Temasek to Open Riyadh and Abu Dhabi Offices in First Half of 2027

# What happened Temasek announced plans to open offices in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, targeting the first half of 2027 for both locations, subject to relevant statutory approvals. The move expands Temasek's physical presence in the Middle East and increases its global office count to 15 across 11 countries in 2027.

# Why Temasek is making the move Temasek frames the Middle East as a region undergoing rapid economic transformation and diversification. The firm plans to use the new offices to deepen relationships, pursue investment and partnership opportunities, and support its portfolio companies that want a regional presence. Temasek intends to engage with institutions in Qatar and other markets beyond Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

# How the offices will operate Temasek and some of its portfolio companies, which may share premises. Temasek expects on-the-ground presence to strengthen engagement with partners and to improve access to investment opportunities across the Middle East and into Central Asia and Africa. Temasek's organisational appointments for the region are already in place: Chia Song Hwee became Chairman for the Middle East and Africa on 1 September 2026, and Ankit Khemka remains Managing Director for the region.

# What Temasek's leaders said Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara, Chief Executive Officer of Temasek Holdings, said the Middle East is an important part of Temasek's global network and highlighted the pace and ambition of the region's economic transformation and attractive long-term fundamentals.

# Immediate implications

• Regional access: The offices are intended to improve deal flow and partnership opportunities across the Gulf and neighbouring regions.
• Support for portfolio companies: Shared premises are planned so portfolio companies can scale local operations more quickly.
• Strategic coordination: Appointments at the leadership level indicate a planned, coordinated regional strategy rather than an ad hoc presence.

# Broader context The announcement positions Temasek alongside other global asset managers and investment firms that have recently increased Middle East activity and opened regional offices. The Middle East hosts major sovereign wealth funds and has national development programmes that are accelerating diversification and investment activity.

# Bottom line Temasek is formalising a larger physical presence in the Middle East by opening offices in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi in H1 2027, subject to approvals. The offices are meant to deepen partnerships, expand investment access for Temasek and its portfolio companies, and coordinate regional growth efforts under appointed leaders.