AIIB makes Abu Dhabi office permanent to expand regional infrastructure operations

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AIIB makes Abu Dhabi office permanent

Highlights

AIIB has made its Abu Dhabi office permanent, transitioning from an interim hub since 2023 to expand operations in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.
The Abu Dhabi office will deepen engagement with Gulf Cooperation Council members, support public-sector business in Sub-Saharan Africa, and remain a base for South Asian activities.
AIIB, with 111 members and USD100 billion in capital, uses its AAA-rated balance sheet to finance infrastructure and foster regional economic development through partnerships.

Abu Dhabi office takes on expanded regional mandate

As reported by Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, citing AIIB, the Abu Dhabi site is now formally established as the AIIB Office, Abu Dhabi, after operating as an interim hub since 2023. The location is the bank’s first presence outside its Beijing headquarters and has been used to support engagement with governments, investors and development partners across South Asia, the Middle East, Africa and other regional markets.

The bank says the permanent office will now operate with a more defined regional and business focus. It is set to deepen engagement with clients and partners across the Gulf Cooperation Council, support public-sector business development and operations in Sub-Saharan Africa, and continue, on an interim basis, to back public-sector activities in South Asia.

AIIB President and Chair of the Board of Directors Zou Jiayi says the shift from an interim arrangement to a formal part of the bank’s operating model marks a significant step in building its global presence. She says the change strengthens AIIB’s ability to work more closely with members and clients, originate and deliver infrastructure investments, and build partnerships across regions.

Broader financing and partnership role in the region

The Abu Dhabi office will continue to support business development, project preparation and implementation, knowledge exchange and engagement with the UAE’s financial and investment ecosystem. AIIB also positions the office as a platform for closer cooperation with development finance institutions, sovereign investors and private-sector stakeholders in the region.

AIIB began operations in 2016 and now has 111 approved members worldwide, with capital of USD100 billion and AAA ratings from major international credit rating agencies. The bank says it uses its balance sheet and partnerships to mobilize capital for infrastructure and other productive sectors that support sustainable economic development and regional connectivity.

In our earlier article on EQT opening an Abu Dhabi office, we explained how the private capital firm is building a dedicated Middle East investment platform and staffing a local team to support long-term regional growth. We noted the strategy focuses on sectors such as energy and digital AI infrastructure, highlighting sustained interest from global investors in expanding their presence in the Gulf despite geopolitical tensions.

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