Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is on a roll, reporting a remarkable 32% surge in company registrations last year. This robust growth highlights the increasing appeal of Abu Dhabi as a strategic base for firms looking to expand their operations across the region and deepen ties with its formidable wealth funds.

Key Growth Drivers

Economic rebound post-pandemic and a business-friendly regulatory environment have set the stage for this surge. Abu Dhabi, home to 90% of the UAE’s oil reserves, is aggressively diversifying its economy. Leveraging vast sovereign wealth—managing nearly $2 trillion—ADGM is capitalizing on this momentum to boost non-oil growth.

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ADGM’s latest figures are equally impressive on the asset management front. The financial center now boasts a three-fold jump in assets under management in 2024, with 134 asset and fund managers operating 166 funds as of December, compared to over 1,800 company registrations in 2023.

Regional Magnet For Investors

The influx of firms isn’t limited to traditional banks and hedge funds. The region’s financial hub is drawing in family offices, venture capital firms, and even crypto traders. Notable players such as BlackRock, General Atlantic, and a new family office branch from Apollo Global founder Leon Black have all set up shop, underscoring the strong investor confidence in Abu Dhabi’s business landscape.

Comparative Advantage In The Region

While ADGM is modest in size compared to global giants like New York or London, its performance is notable. The center’s success comes on the heels of a similar boost at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), which reported a 55% increase in operating profit for 2024, reaching 1.33 billion dirhams ($362.17 million). This trend reflects a broader regional shift as financial hubs in the UAE benefit from strong inflows of companies and heightened demand for commercial real estate.

Looking Ahead

As the UAE continues to position itself as a premier destination for global business, the momentum at ADGM is a clear indicator of the region’s transformative potential. With regulatory reforms and a pro-business environment driving growth, Abu Dhabi’s financial ecosystem is poised for even greater expansion in the years ahead.

In a dynamic market where every advantage counts, ADGM’s 32% growth in company registrations underscores the strategic allure of Abu Dhabi as a launchpad for regional and international business success.