KKR has announced the opening of a new office in Abu Dhabi within the Abu Dhabi Global Market, as the global investment firm continues to strengthen its long-term presence across the Middle East. The expansion marks another significant step in KKR’s regional growth strategy, as the United Arab Emirates continues to attract global capital and emerge as one of the world’s most dynamic financial and investment hubs.
ADGM, established in 2015, has developed into one of the leading international financial centres, benefiting from Abu Dhabi’s stable economic foundation, strong regulatory framework, and long-term focus on economic diversification. Its role as a gateway for global investors seeking resilient and growth-oriented markets has accelerated in recent years, further elevating the emirate’s profile as a bridge between East and West.
The new Abu Dhabi 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 named Chairman of KKR Middle East, reflecting the firm’s deepening engagement across the region. The new location, subject to final regulatory approval, adds to KKR’s existing regional hubs established in the Dubai International Financial Centre in 2009 and in Riyadh in 2014, the latter of which recently relocated to the King Abdullah Financial District to support increased investment activity.
KKR’s expansion comes amid heightened dealmaking across the Gulf. The firm has significantly scaled its regional portfolio since 2019, including acquiring a minority stake in ADNOC Gas Pipeline Assets LLC, extending a strategic partnership with ADNOC that began with the formation of ADNOC Oil Pipelines. In early 2025, KKR also made a significant strategic investment in Gulf Data Hub, one of the region’s leading data centre platforms. Under the partnership, KKR and GDH committed up to $5 billion to fuel the platform’s global expansion and address accelerating demand for digital and AI-driven infrastructure across the Middle East.
KEY QUOTES:
“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.”
Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM
“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.”
Joe Bae and Scott Nuttall, Co-CEOs of 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.”
Julian Barratt-Due, Managing Director and Head of Middle East Investing at KKR
