Global private markets giant Partners Group has announced plans to open a new office in Kuwait. This move marks a significant expansion of the firm’s presence within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The application process is currently underway with local regulators. Once approved, Kuwait will become the firm’s 25th global location. This strategic pivot follows the successful 2025 launch of their Abu Dhabi office and their long-standing operations in Dubai. The firm aims to deepen ties with local stakeholders and manage a growing portfolio that already employs over 2,000 people across the region.
Strengthening Decades of Institutional Ties
Partners Group is not a newcomer to the Kuwaiti market. The firm has maintained deep relationships with the country’s sovereign and institutional investors for decades. Executive Chairman Steffen Meister noted that Kuwaiti investors have been pivotal supporters of the firm’s global growth. By establishing a physical presence in Kuwait City, Partners Group intends to move beyond mere capital raising. The local team will focus on active portfolio management and supporting Kuwait’s national economic diversification goals under the leadership of the Emir, His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
Capitalizing on a Technologically Led Transformation
The GCC is rapidly becoming a global nexus for industrial and technological innovation. Partners Group views Kuwait as a critical piece of this regional transformation. The firm manages over $185 billion in assets under management (AUM) globally, with a focus on:
- Private Equity: Transforming mid-market firms into global category leaders.
- Infrastructure: Investing in the digital and physical assets powering the energy transition.
- Private Credit: Providing bespoke financing solutions for high-growth enterprises.
- Real Estate and Royalties: Capturing value in evolving urban and intellectual property landscapes.
Strategic Alignment with Kuwait’s Growth Vision
Kuwait has implemented aggressive growth plans aimed at reducing oil dependency and fostering a knowledge-based economy. Partners Group’s operationally focused investment style mirrors these objectives. The firm does not just provide capital; it embeds professional teams to drive operational excellence within its portfolio companies. In Kuwait, the firm will engage key stakeholders to align investment priorities with national development targets. This approach ensures that global private capital contributes directly to local job creation and infrastructure modernization.
A Growing Regional Powerhouse
With 2,000 professionals worldwide, Partners Group is one of the world’s largest private market managers. Its expansion into Kuwait signals a broader trend of global asset managers moving closer to their sources of capital and investment opportunities in the Middle East. The firm’s primary presence in Switzerland and Colorado provides a global perspective, while its growing GCC network offers hyper-local execution capabilities. As the region prepares for a decade of high-intensity economic activity, Partners Group is positioning itself as the primary partner for Kuwait’s most influential investors.