Published: September 23, 2026 |

[Click image to enlarge]

EQT has launched its Middle East platform and opened an office in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the international financial center of Abu Dhabi.

EQT’s Middle East platform is led by Jimmy Mahtani, who has been appointed chairman of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), alongside his existing role as chairman of India and Southeast Asia for EQT Private Capital. The Abu Dhabi office is led by Smiyet Belrhiti, head of Middle East, who has also been appointed senior executive officer. Smiyet brings more than two decades of experience across private equity, corporate development and investment in the GCC and broader MENA region, having built deep relationships with the region’s leading institutions, sovereign investors, and business communities over the course of his career.

“Across the Middle East, we are seeing a growing pool of high-quality companies in sectors central to EQT’s long-term strategies. EQT’s presence here reflects our conviction in the region’s potential to produce globally significant companies over the next decade. We are committed to being a long-term partner in that journey, bringing our global platform, operational expertise and ‘future proofing’ capabilities to support businesses across the region,” said Smiyet Belrhiti, Head of Middle East.

“Abu Dhabi is a place where EQT has had the privilege of developing close ties over the past three decades with senior leaders at the largest regional investors. That history is an important part of why this next step matters. We are now deepening our commitment to the GCC by putting dedicated people and resources on the ground, operating as one EQT and bringing together those relationships and our investment experience in the region with the breadth of our global capabilities,” said Jean Eric Salata, chair of EQT Group.

“The launch of EQT’s Middle East platform reflects our conviction in the scale and momentum of opportunity across the GCC. Jimmy Mahtani, who has led our India and Southeast Asia business for over two decades and is a member of our Asia investment committee, is exactly the kind of senior leadership this platform needs from the outset,” said Per Franzén, CEO and managing partner of EQT.

“We see significant opportunities to support the growth of our existing portfolio companies and invest in new businesses across sectors undergoing structural transformation and attracting long-term capital. We believe EQT’s global sector expertise and company-building capabilities can contribute meaningfully to the GCC’s long-term economic development,” added Franzén.

The opening of the Abu Dhabi office establishes EQT’s active, on-the-ground presence in the GCC and marks the next step in a deepening relationship built over decades. ADGM’s globally connected financial ecosystem, strong regulatory framework and institutional environment made Abu Dhabi a natural location for the office and a strategic base from which EQT can deepen engagement with investors, companies and partners across the GCC. The office is the first location within a broader regional platform that EQT expects to develop over time, reflecting the distinct priorities and market dynamics across the GCC.

GCC economies are playing an increasingly important role in global capital flows and economic growth, supported by ambitious national development agendas focused on healthcare and life sciences, education, digital and technology, industrials, business services, infrastructure, and energy transition. These priorities align closely with EQT’s long-standing thematic investment approach, active ownership model and deep global expertise, including in digital and AI infrastructure.

Some of EQT’s portfolio companies have had an established presence in the region for well over a decade, reflecting the depth of the region’s opportunity set and EQT’s familiarity with it well before the launch of a dedicated regional platform. EQT already has experience in the GCC through portfolio companies with an active presence in the region across investment strategies, including Nord Anglia Education, Virtusa, Banking Circle, Nothing, and SAUR. Establishing a local platform will enable EQT to work more closely with these businesses and support other portfolio companies seeking to expand into the region.

“Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its position as a leading global financial center, attracting the world’s foremost investment institutions and long-term capital to an ecosystem built for sustainable growth. This momentum reflects the strength of our economy and the confidence global investors place in Abu Dhabi as a gateway to opportunities across the region and beyond,” said H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, chairman of ADGM.

“We welcome EQT to ADGM and look forward to its contribution to our growing financial community as we continue to advance Abu Dhabi’s position as the capital of capital,” added Al Zaabi.

With the addition of Abu Dhabi, EQT now has offices in more than 25 countries that together account for more than 80 percent of global GDP.

EQT Group is a purpose-driven global investment organization with two business segments — private capital and real assets. EQT owns portfolio companies and assets in Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Americas and supports them in achieving sustainable growth, operational excellence and market leadership.

Be in-the-know when you’re on-the-go!

CLICK HERE to register your email address.

Copyright © 2026 Mining Connection LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.

For licensing permission, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)