Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is cementing its status as a premier global financial hub, with 14 massive investment firms—collectively overseeing $5 trillion in assets—announcing plans to establish operations there during the first half of 2026. This influx of capital comes on the heels of a strong economic performance in the emirate, where the non-oil sector surged by 8% last year, driving overall GDP growth to 7%. ADGM Chairman Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi highlighted that the center’s appeal lies in its combination of long-term capital stability, modern infrastructure, and its unique status as the first jurisdiction in the region to apply English Common Law, mirroring the frameworks found in Hong Kong and Singapore.

The financial hub’s momentum is clearly reflected in its latest data, which shows a 54% year-on-year spike in assets under management as of September. The ecosystem has expanded significantly, now hosting 190 fund and asset managers overseeing 276 individual funds. This growth has created a ripple effect across the region’s professional landscape; by the end of June, the workforce across Al Maryah and Al Reem Islands climbed to nearly 50,000 people. With active business licenses reaching 13,974 and a sharp 34% increase in operational entities, ADGM continues to prove that it possesses the agility and resources to remain a powerhouse for international finance.