$723 Billion Private Equity Firm KKR Opens New Office in UAE Abu Dhabi International Financial centre (ADGM) Led by Head of Middle East Investing Julian Barratt-Due
20th November | Hong Kong
Leading private equity firm KKR ($732 billion AUM) has opened a new office in UAE Abu Dhabi International Financial centre (ADGM) led by Head of Middle East Investing Julian Barratt-Due. KKR (19/11/25): “KKR, a leading global investment firm, today announced the opening of a new office[1] in Abu Dhabi, located within the city’s international financial centre, ADGM. The office further deepens KKR’s long-term commitment to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the wider Middle East and will support both investment activity and client partnerships across the Gulf. Established in 2015, ADGM has quickly become one of the world’s leading financial hubs and largest financial districts, connecting global investors with regional opportunities. Abu Dhabi’s stable economic foundations, strong regulatory framework, and long-term focus on diversification have positioned it as a natural bridge between East and West – a role that continues to expand as global capital seeks resilient, pro-growth markets. The office will be led by Julian Barratt-Due, Managing Director and Head of Middle East Investing. Earlier this year, General David Petraeus (U.S. Army, Ret.) was appointed as Chairman of KKR Middle East, supporting the firm’s deepening engagement in the region. The Abu Dhabi opening, which is subject to final regulatory approval, adds to KKR’s existing regional hubs, following the establishment of 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) to support the firm’s growing investment presence … … Since 2019, KKR has expanded its commitment to the Middle East, deepening its presence through a series of transformative investments across the region. KKR recently acquired a minority stake in ADNOC Gas Pipeline Assets LLC, further strengthening its strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). This follows the 2019 creation of ADNOC Oil Pipelines, a landmark infrastructure investment in the region. In early 2025, KKR also announced a strategic investment in Gulf Data Hub (GDH), a leading independent data centre platform in the Middle East, marking one of the largest international investments into a UAE-founded and managed business. Under the partnership, KKR and GDH have committed up to $5 billion to support the platform’s international expansion and meet the region’s growing digital and AI-driven data demand.”
“ $723 Billion Private Equity Firm KKR Opens New Office in UAE Abu Dhabi International Financial centre (ADGM) Led by Head of Middle East Investing Julian Barratt-Due “
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His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM: “KKR’s decision to establish an office in ADGM reflects Abu Dhabi’s stature as a leading global financial centre and a strategic destination for the world’s top investment firms. We welcome KKR to our community and look forward to supporting their continued growth and participation in the region’s expanding investment landscape.”
Joe Bae and Scott Nuttall, Co-CEOs of KKR: “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. 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.”
Julian Barratt-Due, Managing Director and Head of Middle East Investing at KKR: “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.”
KKR – KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR’s insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life and reinsurance products under the management of Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKR’s investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries.
ADGM – ADGM is the leading international financial centre (IFC) based in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. It is one of the world’s largest financial districts by size and is the largest IFC in the Middle East and Africa by the number of active licences. ADGM is also one of a handful of jurisdictions globally and the only one regionally to directly apply the trusted legal system of English Common Law. Governing both Al Maryah and Al Reem Islands, which are collectively designated as Abu Dhabi’s financial free zone, ADGM connects the economies of the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region with global markets. Its progressive and inclusive ecosystem empowers financial and non-financial institutions to thrive, supporting innovation, sustainable growth, and long-term economic resilience. Through its continued growth and cross-border partnerships, ADGM is strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as the ‘Capital of Capital’ and a leading global hub for finance, investment, and enterprise.
$723 Billion Private Equity Firm KKR Opens New Office in UAE Abu Dhabi International Financial centre (ADGM) Led by Head of Middle East Investing Julian Barratt-Due
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