GCC Investment Funds: Top Global Talent Centers

The GCC State Investment Funds Employ Over 11,000 Professionals - UAE Among Top Talent Cultivators

On the global financial map, the United Arab Emirates, particularly Abu Dhabi and Dubai, are now not only centers of capital but also of expertise. The number of professionals employed by sovereign wealth funds (SWFs), state pension funds, and central banks has reached 11,000 in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) member states, according to the Global SWF's 2025 MENA Playbook report. This figure not only indicates the robust expansion of the sector but also that the region’s state investors have become key players in the labor market.

Abu Dhabi - The Global Capital Attraction Center

Abu Dhabi continues to consolidate its position as one of the largest financial powers in the world. The emirate's sovereign wealth funds - including the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (Adia), Mubadala, Abu Dhabi Investment Council (Adic), ADQ, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), Edge, and the Emirates Investment Authority - manage a total of $1.819 trillion in assets. Thus, Abu Dhabi has become a critical global center not only for capital but also for the associated human resources.

The SWFs operating in the city employ nearly 3,000 professionals, a remarkable proportion for such a concentrated financial sector. These institutions offer world-class career opportunities with attractive compensation packages and long-term career paths, which attract not only the citizens of the Emirates but also international professionals.

Dubai's Role and the Overall Picture of the UAE

Though Dubai employs a total of 1,309 professionals across different sovereign wealth funds and similar state investment organizations, the emirate plays a key role in the UAE's overall financial ecosystem. Throughout the country, more than 5,000 people work within state investment funds, and these positions are increasingly becoming pivotal in the country’s economic diversification strategy.

Diversity is particularly important: Adia employs workers from 65 different nationalities, Mubadala from 54, and the Qatar Investment Authority collaborates with professionals from 66 different countries. These statistics clearly indicate that the Emirates' sovereign funds are not just some of the largest asset managers globally but also multicultural talent development centers.

Regional Comparison - Saudi Arabia and Other GCC Countries

Within the GCC region, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) is the largest employer, with nearly 3,000 employees, up from just 30 in 2015. This growth well reflects the rapid development of the region's financial sector, driven by digitalization, globalization, and economic diversification.

The proportion of national employees is also remarkable: at the Omani Investment Authority (OIA), 93% of the workers are Omani citizens, while it is 82% at the PIF. These numbers show that sovereign funds not only attract foreign talent but are increasingly building an internal knowledge base, enabling sustainable development.

State Pension Funds and Central Banks - Hidden Employers

Attention is often drawn to sovereign wealth funds, but state pension funds and central banks in the region are also significant players in the labor market. The Kuwait Public Institution for Social Security (PIFSS), Saudi Arabia General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI), and Bahrain Social Insurance Organization (SIO) all have internal asset management divisions. These not only increase the volume of managed assets but also diversify the sector's labor base.

It is predicted that these institutions will become even more important employers in the future, especially among expatriates. The combination of foreign expertise and local talent will strengthen the region’s financial infrastructure in the long term.

Why is this sector attractive to employees?

State investment funds and pension funds attract not only with high salaries and favorable benefit packages but also offer stability, prestige, and rapid professional development opportunities. Most organizations have a strong international presence, providing opportunities for gaining global experience. In addition, many funds are directly linked to governmental decision-making, thereby influencing the future of the economy strategically - particularly appealing to those seeking not only professional careers but also the hope of making a real impact.

Closing Thoughts

The United Arab Emirates, particularly Abu Dhabi and Dubai, are not only global capitals of finance but also flagbearers of talent cultivation. The career opportunities offered by sovereign funds, pension funds, and central banks are extremely attractive for both the local population and international professionals. The expansion observed in the region demonstrates not only the strength of the financial sector but also its ability to build a knowledge-based economy sustainably - a significant pillar for the future of the GCC.

(Source: Based on a new study.)