Melqart Asset Management is moving to establish a presence in Dubai, underscoring the city’s growing pull as a global hub for hedge funds, Bloomberg reported.
The London-based firm founded by Michel Massoud, which manages about $1.4 billion, has applied for a license to operate from the Dubai International Financial Centre, according to Bloomberg. The firm is aiming to open its Dubai office in the second quarter.
Dubai — alongside neighbouring Abu Dhabi — has intensified efforts to lure international investment firms, touting zero personal income tax, investor-friendly regulation and a strategic time zone that bridges Asian, European and US markets.
The strategy is paying off. Dubai’s financial district is now home to more than 100 hedge funds. Citadel, one of the world’s largest hedge fund firms, is preparing to open an office in the city, while established managers including Baron Capital Management and BlueCrest Capital already operate there.
📌 Why it matters:
Dubai’s rise as a hedge fund hub reflects a broader shift of global capital toward the Middle East, as managers seek proximity to sovereign wealth funds, family offices and ultra-wealthy investors deploying fresh capital.
📌 Bottom line:
Melqart’s planned Dubai expansion adds to mounting evidence that the emirate is no longer a satellite market, but a core destination for global hedge funds building long-term international platforms.
Related story: Dubai’s Hedge Fund Hub Hits 100+ as Global Money Managers Pour In
