funds.

Firms are also drawn to a rising number of deals as Gulf governments try to reduce their reliance on oil income.

This expansion is happening even as conflict in the Middle East causes disruption, including setbacks to travel and supply chains.

EQT Chief Executive and Managing Partner Per Franzén said the new platform shows the firm’s confidence in the size and pace of opportunity across the Gulf Cooperation Council, known as the GCC.

Abu Dhabi holds most of the United Arab Emirates’ oil reserves, and its sovereign wealth funds are believed to manage more than $1.8 trillion in combined assets.

The number of financial firms operating out of Abu Dhabi’s financial center climbed 27% in the first half of the year, reaching 392.

(With files from Reuters)