As founder of UAE-based Abraaj Capital, Arif Masood Naqvi has blazed a trail across the Gulf’s finance landscape and is one of the region’s most respected players.

His Dubai-based firm has grown to become the largest private equity company in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia with paid-up capital of around $1.5bn. It has raised about $7bn since its inception in 2002, returned some $3bn to investors, and currently manages $6.6bn.

As the regional private equities market has slid since the recession, Abraaj has just announced that it will be looking to invest in the SME sector over the next four years.

Following involvement in some important transactions in the region, Abraaj has been showered with a multitude of accolades and awards, including MENA region ‘PE Firm of the Year’ in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

In 2007, Abraaj was voted one of the 50 most admired companies in the Gulf. In recognition of Naqvi’s impressive business acumen, he was designated a ‘New Asian Leader by the World Economic Forum’ (WEF) from 2003 to 2004.

Educated at the London School of Economics, the 48-year-old Naqvi previously worked with Arthur Andersen, American Express Bank and The Cupola Group, which he founded in 1994.