Abu Dhabi Financial Center is currently engaged in discussions with more than 30 hedge funds, aiming to assist them in establishing branches in the Middle East. According to Arvind Ramamurthy, the head of market development, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of hedge funds considering or actively setting up operations in Abu Dhabi Global Market. The market is in the process of attracting over 30 potential new hedge funds, adding to its existing roster that includes renowned names like Brevan Howard and Florin Court Capital.
As of May, Abu Dhabi Financial Center already hosted 96 asset managers, including five virtual asset service providers. Ramamurthy emphasized that Abu Dhabi Global Market, being an international financial center, provides a platform that enables various fund strategies and structures to operate within its premises.
In recent years, Abu Dhabi has seen notable hedge fund activity. In 2021, British hedge fund Florin Court Capital established an office in Abu Dhabi, relocating partner David Denison to the UAE capital. Currently, about 40 percent of the firm’s global workforce is based in Abu Dhabi. Similarly, Brevan Howard opened its regional headquarters in Al Sarab Towers within Abu Dhabi Global Market, accommodating a workforce of over 100 employees. Furthermore, in April, Ray Dalio, the founder of Bridgewater Associates, the world’s largest hedge fund, selected Abu Dhabi as a strategic center for expanding his family office business.