Gulf and Middle East Fund Manager Directory

The Gulf region has transformed from a source of sovereign capital into a significant fund management center in its own right. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have invested heavily in regulatory infrastructure, talent attraction, and physical infrastructure to position themselves as global financial centers. For private equity and alternative asset managers, establishing a regulated presence in the Gulf provides access to one of the world's largest pools of institutional capital.

The competition between ADGM and DIFC has been productive for the industry, driving both centers to improve their regulatory frameworks, reduce licensing timelines, and offer increasingly competitive terms for fund managers. ADGM has been particularly aggressive in attracting alternative asset managers with its flexible fund structuring options and English common law legal framework. DIFC, with its longer track record and larger critical mass of firms, remains the preferred choice for many established managers.

For GP stakes investors, the Gulf fund management ecosystem represents both a source of LP capital and a growing universe of potential investment targets. Several Gulf-based managers have scaled to sizes that make them attractive GP stakes candidates, and the region's growth trajectory suggests more will reach institutional scale in the coming years. Understanding the regulatory landscape and firm universe in ADGM and DIFC is essential for anyone seeking to participate in this market.