#Abu Dhabi #United Arab Emirates #Financial Center #ADGM

Abu Dhabi Global Market: A Strong Start to 2025

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the international financial center of the UAE capital, has kicked off 2025 with impressive results. In the first quarter, ADGM experienced substantial growth across key metrics, driven by worldwide investor confidence, regulatory improvements, and the successful implementation of vital initiatives within its expanded jurisdiction on Al Reem Island.

According to His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM, these results mark the beginning of another historic year for the organization. They reflect not only ADGM's capability to sustain growth but also the trust it has cultivated among global and regional institutions, enhancing Abu Dhabi's status as a global financial and innovation hub. ADGM is dedicated to contributing to capital formation and innovation in alignment with the UAE's long-term economic vision.

Key Growth Indicators and New Initiatives

The asset management sector emerged as a significant indicator of ADGM's growth, with Assets Under Management (AUM) growing by 33% compared to Q1 2024. By the end of Q1 2025, there were 119 asset managers overseeing a total of 184 funds outside ADGM.

Being the only jurisdiction in the region that implements English common law directly, ADGM attracts a growing number of global and regional entities due to its transparency, stability, and legal security. In Q1 2025, the total number of operational entities in ADGM surged by 43% to 2,781. The number of financial service entities rose to 367, reflecting a 26% increase compared to the previous year.

New licenses issued also saw remarkable growth, with a 67% increase in Q1 2025 compared to the same period last year. Notable companies such as Skadden, Investindustrial, NewVest, and Aquila Group have established their presence in ADGM during this period, further solidifying its reputation as a preferred international center for asset management, sustainable finance, legal services, and digital innovation.

Focusing on Human Capital

A strategic focus of ADGM, under the “Capital of Capital” initiative, has been on human capital growth. The workforce on Al Maryah Island now exceeds 29,000, a 17% increase from the same quarter last year. Additionally, 3,509 new ADGM work permits have been issued to established businesses on Al Reem Island.

In line with its focus on human capital, ADGM introduced a new Employment Regulation aimed at enhancing labor protection while maintaining business agility.

Strengthening International Relations

ADGM’s international engagement efforts remained robust in the first quarter, reinforcing its role as a global bridge for Abu Dhabi's financial sector growth. In January, a delegation attended the iConnections Global Alts event in Miami, connecting with hedge funds and private equity firms. They held bilateral meetings in New York and Washington, partaking in a roundtable entitled