Temasek to Expand Middle East Presence with New Offices in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh
- Temasek plans to open offices in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh in the first half of 2027.
- The $400 billion investor sees long-term opportunities amid the Gulf’s economic transformation.
- Temasek’s regional expansion aligns with its focus on infrastructure and co-investment strategies.
Singaporean state-owned investor Temasek is set to enhance its presence in the Middle East by establishing offices in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, with plans for these hubs to open in the first half of 2027. This move comes as the region continues to draw capital, despite the ongoing complexities stemming from the Iran war.
With assets totaling approximately $400 billion, Temasek aims to capitalize on the long-term opportunities presented by the Gulf’s ongoing economic transformation. However, it has noted that several significant projects, particularly under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, have experienced delays or adjustments due to tighter financial conditions, reduced foreign investment, and the economic ramifications of the conflict in Iran.
“The pace and ambition of economic transformation across the region are remarkable, and its long-term fundamentals remain highly attractive. We see strong alignment between the region’s priorities and Temasek’s own areas of focus,” stated Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara, CEO of Temasek, in a press release shared with CNBC.
The new offices are intended to serve as operational hubs for Temasek and its network, with plans for several of its portfolio companies in the region to co-locate at these locations. Temasek is not a newcomer to the Middle East; in 2025, its asset management arm, Seviora, opened an office in Abu Dhabi and forged a partnership with Mubadala Capital to pursue co-investment opportunities.
Earlier this year in May, Temasek collaborated with BlackRock’s Global Infrastructure Partners, Abu Dhabi’s L’IMAD, and the state-owned oil company ADNOC to identify $30 billion in infrastructure investment opportunities across the Persian Gulf and Central Asia. The ongoing war in Iran has challenged the energy infrastructure of the Gulf, straining exports from pivotal producers and prompting Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar to explore alternative export routes for crude oil and LNG.
Moreover, Temasek intends to “actively engage with institutions” in Qatar, further solidifying its regional relationships. With these new offices in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, Temasek will expand its footprint to a total of 11 locations in the Middle East, adding to its global network which includes 13 other locations across nine countries, encompassing China, India, Belgium, the U.S., Mexico, and the U.K.
Chia Song Hwee, Temasek’s CEO of Global Investments and Chairman for the Middle East & Africa, will oversee the investor’s regional initiatives, supported by Ankit Khemka, the managing director for the region.
News Courtesy of CNBC
