Blue Owl Capital Opens ADGM Office to Expand Middle East Presence
Blue Owl Capital has opened a new office in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), establishing its regional headquarters in the UAE as the alternative asset manager seeks to strengthen relationships with institutional investors across the Middle East.
The new office will house team members from Blue Owl Capital’s institutional capital and general partner stakes businesses. The expansion reflects the firm’s intention to deepen its physical presence in the region and support its long-term growth strategy in Middle Eastern markets.
According to Haitham Abdulkarim, Managing Director and Senior Executive Officer of Blue Owl Capital’s Abu Dhabi office, the Middle East has become an increasingly important market for global asset managers.
“Over the last decade, the Middle East has emerged as both a strategic global market and a sophisticated investor across asset classes, particularly alternatives,” Abdulkarim said.
The Abu Dhabi office marks Blue Owl Capital’s seventh location in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region and brings its global office count to 23. The move adds to the firm’s broader international footprint as it continues to build out its presence in key financial centres.
ADGM welcomed the firm’s arrival, with Arvind Ramamurthy, Chief Market Development Officer at ADGM, saying the addition of global asset managers helps broaden the financial centre’s capabilities and expertise.
“We are pleased to welcome Blue Owl to ADGM as it continues to expand its presence in the region,” Ramamurthy said.
The opening comes as Abu Dhabi continues to position itself as a destination for international financial institutions and investment firms looking to serve regional and cross-border clients. By choosing ADGM as its regional headquarters, Blue Owl Capital is placing itself within one of the UAE’s leading financial hubs.
Industry Analysis
Blue Owl Capital’s decision to base its regional headquarters in ADGM highlights the continued appeal of Abu Dhabi as a gateway for global firms targeting Middle Eastern capital. For alternative asset managers, proximity to institutional investors remains a key factor in relationship building, market development, and long-term asset gathering.
The move also underscores the region’s growing relevance in alternatives and private markets. As more international managers establish local offices, financial centres such as ADGM are likely to benefit from increased competition, broader expertise, and stronger connectivity with global investment flows.
