Arbra Partners Expands to UAE and Unveils Portugal Resort Project

Bitencourt founded Arbra in 2022 to bridge what he describes as a systemic disconnect in wealth management, where globally minded investors often find themselves locally limited. The firm focuses on ultra-high-net-worth clients, offering a unified approach across asset management, private market access, and special situations. Despite ongoing regional tensions, Bitencourt views the Middle East as a multi-decade opportunity, joining major players like KKR and UBS in expanding their footprint across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Beyond financial services, the firm is diversifying into tangible assets through the Palheta project. Located on 300 hectares in Portugal’s Alentejo region, the £147 million development seeks to marry capital with culture. Designed by architect John Pawson, the resort will feature a 5-star boutique hotel, 35 private villas, and a vineyard. With a 2028 opening target, the project aims to capture the post-pandemic shift toward rural, wellness-oriented living, attracting international interest from the US, Brazil, and Europe.