American private investment giant, KKR, opened a new office in Abu Dhabi as part of its long-term commitment this week in a confidence boost for the Emirati capital.
The Abu Dhabi office, located in the city’s emerging financial centre on Al Reem and Al-Mariyah Island, will be led by Julian Barrat-Due: Managing Director and Head of Middle East Investing at KKR.
Growing Investment Presence in UAE
It comes as Abu Dhabi’s non-oil trade with the U.S. grew by 28.4% in the past five years whilst bilateral trade between the UAE and U.S. rose 8.5% last year in 2024.
At Abu Dhabi’s Investment Forum in New York earlier this year, ADIO and ADGM provided a platform to senior executives, venture capital, and policy officials to explore investment in high-growth sectors.
The executives also participated in Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX): ADX is one of the world’s top 20 exchanges globally.
High Growth Industries
Together the U.S. is investing in AI and infrastructure in the UAE whilst Emirati family firms locked-in $1.4trillion in the U.S. economy over the next decade.
Market Incentives: Abu Dhabi’s Edge on Dubai
Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai are seeing tremendous growth with U.S. private equity.
Yet Abu Dhabi edges Dubai on taxation, operational costs, and long-term strategy with the backing of the federal government.
For instance, the emirate offers lower property transfer tax, living costs, and sovereign wealth fund access via Mubadala, ADNOC, and ADQ: ideal for industries stretching energy, healthcare, and tech.
Capital market reform in the UAE and KSA, specifically Abu Dhabi, supports dual listings for American firms such as Americana. The firm listed on the ADX (UAE) and Tadawul (KSA) in December 2022.
For American private equity, Abu Dhabi offers strategic high-tech growth areas more aligned with their priorities for future sustained growth whilst offering profitability in the medium term.
KKR’s move confirms Abu Dhabi’s edge on Dubai for private equity.
Stay Up to Date with Finance Middle East!
KKR Appoints David Petraeus as Middle East Chairman, Expands Regional Investment Team
Blackrock and KKR Sell 40% Stake in ADNOC Oil Pipelines to Lunate
Ardian Launches Evergreen Fund to Expand Access to Private Markets via iCapital
