Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is commemorating a decade of significant achievements, solidifying its role as a premier international financial centre (IFC) and a key driver of Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification. Since its inception in 2015, ADGM has attracted major global institutions and now holds the title of the largest financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region by active licences.
The financial hub has seen remarkable expansion, particularly in the last three years. The number of financial firms operating within its jurisdiction surged by 135%, from 131 at the end of 2021 to 308 by the first half of 2025. This rapid growth has allowed ADGM to achieve the goals of its five-year Growth Strategy (2022–2027) in just three years.
Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM, commented on the milestone: “Aligned with the vision and guidance of Abu Dhabi’s strategic leadership, ADGM has seen unprecedented growth within its short history and matured into a global financial powerhouse, attracting some of the world’s leading financial institutions. As we look to the next decade, our ambition to make ADGM one of the top five international financial centres globally is stronger than ever.”
Recent figures from H1 2025 highlight this sustained momentum, with Assets Under Management (AUM) rising 42% year-on-year. The number of active licences reached 11,128, while operational entities increased by 42% to 2,972. This growth supports the stable growth of the UAE property market and wider economy.
Among the prestigious international firms that have established a presence in ADGM are BlackRock, State Street Global Advisors, Carlyle, Apollo, UBS, and Nuveen. This influx is bolstered by ADGM’s unique regulatory framework, which directly applies English common law, and its strong ties to Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth funds, which collectively manage $1.82 trillion in assets.
ADGM’s physical footprint has also expanded tenfold to cover 14.3 million square metres across Al Maryah and Al Reem Islands, making it one of the largest financial districts in the world. This expansion meets the growing demand from international companies seeking a strategic regional base and aligns with initiatives to boost Abu Dhabi real estate transparency.
Looking ahead, ADGM is guided by its ‘The Path to Forward’ brand platform, with a clear goal of joining the ranks of the world’s top five IFCs, alongside New York, London, and Singapore. The strategy includes enhancing its flagship Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) to further cement its position on the global stage.
