Temasek plans Riyadh and Abu Dhabi offices in 2027 Middle East expansion
Singapore state investor Temasek said it plans to open offices in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi in 2027, subject to approvals, bringing its network to 15 offices in 11 countries.
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The story, neutrally told
Singapore state investor Temasek said on Wednesday 30 September it plans to open offices in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi. CNAN “Singapore state investor Temasek said on Wednesday (Sep 30) it planned to open offices in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi in the first half of 2027, subject to approvals” Read at CNA ↗ The NationalN “plans to open offices in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, which will serve as "strategic hubs" for Temasek and its portfolio companies” Read at The National ↗ The offices would take Temasek's network to 15 offices in 11 countries in 2027. CNAN “The new offices will expand Temasek's global network to 15 offices in 11 countries in 2027.” Read at CNA ↗ The NationalN “They would also bring Temasek’s global network to 15 offices across 11 countries” Read at The National ↗ CNA reports Temasek's net portfolio value was S$518 billion (US$405.5 billion) as of 31 March 2026; The National puts it at about $400 billion. CNAN “Temasek had a net portfolio value of S$518 billion (US$405.5 billion) as of Mar 31, 2026.” Read at CNA ↗ The NationalN “which has a net portfolio of about $400 billion” Read at The National ↗
Chief executive Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara called the Middle East an important part of Temasek's global network and said the region's long-term fundamentals remain highly attractive. CNAN “"The Middle East is an important part of Temasek’s global network," Temasek CEO Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara said in a statement.” Read at CNA ↗ The NationalN “its long-term fundamentals remain highly attractive," Temasek chief executive Dilhan Sandrasegara said.” Read at The National ↗ Temasek also plans to deepen engagement in Qatar and other regional markets, and says a local presence will improve access to opportunities in Central Asia and Africa. CNAN “The expansion would also strengthen its access to opportunities in Central Asia and Africa, it added.” Read at CNA ↗ The NationalN “It also plans to "actively engage" with companies in Qatar and other markets in the region” Read at The National ↗ Chia Song Hwee, CEO of Temasek Global Investments, became chairman for the Middle East and Africa on 1 September and will provide senior oversight; Ankit Khemka remains managing director for the region. CNAN “Chia Song Hwee, CEO of Temasek Global Investments, became chairman for the Middle East and Africa on Sep 1.”“Ankit Khemka will remain managing director for the region and lead Temasek's strategy and expansion.” Read at CNA ↗
The announcement comes amid regional tensions; The National ties them to the Iran war that began on 28 February, saying the region's investment scene has largely defied its effects and that other financial firms, including Pantheon, are setting up in Abu Dhabi. The NationalN “Countries in the Gulf and the wider Middle East initially faced waves of missile and drone attacks from Tehran after the conflict broke out on February 28.”“London-based global private markets firm” Read at The National ↗ CNAN “regional tensions that have raised uncertainty for markets, energy supplies and shipping” Read at CNA ↗
Every sentence links to the reporting it rests on.
Left0 outlets
No left outlet in our sources has covered this story yet.
Centre2 outlets
- Framing
- Both outlets present a corporate expansion announcement built around Temasek's statement; CNA stresses Temasek's confidence in Gulf growth, while The National places it within a wave of financial firms setting up in the UAE despite the Iran war.
- Emphasis
- CNA: leadership roles and Temasek's stated rationale. The National: Gulf investment appeal, other firms opening in Abu Dhabi, UAE growth.
- Leaves out or plays down
- CNA does not name the Iran war or mention other firms; The National omits the first-half-2027 timing and leadership details such as Khemka's role.
- Charged language
- “strategic hubs”“magnet for the ultra-wealthy”
- For example
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“The expansion signals Temasek's confidence in the Gulf's long-term growth despite regional tensions” — CNA
“the war has not deterred international financial firms from setting up operational bases, especially in the UAE” — The National
Right0 outlets
No right outlet in our sources has covered this story yet.
What every side reports
- Temasek announced on 30 September 2026 plans for offices in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi.
- The offices would bring its network to 15 offices in 11 countries.
- Opening is in 2027 and depends on approvals.
- Temasek also plans engagement in Qatar.
Where accounts differ
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Timing and regional backdrop
- Centre
- CNA specifies the first half of 2027 and refers to regional tensions generally; The National says 2027 and names the Iran war explicitly.
Temasek Holdings organisation
Temasek presents the offices as a way to be on the ground with partners and gain access to opportunities in the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa.
“Being on the ground in the Middle East will strengthen engagement with our partners and enhance access to investment opportunities” — CNA
“strategic hubs” — The National
East and Southeast Asia1 outlet
CNA reports the move as a Temasek corporate announcement with emphasis on its statement and personnel.
“Ankit Khemka will remain managing director for the region and lead Temasek's strategy and expansion.” — CNA
CNA
Middle East1 outlet
The National treats it as another vote of confidence in the Gulf, alongside other firms opening in Abu Dhabi.
“The UAE capital has in recent months attracted high-profile companies such as private credit lender Blue Owl Capital” — The National
The National
Left0 articles
No coverage yet.
Centre2 articles
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CNAN ·
Singapore's Temasek to open Riyadh, Abu Dhabi offices in Middle East expansion
Neutral Wire-style business report relaying Temasek's statement, with leadership details and a note on confidence despite regional tensions.
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Singapore's Temasek to enter Middle East with offices in UAE and Saudi Arabia
Sympathetic Places Temasek's move in a trend of firms choosing the UAE despite the Iran war, with upbeat Gulf-market context.
Right0 articles
No coverage yet.
- 30 Sep 09:33 First CNAN Singapore's Temasek to open Riyadh, Abu Dhabi offices in Middle East expansion
- 30 Sep 10:17 +45m The NationalN Singapore's Temasek to enter Middle East with offices in UAE and Saudi Arabia
Times are when each article was published, or when we first saw it if the outlet gave no time.