Gulf family offices are expanding into private markets, venture capital, real estate, AI, renewables and private credit as they adopt more formal investment and governance practices.
The shift is creating demand for professionals who can manage increasingly complex portfolios. ADGM Academy, the knowledge arm of Abu Dhabi’s ADGM financial centre, is addressing that need through its School of Wealth and Asset Management (SWAM), which offers accredited courses in family office investment strategy, alternative assets and wealth management.
According to Lombard Odier, family offices are increasing their exposure to direct investments and co-investments alongside traditional managed solutions. Larger offices are also building specialist teams to assess opportunities, conduct due diligence and make investment decisions.
The UAE’s family office activity reflects this growing appetite. PwC data cited in the report shows that family offices in the country completed around AED11 billion ($3 billion) in venture capital deals between July 2024 and June 2025, a 15-fold increase from the previous period. Private equity deal value reached about $5 billion, up from zero in the preceding period.
Younger family members are helping broaden investment priorities, with growing interest in technology, AI, mobility, health and wellness, as well as international opportunities.
ADGM Academy said the sector’s institutionalisation is increasing demand for professionals with technical expertise, governance awareness and strategic judgement. The academy also highlighted an ongoing shortage of experienced chief investment officers and senior investment professionals.
Source: AGBI
