U.S.-Based Energy Investment Firm Opens Office in Abu Dhabi’s ADGM, Signs MOU with Mubadala Energy

In a strategic move to deepen its presence in the Middle East, Kimmeridge, a U.S.-based alternative asset manager focused on the energy sector, has officially opened an office in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the international financial centre of the UAE capital.

The new office strengthens Kimmeridge’s role as a conduit for energy investments between the U.S., UAE, and broader Asian markets. It will serve as a regional hub for hosting investment teams and building partnerships with key institutional stakeholders.

Coinciding with the launch, Kimmeridge signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mubadala Energy. The agreement, signed by Mansoor Mohamed Al Hamed, CEO of Mubadala Energy, and Benjamin Dell, Managing Partner of Kimmeridge, sets the stage for collaborative investments in natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) sectors.

The MoU follows a recent transaction in which Mubadala Energy acquired a minority stake in Kimmeridge’s U.S.-based energy platform, SoTex—marking Mubadala’s first major entry into the U.S. energy market.

Benjamin Dell commented, “The opening of our UAE office and expanded partnership with Mubadala Energy are natural steps forward as we leverage strong regional relationships and explore new opportunities within the evolving energy ecosystem. We are proud to contribute to the UAE’s energy strategy and broader economic transformation.”

Mubadala Energy CEO Mansoor Al Hamed added, “This MoU builds on our growing relationship with Kimmeridge. We share a common vision for growth across the gas value chain, and this collaboration is an important step toward realising that ambition.”

The Middle East operations will be led by Fayçal Benjelloun, appointed as Managing Director and Head of Middle East, and also serving as Senior Executive Officer. Benjelloun joins from Mubadala Capital and brings significant expertise in energy investment and business development across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

“Our ADGM office acts as a strategic bridge between Kimmeridge’s U.S. base and the Middle East, addressing growing demand for high-performing energy assets,” said Benjelloun. “We are uniquely positioned to support both conventional energy needs and energy transition goals, aligning with regional net-zero targets.”

Kimmeridge has received a Category 4 license from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of ADGM, authorizing the firm to advise on and arrange investment transactions within the region.

Welcoming the firm, Arvind Ramamurthy, Chief of Market Development at ADGM, said: “We are pleased to have Kimmeridge join ADGM, one of the world’s largest international financial centres. With a robust regulatory framework and a growing asset management ecosystem, ADGM is an ideal platform for Kimmeridge’s regional growth.”

The expansion comes at a time of increasing focus on sustainable and strategic energy investments across the Middle East and Asia, with Kimmeridge positioning itself at the intersection of conventional energy operations and the global energy transition.