Private Equity Firm Ardian Plans to Double Team in Abu Dhabi

French private equity firm Ardian SAS plans to nearly double its presence in the Middle East to take advantage of opportunities arising in a region flush with cash and seeking to pour it into new projects.

The Paris-based firm wants to grow its office in the United Arab Emirates to about 30 people during next year, François-Aissa Touazi, head of the firm’s regional base in Abu Dhabi, said in an interview. The regional base was inaugurated earlier this year.

Ardian is among companies gravitating toward the UAE’s capital as it increasingly establishes itself as a financial hub and seeks ...