BEIJING—The China-backed Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is set to open its first office outside of Beijing, as the multilateral lender grapples with China’s strict Covid-related restrictions on overseas travel.

Abu Dhabi is among the preferred locations for the interim office, which could open as early as this summer, according to people briefed about the matter. Besides allowing employees based there to travel more easily, the office could also help AIIB expand its global presence, they said.