
Partners Group establishes new regional headquarters with opening of Abu Dhabi office
Steffen Meister, Executive Chairman of the Board, Partners Group, comments: 'Abu Dhabi is increasingly becoming a center of gravity for global advancements in technology, energy, next- generation manufacturing, and digital services. It is attracting increasing amounts of capital, drawn to the regional investment opportunities and the chance to partner with Abu Dhabi's cutting-edge investors on global transactions. From our new regional headquarters in Abu Dhabi, we look forward to partnering with institutions to capitalize on the many opportunities arising from the upcoming technology-led transformation of industries, often with a nexus to the region.'
Partners Group's Abu Dhabi office will be headed by Suhail Albaz, Chairman Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia. He states: 'The Middle East is a key growth area for Partners Group, and we plan to significantly develop our business in the GCC and across the broader region. Not only are we focused on deepening our network of regional clients and business partners, but we are also actively pursuing the growing opportunities for transformational investing offered to our portfolio of businesses and assets by establishing themselves in the Middle East.'
His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman, ADGM, says: 'We are delighted to welcome Partners Group, one of the largest and most respected firms in the global private markets industry to ADGM. ADGM is a strategic gateway to the region and beyond, and is committed to providing a robust, innovative, and business-friendly ecosystem that supports growth and excellence. We look forward to Partners Group's valuable contribution to the vibrant and diverse financial community within Abu Dhabi.'
Partners Group has had a presence in the Middle East since the opening of its Dubai office in 2010. Today, Partners Group's portfolio companies employ over 2,000 individuals in the region, and many are actively looking to increase their footprint. For example, International School Partnerships, a leading group of private international schools founded by Partners Group in 2013, recently acquired its tenth school in the Middle East.
On the client side, Partners Group collaborates with the leading institutional investors in the Middle East, led by Head of Institutional Clients Middle East Nael Antaki. In addition, Partners Group is focused on building out its regional private wealth business, and appointed Venugopal Reddy as Head of Private Wealth Middle East last year.
The Abu Dhabi office brings Partners Group's total number of offices worldwide to 22.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Arabian Business
2 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Abu Dhabi's IHC to invest $500mn in reinsurance premiums with RIQ
RIQ, the AI-native reinsurance platform launched earlier this year by IHC, in partnership with BlackRock and Lunate, has entered into a preferred reinsurance partnership with IHC, anchored by a targeted allocation of over US$500 million in risk coverage within the coming decade. The partnership represents IHC's commitment to pioneering intelligent capital deployment and transformative risk transfer solutions. By leveraging RIQ's AI-powered infrastructure, IHC aims to enhance the resilience and operational agility of its group companies. The collaboration also aligns with Abu Dhabi's ambition to lead globally in structured reinsurance and financial innovation. 'A strategic investment' Syed Basar Shueb, CEO of IHC, called it 'a strategic investment in the future of resilient infrastructure and industrial agility'. 'This partnership reflects IHC's conviction in the transformative power of intelligent capital and data-driven risk transfer. By aligning with RIQ, we are catalysing the next chapter of Abu Dhabi's evolution as a global center for reinsurance innovation. This is not just a financial commitment, it is a strategic investment in the future of resilient infrastructure and industrial agility,' Shueb said. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), RIQ will offer a full suite of reinsurance solutions, working closely with IHC and its portfolio companies to structure capital-efficient coverage across complex Specialty and Property and Casualty (P&C) risk classes. Leveraging advanced data modelling and AI-augmented underwriting, the platform is purpose-built to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving risk environment. Seeking regulatory approvals The company is currently in the process of getting regulatory approvals with the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of ADGM, as it moves toward formal authorisation as a reinsurer. Final preparations are also underway for the execution of the reinsurance transaction between IHC and RIQ, which remains subject to regulatory clearance. This transaction will mark a foundational step in RIQ's operational rollout. Mark Wilson, CEO of RIQ, added: 'We are proud to collaborate with IHC in this milestone partnership. RIQ's platform is engineered to deliver intelligent risk solutions at pace, fusing advanced analytics, underwriting discipline, and strategic capital. This announcement marks a defining step in our mission to reshape global reinsurance from Abu Dhabi outward.' RIQ has promised more updates in the coming months, as it executes on its global buy-and-build strategy. With over US$1 billion in equity commitments from IHC and strategic partners BlackRock and Lunate, RIQ aims to ultimately write US$10 billion per year.


