ADGM Reports Robust Growth in Q1 2025

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the international financial centre of the UAE capital, on Tuesday said that it has accomplished another quarter of robust growth and increased global recognition, sustaining momentum from a record-breaking 2024.

In Q1 of 2025, ADGM achieved significant growth across key metrics, supported by ongoing global investor confidence, regulatory enhancements, and the successful implementation of major initiatives within its expanded jurisdiction on Al Reem Island.

Meanwhile, ADGM’s focus and strategic initiatives to strengthen ADGM’s standing as a leading international financial centre reaffirmed Abu Dhabi’s position as a global financial powerhouse and a destination of choice for regional and global entities.

ADGM Chairman Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi said that the Centre’s Q1 2025 performance marked the beginning of another landmark year.  This was not just a reflection of ADGM’s capabilities to deliver sustained growth, but also the trust it has gained among global and regional institutions, boosting Abu Dhabi’s status as a global financial and innovation hub.

As the world’s safest and most dynamic jurisdiction for asset and wealth management, ADGM continues to expand and diversify with purpose, welcoming leading firms, deepening international partnerships, and driving digital and sustainable transformation across sectors. ADGM remains committed to contributing towards capital formation and innovation in alignment with the UAE’s long-term economic vision, he said.

Diverse Growth

The asset management sector was a key indicator of ADGM’s growth last year. During Q1 2025, AUMs grew 33% compared with Q1 2024. At the end of Q1 2025, 119 asset and fund managers managed a total of 184 funds out of ADGM.

As of Q1 2025, the total number of operational entities in ADGM increased 43% to 2,781, from the same period a year earlier, while the number of financial services entities increased to 367, indicating a 26% growth from Q1 2024.

The number of new licences grew in Q1 2025, representing an increase of 67% from Q1 2024. Notable firms establishing a presence during this period include Skadden, Investindustrial, NewVest, Arcapita, Polen Capital, Seviora, Olive Gaea, TON, and Aquila Group.

Human Capital Growth

One of ADGM’s strategic focuses under the ‘Capital of Capital’ concept has been human capital. Efforts towards this have resulted in the workforce on Al Maryah Island surging to over 29,000 individuals, a 17% growth compared to the same quarter last year. Furthermore, a total of 3,509 new ADGM work permits have been issued to businesses establishing on Al Reem Island.

In line with its focus on human capital, ADGM also introduced new Employment Regulations, aimed at enhancing workplace protections while preserving business agility. 

Global Outreach

ADGM’s international engagement efforts remained strong throughout Q1 2025, further highlighting its role as a global bridge for the growth of Abu Dhabi’s financial sector.

In January, an ADGM delegation returned to iConnections Global Alts Miami to deepen its relationship with hedge funds, private equity firms, and venture capital leaders.

The delegation held bilateral meetings in New York and Washington and participated in a headline panel discussion entitled “Abu Dhabi: The Capital of Capital,” showcasing the emirate’s strategic access to $1.7 trillion in sovereign wealth capital and its investor-friendly ecosystem.

In February, ADGM participated in the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development’s (ADDED) high-level delegation to China, aimed at deepening bilateral economic ties between the two countries.

With the UAE-China trade projected to reach $200 billion by 2030, ADGM is reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a vital gateway for Chinese capital into the region.

At the beginning of April, a high-level delegation from ADGM travelled to Japan, where they conducted nearly 30 strategic bilateral meetings with leading financial institutions.

Al Reem Island

ADGM has completed its jurisdictional expansion to Al Reem Island, which delivered strong results. By Q1 2025, over 600 new businesses had set up on Al Reem Island, and more than 500 existing Al Reem-based companies had migrated to an ADGM licence. Currently, a total of 1,100 new entities are operating within ADGM’s expanded jurisdiction.