Global real assets investment manager PATRIZIA is strengthening its Middle East operation with the appointment of Hassan Awada as Senior Executive Officer, MENA. Based in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), Awada will lead the firm’s regional expansion. He will also deepen relationships with institutional investors across the Middle East and North Africa.
The move gives PATRIZIA a more senior presence on the ground in Abu Dhabi as it looks to connect Gulf capital with international real estate and infrastructure opportunities. Furthermore, the company established its first Middle East office in ADGM in 2025. This makes the latest appointment another step in building a more permanent regional operation.
Hassan Awada Takes Charge of PATRIZIA’s MENA Growth
Awada brings more than two decades of experience across institutional investment, advisory and transaction work. His background includes senior roles at firms such as Kroll, Cornerstone Capital, Gleacher Shacklock, PwC and EY. That experience spans investment origination, structuring, execution and asset management, giving him a broad base for leading PATRIZIA’s regional strategy.
In his new role, Awada will focus on building long-term relationships with sovereign investors, institutions, family offices and strategic partners across the region. Additionally, PATRIZIA is looking to expand access to its global investment platform. Middle Eastern investors continue to seek international exposure across real estate and infrastructure.
ADGM Becomes the Base for PATRIZIA’s Regional Push
PATRIZIA opened its first Middle East office in ADGM in February 2025 after receiving Financial Services Permission from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority. The Abu Dhabi office became the company’s 26th global location. It also gave it a regulated platform for serving investors across the Gulf.
The appointment of Awada adds another layer to that expansion. Rather than managing regional relationships mainly from overseas offices, PATRIZIA is strengthening its local leadership in Abu Dhabi. That approach allows the firm to stay closer to investors while developing opportunities specifically suited to Middle Eastern capital.
Real Estate and Infrastructure Remain at the Centre
PATRIZIA’s investment strategy in the region is expected to focus heavily on real estate and infrastructure. The company already manages a large portfolio of residential and living-sector assets across Europe. Meanwhile, its infrastructure business covers areas such as energy, digital networks and smart-city development.
These sectors continue to attract interest from Gulf investors looking for long-term assets with exposure to urban growth, digitalisation and energy transition themes. As a result, PATRIZIA’s Abu Dhabi team will act as a regional link between those investors and the firm’s broader global pipeline.
Awada Brings Institutional Investment Experience to the Role
Awada’s experience working with institutional investors is expected to play a central role in PATRIZIA’s Middle East strategy. His background includes advising and executing transactions across different asset classes, along with building relationships with large investment organisations.
That experience is particularly relevant in the Gulf, where sovereign wealth funds and major institutional investors often take a long-term approach to international allocations. For this reason, PATRIZIA is positioning itself to work more closely with those investors. It will no longer rely only on short-term capital raising.
ADGM Continues to Attract International Asset Managers
PATRIZIA’s expansion also reflects the broader growth of ADGM as an international financial centre. In addition, Abu Dhabi has attracted a growing number of global asset managers, banks, investment firms and private capital groups. They are seeking closer access to regional investors.
ADGM has become an increasingly important base for firms that want a regulated presence in the UAE while serving clients across the wider Middle East. Notably, for investment managers, the location offers proximity to major institutional capital. Furthermore, it offers a financial ecosystem that continues to expand.
Abu Dhabi Strengthens Its Role in Global Investment
The appointment is not simply a personnel change for PATRIZIA. It also highlights Abu Dhabi’s growing role as a centre for international asset management and cross-border investment activity.
More global firms are building permanent teams in the emirate instead of treating the UAE only as a market they visit from offices in Europe, Asia or North America. PATRIZIA’s decision to place its MENA leadership in ADGM follows that trend. It signals a longer-term commitment to the region.
PATRIZIA Looks to Deepen Middle East Partnerships
With Awada now leading the regional business, PATRIZIA is expected to focus on expanding institutional partnerships. It will also identify investment strategies that fit the objectives of Middle Eastern investors.
The company is betting that a stronger local presence will help it build deeper relationships while opening more channels between Gulf capital and global real assets. From its ADGM base, PATRIZIA now has a senior executive dedicated specifically to turning that regional ambition into a larger Middle East business.
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Sources
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM):
https://www.adgm.com/media/announcements/patrizia-appoints-hassan-awada-as-senior-executive-officer-to-lead-and-accelerate-middle-east-expansion
Abu Dhabi Global Market — PATRIZIA opens its first Middle East office in Abu Dhabi:
https://www.adgm.com/media/announcements/patrizia-opens-its-first-middle-east-office-in-abu-dhabi
Abu Dhabi Media Office — ADGM reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a global financial hub:
https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/economy/adgm-reinforces-abu-dhabis-position-as-global-financial-hub/
The National — PATRIZIA receives licence to open first Middle East office in ADGM:
https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/2025/02/17/german-asset-manager-patrizia-receives-licence-to-open-first-middle-east-office-adgm/