Khaleej Times
2 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Want to become a finfluencer? Applications for financial literacy programme open
Registration is now open for the Youth Financial Advisors Programme, a four-month intensive training targeting UAE nationals aged 25-32 years old to become certified financial advisors with deep knowledge in financial literacy. Launched by the Federal Youth Authority in partnership with the Central Bank of UAE and Securities and Commodities Authority, the programme comes as financial literacy among UAE residents stands at just 30.7 per cent, significantly below other international players. "Promoting financial literacy among young people is a primary element of our national strategy," said Dr Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs, in a statement. "Enhancing participants' knowledge and capabilities is fundamental to ensure their ability to manage finances, laying foundations for a stable future." Recent studies indicate that 50 per cent of UAE residents spend more than they earn, while over 60 per cent are in debt, primarily due to credit card and personal loan expenses. Young Emiratis, in particular, are facing the brunt of it with males spending around Dh2,000 monthly and females Dh1,656 — significantly higher than their expatriate peers at Dh1,152 and Dh606, respectively. The Youth Financial Advisors Programme addresses these challenges through seven core modules, including financial literacy fundamentals, monetary economics, entrepreneurial finance, and investment strategies. Participants will complete 30+ hours of education over four months, featuring hands-on workshops, financial institution visits, and hackathons designed to inspire innovative solutions. Khaled Mohamed Balama, governor of the Central Bank of UAE, emphasised the initiative's importance, noting in a statement that 'the programme reflects ongoing commitment to train young Emirati professionals, enabling them to actively contribute to establishing a knowledge-based economy." Requirements and how to apply Eligibility requires UAE nationality, university degrees in business, finance, economics, or law, plus a minimum of one year of relevant experience. Candidates without specified degrees need three years of financial services experience. Strong communication skills and Arabic-English proficiency are mandatory. Upon completion, craduates will receive three credentials: a Federal Youth Authority certificate of completion, registration as a Financial Influencer by the SCA, and a Central Bank Financial Literacy Trainer certification. They'll then conduct volunteer training sessions 'to spread the message and build a national network of qualified financial consultants'. Applications are being accepted now through the Federal Youth Authority website, with selection based on academic qualifications, experience, and demonstrated commitment to community financial education.


Khaleej Times
3 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Studio portraits with no photographer; new AI-powered room to ensure privacy
A new photography concept is set to launch in Dubai, aiming to put both the camera and creative control entirely in the user's hands. described by its founders as the UAE's first AI-powered studio for self-photography, will open its flagship location in Al Quoz this September. The startup promises to address privacy and comfort concerns by offering a sealed, sound-insulated room where users can take studio-quality portraits without a photographer present. Inside, a smart mirror and cinema-grade camera powered by Edge AI guides individuals through a self-directed session, with automatic image enhancement and secure delivery via private link. 'There's often discomfort in traditional photo shoots; the setting, the photographer, the pressure to look a certain way,' said Mitia Muravev, founder and CEO of 'We wanted to eliminate that. Our goal is to create a space where people can be themselves and see that reflected back.' The concept, according to the founders, originated from a common observation — that people often reject photographs not because of appearance, but because of discomfort or unease during the session. They believe this challenge is especially pronounced in communities where modesty and privacy are deeply valued. Peter Bondarenko, co-founder and chief product officer, said the system relies on embedded cameras and AI to recognise facial features and skin tones, applying subtle real-time enhancements such as colour correction and skin smoothing without altering natural features. Images are stored in encrypted, user-specific galleries, accessible only via one-time passcodes sent to the user's phone. According to the team, no personal data is stored beyond the gallery access mechanism. The concept was first piloted at the 2024 Arab Media Summit, where, the founders say, hundreds of women queued to try the service. 'Many said it was the first time they truly enjoyed a photo shoot,' Muravev said. Since then, the studio has reportedly served over 4,000 users in soft launches. While the service may attract influencers and professionals seeking headshots, the startup maintains that its core focus is helping everyday users feel more at ease in front of the camera.