Dubai International Capital / Istithmar - General perception?

Apart from the high-profile deals we've seen these Dubai-based PE funds do (DIC just bought 10% of Och Ziff, Istithmar picked up Barney's) what is the general perception of these investors on the street in terms of sophistication when compared with US or Euro-based shops? Sure they have limitless amounts of capital to deploy (they've been unfazed by the recent credit turmoil), but are they comparably adept at generating the returns and seeking out profitable opportunities? Any insight on their people, training program, learning potential etc? I hear their AUM/head is through the roof, so lots of big deals executed by relatively small teams (I think DIC PE is a 20 man show)