KKR has opened a new office in Abu Dhabi, underscoring growing confidence among US private equity firms in the emirate’s long-term investment environment. The office, located across Al Reem and Al Maryah islands, will be led by Julian Barratt-Due, managing director and head of Middle East investing at KKR.
The move comes as Abu Dhabi strengthens its position as a global capital hub, supported by rising US-UAE trade flows and sustained investment cooperation across high-growth sectors such as artificial intelligence, infrastructure, healthcare and energy. Abu Dhabi’s competitive incentives, including lower operating costs, favourable taxation and close alignment with sovereign investors such as Mubadala and ADQ, continue to attract global asset managers.
Market reforms, deep capital pools and access to strategic growth platforms are reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s appeal, positioning the emirate as a preferred base for international private equity expansion.
Gulf Economist Staff Writer