Citigroup's (C) private bank plans to hire bankers in the Middle East as part of its global expansion, Bloomberg reported Wednesday, citing James Holder, head of Middle East operations.

Holder intends to recruit private bankers to serve clients in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and Abu Dhabi, the report said.

"We are in growth mode, but going to be hiring in a disciplined way," Bloomberg quoted Holder as saying. "And the Middle East is a great place for us to start."

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