Senior leadership roles in private capital are expanding in Abu Dhabi as global funds strengthen their presence in the Middle East, according to Heidrick & Struggles’ 2025 Asia Pacific and Middle East Private Capital Investment Professional Compensation Survey.
The study highlights rising executive compensation and growing competition for top talent across the region.
Market optimism grows
The survey shows renewed confidence in APAC and Middle East private capital markets, with 73 percent of respondents expecting opportunities to improve over the next 18 months, up from 60 percent last year. Economic resilience, stronger deal pipelines, and increased interest from global investors are driving this optimism.
In the Middle East, global managers are increasingly placing senior leaders in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, expanding leadership beyond the traditional hub in Dubai. Activity is rebounding across private equity, credit strategies, and real assets, reflecting the region’s attractiveness to international investors.
Compensation trends
Competition for experienced executives has intensified, pushing senior pay higher. In 2025, 68 percent of respondents reported increases in base pay, while 66 percent received higher cash bonuses compared with 2024. Nearly four in five executives (78 percent) expect base pay to continue rising over the next 18 months.
Managing partners earned the highest average total cash compensation at USD 750,000, up from USD 624,000 in 2024. In key APAC hubs such as Hong Kong and Singapore, managing partners earned USD 891,000 on average, with long-term incentive allocations averaging USD 5.487 million.
Shadi El Farr, Regional Managing Partner at Heidrick & Struggles, said: “The upward trend in compensation reflects not only strong fund performance across APAC and the Middle East but also intensified competition for senior talent. As capital deployment continues to scale, firms are increasingly recognising that attracting and retaining executives with proven execution credibility and deep regional relationships is critical to sustaining growth and delivering consistent returns.”
The report underscores Abu Dhabi’s growing importance as a hub for private capital leadership, complementing traditional centres in Dubai while supporting the UAE’s expanding role in the global investment landscape.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
