EQT Opens Abu Dhabi Office as Private Equity Firm Expands Across GCC
EQT is expanding its presence in the Gulf with a local team covering private capital, infrastructure, capital raising and business operations. The move also brings several of its existing portfolio companies under closer regional support as the firm develops its investment activities in the GCC.
Swedish private markets firm EQT has launched its Middle East platform and opened an office in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), establishing a dedicated presence in the Gulf as it looks to pursue investment opportunities across the GCC.
Announced on September 23, the Abu Dhabi office is the first location in a broader Middle East platform that will bring together EQT’s private equity and infrastructure investment activities in the region. The platform will support existing portfolio companies, strengthen relationships with institutional investors and partners, and pursue new investment opportunities across the GCC. EQT manages $389 billion in total assets under management as of June 30, 2026, according to the company.
EQT names leadership for the Middle East platform
Jimmy Mahtani has been appointed chairman of GCC at EQT while continuing in his existing role as chairman of India and Southeast Asia for EQT Private Capital.
Smiyet Belrhiti, who heads EQT’s Middle East operations, will lead the Abu Dhabi office as senior executive officer.
The Abu Dhabi team includes professionals covering private capital and infrastructure investments, as well as capital raising and business operations. The platform will also draw on EQT’s broader global capabilities, including its real estate and secondary businesses, as opportunities develop.
Existing portfolio companies
Several EQT portfolio companies already have an established presence in the GCC, including Nord Anglia Education, Virtusa, Banking Circle, Nothing, and SAUR.
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Some of these businesses have been operating in the region for well over a decade. The new local platform will allow EQT to work more closely with these companies while supporting other portfolio businesses seeking to expand into the GCC.
Investment focus
The Middle East platform will focus on opportunities linked to sectors undergoing structural change across the GCC.
These include healthcare and life sciences, education, digital and technology, industrials, business services, infrastructure, and energy transition.
The sectors correspond with EQT’s existing investment approach and global expertise, including its work in digital and artificial intelligence infrastructure.
Abu Dhabi’s financial ecosystem, regulatory framework, and institutional environment were among the factors behind the decision to establish the office at ADGM.
With the addition of Abu Dhabi, EQT now has offices in more than 25 countries, representing economies that together account for more than 80% of global GDP.
The new Middle East platform marks a deeper local commitment by EQT to the GCC, giving the firm dedicated resources for investment activity and portfolio companies operating across the region.
