The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) has announced a strategic partnership with Bain Capital to support the firm’s regional expansion, coinciding with the launch of the Fintech, Insurance, Digital and Alternative Assets (FIDA) cluster.
Unveiled during Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) 2025, the FIDA cluster is designed to advance financial infrastructure across key growth areas, including fintech, alternative investments, digital assets, long-term savings, transition finance, and SME capital platforms.
The initiative is expected to contribute AED 56 billion to Abu Dhabi’s GDP, create approximately 8,000 skilled jobs, and attract at least AED 17 billion in new investments, reinforcing the emirate’s position as a leading global financial hub.
With more than 40 years of experience across private equity, venture capital, credit, and real estate, Bain Capital will bring its global expertise and institutional network to support the FIDA initiative.
Under the partnership, ADIO and Bain Capital will establish Abu Dhabi-based alternative investment platforms and support the development of a local asset management ecosystem aimed at deploying capital across regional markets.
The collaboration will also explore co-investment opportunities in Abu Dhabi and neighbouring markets, working closely with local partners and sovereign entities on projects spanning infrastructure, transition finance, and innovation-driven sectors.
In addition, the partnership will engage institutional investors, academic institutions, and wider ecosystem stakeholders to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s financial ecosystem and accelerate sustainable growth.
Talent development will be a key priority under FIDA’s strategy. The initiative will create structured pathways in alternative investments, risk management, and asset advisory, ensuring that high-value financial expertise is developed and retained locally.
Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, said:
“Through this collaboration with Bain Capital, we are creating strategic channels for financial innovation that serve institutional needs, while giving global investors a stable base in Abu Dhabi to originate, structure and deploy capital across the region.”
David Gross, Co-Managing Partner at Bain Capital, added:
“Abu Dhabi’s strategic location, business-friendly environment, and commitment to innovation make it an ideal base for expanding our regional footprint. We look forward to working with ADIO to identify compelling investment opportunities and contribute to the development of a world-class financial services sector.”
