Singapore-based investment company Temasek has announced its plans to deepen engagement across the Middle East, where it sees significant long-term opportunities for itself and its portfolio companies. 

The region is undergoing a broad-based economic transformation, driven by ambitious national development and diversification plans. 

Temasek’s global investment experience, networks, and partnership-led approach, alongside its portfolio companies’ deep domain expertise, can contribute to the region’s growth. 

Offices in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi

As part of this expansion, the company intends to both establish offices in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Abu Dhabi, UAE, and actively engage with institutions in Qatar as well as other markets in the Middle East to pursue partnership and investment opportunities. 

This strategic expansion reflects Temasek’s long-term commitment and confidence in the region and also strengthens its ability to access opportunities across broader Central Asia and Africa.

The new offices will serve as strategic hubs for Temasek and its portfolio companies, some of which plan to co-locate in the hubs, to collaborate closely, deepen local engagement, build long-term partnerships, and pursue investment opportunities. Temasek’s offices are expected to be operational in the first half of 2027, subject to obtaining relevant statutory approvals.

Strong alignment

Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara, Chief Executive Officer, Temasek Holdings, said: “The Middle East is an important part of Temasek’s global network. The pace and ambition of economic transformation across the region are remarkable, and its long-term fundamentals remain highly attractive. We see strong alignment between the region’s priorities and Temasek’s own areas of focus. Our relationships across the Middle East – particularly in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar – have been built over many years through our partnerships, co-investments, and portfolio companies, and we look forward to deepening them further. This expansion is a natural next step, and it will help us create compelling partnerships to grow together.”

Chia Song Hwee, Chief Executive Officer, Temasek Global Investments and Chairman, Middle East & Africa, commented: “Being on the ground in the Middle East will strengthen engagement with our partners and enhance access to investment opportunities for Temasek and our portfolio companies throughout the region and beyond to Central Asia and Africa. Equally, it allows us to bring complementary expertise from across our ecosystem to these markets, expanding pathways to create lasting value with like-minded partners.”

Chia was appointed Chairman, Middle East & Africa, with effect from September 1, 2026. In his role, Chia will provide senior leadership and oversight of Temasek’s engagement and long-term growth in these markets. Ankit Khemka, as Managing Director for the region, will continue to drive Temasek’s strategy and expansion.

With the addition of Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, Temasek’s global network will expand to 15 offices across 11 countries in 2027, strengthening its ability to operate as a global investor with deep regional connectivity, built to deliver good sustainable returns over the long term.—TradeArabia News Service