Field guide · Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

ADGM

Al Maryah Island's English-law free zone — and a magnet for hedge funds.

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is the second UAE financial free zone, on Al Maryah Island. It also operates under English common law and has its own regulator (FSRA). ADGM has gained ground rapidly since 2020 as Brevan Howard, Marshall Wace, BlueCrest and several US hedge funds opened large Abu Dhabi offices, drawn by the Mubadala / ADQ / ADIA wealth ecosystem.

World map showing ADGM, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (24.5°N 54.4°E) within the Middle East financial region.ADGM pinned at 24.5°N 54.4°E; arc connects to the Middle East regional hub in Dubai.DubaiAbu Dhabi24.5°N 54.4°EMIDDLE EASTARITHMOS · LOCATION MAP
ADGM · Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates24.5°N 54.4°Eregional hub: Dubai

Origin

Established by federal law in 2013; opened in 2015 on Al Maryah Island. The island also hosts ADQ-affiliated retail and the ADGM courts.

Who works here

  • ADIA, Mubadala, ADQ — the three major Abu Dhabi sovereign-wealth pillars (Abu Dhabi mainland, but employees often based here)
  • Brevan Howard, Marshall Wace, Millennium (recent ADGM offices)
  • International banks expanding from DIFC
  • Family offices serving Gulf UHNW

Landmarks

  • Al Maryah Tower
  • ADGM Square
  • The Galleria Al Maryah Island

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