Golub Capital Expands Presence in the Middle East with New Abu Dhabi Office and Leadership Appointment
Golub Capital has announced the opening of a new office in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), marking a significant expansion in the Middle East. Along with this development, the firm has appointed Naser Almutairi as Managing Director, Middle East, to lead its operations and deepen its relationships in the region. Additionally, Golub Capital revealed it has received In-Principle Approval (IPA) from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) for a license to operate in the region.
Lawrence Golub, CEO of Golub Capital, highlighted the importance of this expansion in a statement, saying, “Golub Capital is expanding in the Middle East. The new office in ADGM, coupled with Naser’s appointment, reflects our commitment to bringing our private credit strategies to investors in the region. We are equally dedicated to delivering exceptional client service to our growing investor base here, and we believe this move will allow us to build even stronger relationships in this key market.”
The announcement underscores Golub Capital’s ongoing efforts to broaden its reach and enhance its global footprint. By establishing a presence in ADGM, Golub Capital will benefit from a world-class regulatory environment and a dynamic financial ecosystem. Arvind Ramamurthy, Chief of Market Development at ADGM, welcomed the firm’s decision to set up operations in Abu Dhabi. “We are pleased to welcome Golub Capital to ADGM,” he said. “Their decision to establish a presence here speaks to the strength of our internationally recognized regulatory framework and the attractiveness of our financial infrastructure. With ADGM’s strategic location and business-friendly environment, we are confident that Golub Capital will be able to execute its growth strategy effectively and strengthen its relationships with investors across the region.”
Golub Capital’s expansion into the Middle East comes at a time when the region’s investment landscape is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing appetite for private credit and alternative investments. The Middle East, particularly the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, has become a key focus for global investors seeking new opportunities in the face of changing global economic dynamics.
Naser Almutairi, who will oversee Golub Capital’s operations in the Middle East, brings a wealth of regional expertise to the role. With over 17 years of experience working in the Middle East, Naser has an in-depth understanding of the local markets and investment climate. Prior to joining Golub Capital, Naser served as Managing Director at Wafra Inc., where he led business development efforts across key Middle Eastern markets, including Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. He also spent more than three years at Goldman Sachs in London, managing investor relationships within the GCC region.
Commenting on his appointment, Naser Almutairi expressed his enthusiasm about joining Golub Capital, a firm renowned for its reputation and expertise in private credit. “I am excited to be joining such a respected firm like Golub Capital and look forward to contributing to its growth and expansion in the Middle East,” Naser said. “Abu Dhabi’s advanced infrastructure, combined with ADGM’s strategic vision for connecting global financial markets, provides the ideal platform for us to further strengthen our presence and partnerships across the region.”
Naser Almutairi will work alongside Basil Hurst, Managing Director in the Global Institutional Sales Group, who also recently relocated to London to further strengthen the firm’s Middle Eastern operations. With a focus on cultivating deeper relationships with partners and investors in the region, Basil Hurst’s leadership will complement Naser’s efforts in expanding Golub Capital’s footprint and presence.
The establishment of Golub Capital’s office in ADGM and the appointment of Naser Almutairi reflect the firm’s commitment to becoming a key player in the Middle East’s growing investment landscape. By building on its strengths in private credit and deepening its engagement with investors, Golub Capital aims to provide tailored financial solutions and add value to the region’s dynamic markets.
The firm’s presence in ADGM will also serve as a critical hub for connecting Middle Eastern investors with global investment opportunities, contributing to the region’s broader economic and financial growth. With its deep expertise, seasoned leadership, and commitment to client service, Golub Capital is well-positioned to strengthen its role in the Middle East and beyond.
