General Atlantic, an investor in companies like Facebook and Uber, has launched its first office in the Middle East to expand investment activities in the region. Located in Saudi Arabia, the office will be led by Ziad Bashen and aims to connect with local entrepreneurs across technology, healthcare, financial services, consumer sectors, and climate-focused industries. Samir Assaf has also been appointed as head of the company’s Middle East and North Africa division, a role created to build stronger relationships with local investors and identify new opportunities for growth.

Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds, now managing over $4 trillion in assets, are increasingly influential and are encouraging global fund managers to reinvest within the region. General Atlantic, which has been investing in the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey since 2012, has invested nearly $1 billion in companies like UAE’s Network International, Property Finder, and Saudi Arabia’s Eyewa. By establishing its new office, the company aims to leverage the region’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem and support the emergence of leading local companies.