Hillhouse Investment Management has expanded its presence in the Middle East by opening a new office in Abu Dhabi’s financial hub, marking one of the first major international entries into the city since the recent escalation of regional tensions linked to the Iran conflict.
The conflict, which intensified following coordinated US and Israeli strikes on February 28, has disrupted business activity and travel across parts of the region, leading some companies to reassess or temporarily pause operations. However, the UAE continues to attract global investors thanks to its tax-free structure, stable regulatory environment, and pro-business policies.
Hillhouse, a global investment firm managing more than $100 billion in assets, is widely recognised for its expertise in private equity and hedge fund strategies, with growing interests in private credit and real estate. Originally based in Singapore, the firm has built a strong investment track record in major Chinese technology companies such as Tencent, JD.com, and Baidu. In the UAE market, it has already backed firms like Virtuzone and Clara, along with select education-focused real estate assets.
The move further strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a rising global financial centre. Home to around 90% of the UAE’s oil reserves, the emirate has been steadily accelerating economic diversification through sovereign wealth initiatives and financial sector expansion. Its international financial hub, Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), recorded strong momentum in 2025, with assets under management rising by 36% and licensed entities increasing by 30%, reflecting growing investor confidence in the region.