Partners Group, a leading global private markets firm, has announced plans to establish an office in Kuwait as part of its strategic expansion within the Gulf Cooperation Council region. The application process is currently underway, with the firm expecting to announce completion and local leadership appointments following regulatory approvals. This move represents Partners Group's continued commitment to the Middle East, where it first established a presence with its Dubai office in 2010 and most recently expanded to Abu Dhabi in 2025.
The planned Kuwait office holds significant importance for both the firm and the regional investment landscape. According to Executive Chairman Steffen Meister, Kuwait's investors have been long-standing supporters of Partners Group, and the country's growth plans under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Crown Prince His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah present compelling opportunities. Meister emphasized that "Kuwait and the wider GCC have become a globally relevant nexus for the coming technologically led economic transformation and the region is set to offer many compelling investment opportunities in the coming decade."
For readers and industry observers, this expansion signals growing confidence in Kuwait's economic diversification efforts and the broader GCC region's investment potential. The Kuwait office will become Partners Group's 25th global location, reflecting the firm's strategic focus on markets undergoing significant transformation. Suhail Albaz, Chairman for Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia at Partners Group, noted that the firm has "deep long-standing relationships in Kuwait that have been built over decades" and that the team will be responsible for engaging key stakeholders on investment priorities and expanding the firm's portfolio in the state.
The implications of this announcement extend beyond corporate expansion. Partners Group's increased presence in Kuwait could accelerate capital flows into the region's private markets, potentially benefiting local businesses and infrastructure projects. The firm currently has portfolio companies employing over 2,000 individuals in the Middle East, with many actively seeking to increase their regional footprint. This expansion may create additional employment opportunities and facilitate knowledge transfer as Partners Group brings its operational expertise to Kuwait's investment ecosystem.
From an industry perspective, Partners Group's move reflects broader trends of global private market firms establishing stronger footholds in the GCC region, which has become increasingly important for alternative investments. The firm manages over USD 185 billion in assets globally across private equity, private credit, infrastructure, real estate, and other specialized areas. Its decision to expand in Kuwait suggests confidence in the region's long-term economic prospects despite global economic uncertainties. For more information about Partners Group's global operations, visit https://www.partnersgroup.com.
