Top Private Equity Firms in the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), a global crossroads for finance and commerce, has firmly established itself as the premier hub for private equity (PE) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Anchored by the dynamic financial centers of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the UAE attracts a diverse range of local, regional, and global investment firms.

These firms invest across sectors like healthcare, technology, consumer goods, and logistics, playing a crucial role in the region's economic diversification. In this article, we’ll explore the top private equity firms in the UAE, highlighting their portfolio, investment focus, and notable contributions.

1. Mubadala Capital

As the asset management arm of Mubadala Investment Company, one of the world's largest Sovereign Wealth Funds, Mubadala Capital is a dominant force in the global private equity landscape.

From Abu Dhabi, it manages a multi-billion dollar portfolio that spans the globe, with a significant focus on direct and fund-of-funds investments. Their direct private equity strategy targets sectors like media, sports, consumer, and industrials.

Mubadala Capital’s strategy leverages the sovereign fund’s extensive global network, long-term investment horizon, and deep industry expertise. A standout investment is their role in the creation of Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), a global industrial champion.

They also have a strong presence in technology through their venture capital arm, investing in transformative companies like Waymo and REEF.

Mubadala’s activities are central to the UAE’s strategic goal of diversifying its economy beyond oil and gas.

2. Gulf Capital

Founded in 2006, Gulf Capital is one of the leading and most active alternative asset management firms in the MENA region. The firm focuses on private equity, private debt, and real estate.

Its private equity arm targets late-stage, fast-growing companies in resilient and defensive sectors such as healthcare, technology, fintech, and business services across the Middle East.

Gulf Capital is known for its hands-on, operational approach to value creation, working closely with portfolio companies to drive growth and regional expansion. A landmark investment was their backing of Metamed, a diagnostic imaging platform, which they successfully grew into the largest in the region.

Their investment in Chef Middle East, a leading food service distributor, also highlights their ability to scale businesses and achieve successful exits, making them a key player in the mid-market space.

3. Fajr Capital

Fajr Capital is a prominent private equity firm from the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The firm focuses on acquiring strategic stakes in market-leading companies across key sectors in high-growth Muslim-majority markets. Their investment portfolio is diverse, with significant holdings in financial services, education, infrastructure, and consumer goods.

One of Fajr Capital’s most notable investments was in GEMS Education, one of the world's largest private K-12 education providers. They played a crucial role in the company's expansion and corporate development ahead of its successful strategic realignment.

Fajr Capital is distinguished by its strong emphasis on corporate governance and its commitment to building long-term, value-driven partnerships with portfolio companies. Using its deep network across the Middle East and Southeast Asia, the firm consistently supports sustainable growth and regional connectivity.

4. WAHA Capital

WAHA Capital is a publicly-listed investment company with a strong track record in private equity and asset management. The firm operates a proprietary investment model, deploying capital into high-potential opportunities across various sectors and geographies.

Their Private Investments division focuses on acquiring minority or majority stakes in companies with strong fundamentals and growth prospects.

WAHA Capital is known for its flexible investment mandate and its ability to act decisively on opportunities. A key investment in their portfolio is their stake in AerCap Holdings N.V., the global leader in aircraft leasing.

They have also successfully invested in and exited companies in the healthcare and financial services sectors. WAHA Capital's strategic agility and robust balance sheet make it a significant player in the UAE’s investment landscape.

5. Blackstone

Blackstone is one of the world's largest and most influential alternative asset management firms, and its presence in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) underscores the UAE's role as a global financial hub.

The firm manages a vast portfolio across private equity, real estate, credit, and hedge fund solutions. From its Dubai office, Blackstone sources deals, manages regional portfolio assets, and serves its extensive network of limited partners, including many of the region's top sovereign wealth funds and institutional investors.

Blackstone is known for executing some of the largest and most complex transactions globally. In the Middle East, it has been a key partner in landmark infrastructure deals, including a major investment alongside KKR in ADNOC's oil pipeline assets.

This demonstrates their ability to partner with state-owned enterprises on strategic transactions, acting as a crucial bridge between global capital pools and the region's most valuable assets.

6. Partners Group

Partners Group is a leading global private markets firm with a significant and growing presence in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). The firm invests on behalf of its clients across private equity, private real estate, private infrastructure, and private debt.

The firm is known for its highly disciplined, thematic investment approach, focusing on sectors with strong tailwinds, and its deep commitment to operational value creation within its portfolio companies.

From its Abu Dhabi hub, Partners Group serves its institutional and private client base across the Middle East, while also sourcing and managing direct investments in the region.

The firm’s strategy often involves acquiring companies and helping them scale through global expansion, digitalization, and sustainability initiatives. Their presence in the ADGM highlights Abu Dhabi's rising prominence as a sophisticated center for global asset management.

7. The National Investor (TNI)

The National Investor (TNI) is a prominent investment and advisory firm that has been a key player in the UAE's financial sector since 1994. TNI operates a well-regarded private equity division that focuses on acquiring significant minority stakes in high-growth, mid-market companies primarily within the GCC.

The firm targets businesses in resilient sectors such as healthcare, education, and F&B that are poised to benefit from the region's strong demographic and economic fundamentals.

TNI leverages its deep local network and extensive M&A advisory experience to source unique investment opportunities and create value within its portfolio companies. It is known for its disciplined investment approach and its role in preparing companies for successful public listings or strategic sales.

By combining proprietary capital with strong advisory capabilities, TNI has established itself as a trusted partner for both family-owned businesses seeking growth capital and institutional investors.

8. TABARAK INVESTMENT

TABARAK INVESTMENT is a private investment company that focuses on a wide array of sectors, including healthcare, education, real estate, and technology. Operating more like a private investment holding company or a merchant bank, TABARAK takes a hands-on approach to its investments, often seeking to acquire majority control to drive operational turnarounds and strategic growth initiatives.

The firm is known for its agility and entrepreneurial spirit, investing directly from its balance sheet, which allows for a flexible and long-term investment horizon.

TABARAK actively manages its portfolio companies, providing both capital and deep operational oversight to unlock value. This model makes them a strategic partner for businesses that require not just funding but also significant operational restructuring and hands-on management to achieve their full potential.

Let’s Recap

The UAE is a powerhouse for private equity, hosting a sophisticated ecosystem of sovereign wealth funds, regional champions, and global giants. These firms are instrumental in funding growth, driving innovation, and contributing to the economic diversification of the entire MENA region.

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