Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has reported significant growth in the first quarter of 2025, further cementing its position as one of the world’s leading international financial centres. The ADGM workforce on Al Maryah Island expanded by 17%, surpassing 29,000 employees, while an additional 3,509 new work permits were issued for businesses operating on Al Reem Island.
The financial centre saw a 33% surge in assets under management (AUM), now totaling 184 funds overseen by 119 fund and asset managers. Operational entities at ADGM rose by 43% to 2,781, with financial services firms growing by 26% to reach 367. The number of new licences issued jumped 67% compared to the same period last year, highlighting ADGM’s growing attractiveness to global businesses.
This momentum is largely attributed to ADGM’s robust regulatory framework, which uniquely applies English common law in the region. The clarity and stability of this legal system have drawn major international firms—including Skadden, Investindustrial, and Polen Capital—to establish operations in Abu Dhabi.
The centre’s expansion to Al Reem Island has proved transformative. Over 600 new businesses were launched, while 500 companies transitioned to ADGM licences, bringing the total number of new entities to 1,100. A revised licensing fee structure—reducing commercial licence costs by 50% to a flat AED 1,000—has particularly benefited small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
ADGM has also taken steps to support talent development and job creation. New employment regulations introduced in Q1 enhanced workplace protections while maintaining flexibility. The ADGM Academy created 800 new opportunities for Emiratis across nine specialised career tracks and partnered with the Arab Youth Centre and Federal Tax Authority to align with national goals.
Internationally, ADGM has ramped up outreach efforts. Delegations engaged with hedge funds and private equity leaders at iConnections Global Alts in Miami, and participated in trade missions to China and Japan, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s expanding influence in Asia.
ADGM’s commitment to innovation remains strong. A new mobile app launched in Q1 provides real-time regulatory updates and networking features, while a digital real estate platform allows fully virtual transactions—a regional first. In blockchain, ADGM partnered with Chainlink and integrated Stacks Asia into its Distributed Ledger Technology framework.
Sustainability also remains a key focus. The Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Declaration has reached 170 signatories, including Aquila Capital and PwC. Meanwhile, the ADGM Research Centre released six new studies on the role of artificial intelligence in financial services.
“ADGM’s Q1 2025 performance reflects the trust global institutions place in us,” said Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM. “As the world’s safest and most dynamic jurisdiction for asset management, we’re driving sustainable growth and digital transformation.”
