Top Private Equity Firms in the UAE 2025 Guide
The United Arab Emirates continues to be one of the most active hubs for private markets in the region. Deal flow remains healthy across business services, healthcare, technology, consumer and industrials. Sovereign linked capital, family groups and global managers all compete for the best assets. If you are exploring a move into private equity in the UAE or you simply want a clear picture of the leading platforms, this guide is for you.
Below is a practical ranking and recruiter style overview of the top platforms operating from the UAE in 2025. The order reflects the list you provided and the firms are profiled with the details candidates and founders ask us about most often. You will also find FAQs and tips on how to engage these teams the right way.
Table of Contents
- Methodology and what this list covers
- 1 Gulf Capital
- 2 Mubadala
- 3 Samena Capital
- 4 Alcazar Capital
- 5 Lunate
- 6 KKR
- 7 Oaktree
- How to break into UAE private equity in 2025
- FAQs
Methodology and what this list covers
This is a practical candidate focused ranking that blends brand strength in the UAE market, visible activity in the region, platform depth, and the quality of experience reported by operators and investors who interact with these teams. The order follows your provided list and the write ups are designed for job seekers and founders who want fast signal with enough detail to be useful.
1 Gulf Capital
Headquarters Abu Dhabi and Dubai
Profile Gulf Capital is one of the most established alternative investment managers founded in the UAE. The firm invests growth equity and makes control investments across the Middle East and North Africa with selective expansion into South and Southeast Asia. It has built a reputation for hands on value creation with portfolio companies and a repeatable approach to professionalising founder led businesses.
What they look for Expanding regional champions with resilient cash flows, scalable platforms and strong governance potential. Sectors often include healthcare providers and outsourcing platforms, specialty manufacturing, business services, technology enabled consumer and diversified industrials.
Operating playbook Build professional boards, introduce strategic pricing and procurement programs, install better data and reporting, and accelerate inorganic growth through targeted bolt ons. Value creation is as much about systems and people as it is about capital structure.
Why candidates consider Gulf Capital You get true exposure to origination, execution and portfolio value creation across the life of an investment. Associates and VPs are expected to build relationships with founders, not just sit in spreadsheets. That makes for a sharper commercial toolkit and strong operator credibility.
2 Mubadala
Headquarters Abu Dhabi
Profile Mubadala is a large Abu Dhabi based global investor with direct private equity, credit and venture capabilities. Within private equity the platform partners with top tier sponsors and also leads control and significant minority investments. The mandate is global with deep anchor in the GCC and a growing presence in North America, Europe and Asia.
Strategy The team focuses on high quality assets that benefit from scale and long term secular themes such as life sciences, technology, digital infrastructure, mobility and energy transition. Mubadala also co invests across blue chip sponsor led transactions and can mobilise significant capital at speed.
What stands out Access to large and complex transactions, strong internal portfolio support, and the ability to collaborate across asset classes including infrastructure and credit. Professionals gain experience working with global partners and leading advisers which is valuable for career mobility.
Why candidates consider Mubadala You operate in a sophisticated environment with international standards while remaining close to decision makers. The platform rewards clear thinking, measured risk taking and the ability to work across cultures.
3 Samena Capital
Headquarters Dubai
Profile Samena Capital is a private investment group focused on the Samena region which covers South Asia the Middle East and North Africa. The firm has invested in both growth and special situations and is known for its relationship led approach with families and entrepreneurs.
Strategy Target companies that can compound value through regional expansion and operational upgrades. The firm has invested across consumer, financial services, healthcare and industrials. Situational flexibility is a strength, which allows Samena to structure bespoke solutions for complex ownership settings.
What founders like Patient partnership and access to an influential network across the region. The team often adds value by opening doors rather than imposing a one size operating template.
Why candidates consider Samena Exposure to creative deal structuring and cross border execution with significant interaction with principals and entrepreneurs. You learn how to build trust based deal flow in markets where relationships drive access.
4 Alcazar Capital
Headquarters Dubai
Profile Alcazar Capital is a UAE based private equity firm that focuses on growth stage and mid market opportunities. The team backs businesses where capital and hands on support can accelerate scale and improve governance.
Strategy Invest behind clear growth vectors in sectors such as education and training, healthcare, technology enabled services and industrial platforms. The firm prefers strong unit economics and identifiable value creation levers that can be executed within a three to five year horizon.
