Pantheon opens ADGM office to tap growing Gulf demand for private markets

Private markets firm Pantheon has inaugurated its first office in Abu Dhabi within the ADGM financial hub, aiming to capitalize on the rising demand for private market investments in the Gulf region. With a portfolio of approximately $84 billion under management, Pantheon's entry into ADGM cements the emirate's position as a key destination for global asset managers despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.

The opening of the dedicated ADGM office signifies an expansion of Pantheon's global footprint to 13 locations across four continents, currently totaling 13 offices worldwide.

Firas Mallah, a managing director and head of the Middle East, has been appointed to spearhead Pantheon's capital formation efforts with sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and financial institutions across the Middle East. He will lead the capital formation efforts, emphasizing the firm's commitment to the region and its dedication to deepening its long-term engagement.

The move aligns with the increasing appetite among investors in the Middle East for exposure to private equity, infrastructure, and private credit. Firas Mallah highlighted the growing sophistication of investors in the region when it comes to accessing the asset class. Pantheon's entry into ADGM further fortifies the financial hub's burgeoning asset management and private markets ecosystem, as ADGM continues to attract a diverse array of global institutions, including sovereign wealth funds, large family offices, and prominent investment firms.

ADGM, which holds the distinction of being the largest international financial centre in the Middle East and Africa, has continued to welcome global institutions despite the war in Iran, which erupted on February 28. The war, however, has not dissuaded international financial firms from establishing a presence in Abu Dhabi, as the emirate offers a prime location for expanding regional operations, fostering partnerships with sovereign wealth funds, and engaging with large family offices and institutional partners.

Recent high-profile companies to set up base in ADGM include private credit lender Blue Owl Capital, tech-focused US private equity firm Vista Equity Partners, Man Group, the world's largest listed hedge fund, Barings, Bain Capital, Cantor, and Swiss derivative investment company Adapt Investment Managers. The latest entrant, EQT, a private markets investment firm managing $389 billion in client assets, is using Abu Dhabi as the base for its new Middle East platform, seeking investment opportunities across the Gulf.

Pantheon's recent expansion, alongside the growing presence of other global investment firms in Abu Dhabi, underscores the financial hub's growing appeal to asset managers seeking to engage with institutional investors in the region. ADGM's asset management and private markets ecosystem has seen a significant boost, with assets under management growing by 54% annually in the first half of 2026, and the number of professionals at Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island increasing by 34% year-over-year.