Arcapita Gets Licence to Operate from ADGM

Bahrain-based Arcapita Group Holdings Limited (Arcapita), a global leader in alternative investments, said that it has secured license to operate from Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and the opening of its new office in Abu Dhabi. 

The launch of Arcapita Investment Management Limited is part of Arcapita’s strategic expansion in the region. Stéphane Brown, Group COO, has been appointed as Senior Executive Officer. This milestone further solidifies Arcapita’s commitment to the UAE market and strengthens its position as a key player in the country’s Private Equity and Real Estate investment landscape.

Arcapita has established a strong track record in the UAE, with over $1.3 billion in total transaction value across its various investments. It is one of the largest investors in industrial real estate in the UAE, with approximately $500 million in industrial real estate assets under management (AUM), and around $650 million in private equity across various sectors.

This expansion allows Arcapita to be closer to its clients, prospective investors, and business partners, thereby enhancing its ability to deliver on its investment strategies in the UAE.

The company’s long-standing presence in the UAE is underscored by its successful investments across diverse sectors. The recent investment in NEOPAY, a rapidly growing payment solutions provider, follows the acquisition of The DataFlow Group, a leading provider of primary source verification.

These investments reflect Arcapita’s focus on the country’s developing fintech sector as well as essential business services, underscoring the firm’s commitment to a balanced investment strategy within Private Equity.

The establishment of Arcapita’s Abu Dhabi office comes in response to the UAE’s growing role as a global financial hub and its continued economic diversification under Vision 2031, which focuses on fostering private sector growth, infrastructure development and financial innovation; areas where Arcapita has a proven track record and can bring its expertise to bear.

Major Milestone

Terming the opening the Abu Dhabi office as a significant milestone in the company’s journey. Arcapita CEO Hisham Al Raee said that the UAE is a strategic market with substantial potential, and the company’s expanding presence reflects its commitment to leveraging the remarkable growth opportunities available.

He also said that strengthening Arcapita’s presence in the region enabled it to enhance client value and access a dynamic market aligned with its vision. The Abu Dhabi office, alongside the Riyadh office, underscores Arcapita’s dedication to being an active and engaged partner in the region, he added.

Stéphane Brown said that the UAE is steadily advancing as a global economic leader, and having a regulated presence in Abu Dhabi enhances Arcapita’s capacity to further solidify relationships with investors and partners across the region.

He expressed enthusiasm about contributing to the UAE’s economic diversification vision and conveyed confidence that the Abu Dhabi presence will be instrumental in identifying and executing strategic transactions within one of the world’s most dynamic economies.

ADGM’s Chief Market Development Officer Arvind Ramamurthy said that Arcapita’s presence reinforces ADGM’s position as a preferred hub for leading global investment firms seeking regional expansion.

“Arcapita’s expertise in private equity and real estate investments aligns with ADGM’s dedication to cultivating a dynamic, innovative, and collaborative ecosystem. He added that ADGM looks forward to supporting Arcapita’s growth and contributions to the UAE’s financial and economic landscape,” he added.