Operating approach Professionalise finance and reporting, align management incentives, refresh go to market and pricing, and execute targeted add ons. Alcazar is known for constructive partnerships with management teams and pragmatic board management.
Why candidates consider Alcazar A lean team structure means real responsibility early. You will see full cycle investing and will be close to operating decisions which builds confidence and judgment quickly.
5 Lunate
Headquarters Abu Dhabi
Profile Lunate is a newer Abu Dhabi based multi asset manager that has scaled quickly with capabilities across private equity, credit and venture. The platform invests globally while maintaining a strong regional presence and relationships with founders and strategic investors in the GCC.
Strategy Focus on high quality assets with durable cash generation and clear value creation levers. The team is active in technology enabled services, healthcare, financial services and consumer sectors and uses a collaborative model with operating advisers.
What stands out A modern platform built with technology and data at the core, a partnership mindset with other managers and the ability to tailor capital to the needs of the business whether that is control equity, minority growth or structured solutions.
Why candidates consider Lunate You get an entrepreneurial culture with institutional discipline. The team values curiosity, independent thinking and clear communication with management teams.
6 KKR
Headquarters Global with a UAE presence
Profile KKR is a global investment firm with significant activity across private equity, infrastructure and credit. In the region the firm partners with large families, sovereign investors and multinational corporates to execute complex transactions and growth partnerships.
Strategy Large scale platform investments and growth partnerships in sectors where KKR can bring global operating resources. Themes include digital infrastructure, healthcare platforms, logistics, software and consumer brand expansion into the Middle East.
Why it matters in the UAE KKR brings global playbooks to local assets and can attract world class talent to portfolio companies. For operators, that translates into proven value creation programs around pricing, procurement, sales excellence and digital transformation.
Why candidates consider KKR Exposure to global best practice and high caliber teams. You will work with international colleagues and gain experience that travels across markets.
7 Oaktree
Headquarters Global with a UAE presence
Profile Oaktree is a leading alternative investment manager best known for credit, special situations and value oriented private equity. In the GCC the firm is active where a flexible capital solution is needed and where patient investors can unlock value through restructuring or targeted growth plans.
Strategy Seek asymmetric opportunities with downside protection. Oaktree will often partner with owners to recapitalise balance sheets, fund growth with prudent structures and support operational improvements. Sectors include industrials, services, real assets and selective consumer.
Why candidates consider Oaktree You develop a strong risk awareness and a disciplined underwriting mindset. The work demands clear thinking, careful structuring and a steady approach to complex situations.
How to break into UAE private equity in 2025
- Story and sector angle Lead with a short story and two sectors you understand. Hiring teams value focus and the ability to originate credible theses.
- Deal fluency Be ready with two investments you can discuss from thesis to value creation and exit logic. Own the numbers and the narrative.
- Regional awareness Show you understand owner expectations, family business dynamics and regulatory context in the UAE.
- Warm paths Most interviews begin with a referral. Use alumni, advisers and founder intros to earn a meeting.
If you want a review of your private equity CV, a mock case, or introductions guidance tailored to the UAE market, our team can help. Visit Senna Career Coaching for one to one support.
FAQs
Which private equity firms are the most active in the UAE in 2025
Activity is broad across sovereign linked platforms, regional managers and global firms. Gulf Capital and Mubadala remain highly visible. Lunate is scaling. Global managers such as KKR and Oaktree participate in larger or more complex situations. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the main hubs.
Which sectors are most attractive for UAE private equity right now
Healthcare, business services, technology enabled services, education, digital infrastructure and logistics continue to attract capital. Consumer brands with regional expansion potential also draw interest.
How can a candidate without local experience get interviews
Show sector mastery, demonstrate a clear reason to be in the UAE and bring warm references. Short visits to meet teams, thoughtful outreach with a thesis and a strong LinkedIn presence make a real difference.
Do firms prefer control or minority deals in the UAE
Both are common. Regional managers often combine minority growth with follow on acquisitions. Global managers and sovereign backed platforms can execute larger control transactions where appropriate.
What interview preparation works best for UAE private equity
Be ready with a concise story, two investment theses tailored to the region, and a full cycle walkthrough of a deal you know well. Communicate with clarity and respect for founder dynamics.
