A 2025 Guide to ADGM: Abu Dhabi’s Financial Powerhouse
Published Date:
Jul 18, 2025
Last Updated:
Aug 4, 2025
Abu Dhabi Global Market Square is one of the world-renowned financial centres and free zones located in Abu Dhabi. It is an iconic Grade A commercial property that supports the operations of a versatile range of international and reputable businesses.
ADGM in Abu Dhabi is designed with the primary goal of attracting global businesses and investors by offering a flexible and business-friendly regulatory environment, supported by world-class infrastructure, modern amenities, and most importantly, access to both local and global markets.
It is strategically located just 15 minutes away from Zayed Port and 30 minutes from the Abu Dhabi International Airport. It provides a superior and well-regulated business environment and a unique dual licensing system.
Registered companies are allowed to apply for a second commercial license from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (DED). This dual licensing allows businesses to conduct and expand operations outside the jurisdiction of the Abu Dhabi Global Market.
Overview of Abu Dhabi Global Market Square Complex
The ADGM is set on a previously undeveloped island and has five buildings (four commercial towers and the headquarters building), spanning 290,000 square metres. Today, it stands out as the anchor for Abu Dhabi’s central business district.
As a renowned financial centre in the UAE and globally, the Abu Dhabi Global Market Square creates a signature image for downtown while offering an efficient, modern, premier office environment that keeps up with the fast-paced business world.
The Iconic ADGM Headquarters Building
The exclusive new ADGM headquarters building is an iconic, four-level facility featuring a glass-enclosed roof that covers the size of a football field.
The building stands tall at 27 metres above a 49-metre diameter waterfront on a large granite pier. The four structural piers house the stairs, mechanical risers, and service elements for the ADGM headquarters.
The structure of the building reflects an image and a bold statement of power and solidity, overlooking the water, facing backwards towards Abu Dhabi’s existing downtown.
Surrounding Office Towers and Design Features
The Abu Dhabi Global Market Square complex has four commercial towers (Al Maqam Tower, Al Khatem Tower, Al Sarab Tower, and Al Sila Tower) that frame the headquarters building.
Two of these towers have 31 stories, and the other two have 37 stories. The first full office floor of all the buildings starts at 34 metres above the ground level. This allows the building to provide a completely transparent, open lobby, with a beautiful view for tenants on all floors.
Retail and Public Spaces
At the main-ground or plaza level, the buildings sparingly touch the site, with indoor and outdoor areas perfectly blending to create the view of a large, landscaped, relaxing, and pedestrian-friendly environment that connects the ADGM complex altogether.
Beneath the ground level, there is a two-story retail podium that almost weaves through the building, offering facilities for upscale shopping along the waterfront. Besides these, it also has a large, public, walkable area that creates an open space for tenants and visitors.
Sustainable Design and Environmental Initiatives
The Abu Dhabi Global Market Square is a project that reflects sustainable design concepts throughout the development.
One of the main goals behind the project is to integrate an environmentally responsive enclosure system that uses a mechanically ventilated cavity and a double-skin façade system over the large areas of the commercial buildings. This design focus allows the complex to mitigate the 40ºF interior-exterior temperature differential easily.
The double-sin cavities run the entire height of the four office towers in ADGM, and they have active solar shades that rack inside. This allows them to adjust for the angle of the sun and provide optimal shading to the building’s interior structure.
The building also incorporates active light controls to maintain an optimal balance between natural and artificial light. These careful design considerations and measures is one of the reasons that have earned the complex recognition as the first integrated development in Abu Dhabi to be certified LEED-CS Gold.
Jurisdiction and Expansion
At the early stages, ADGM was limited only to Al Maryah Island. Later, it was expanded in 2023 by the UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 41 to include Al Reem Island.
The combined areas spanning over 14 million square metres have made Abu Dhabi Global Market Square one of the largest in the region.
After the expansion, all the businesses set up on Al Reem Island were required by law to transition to an ADGM commercial license by December 31st, 2024.
In 2025, following the implementation of the ADGM Real Property Regulations 2024, all real estate regulations and property registrations conducted across Al Reem Island fall under ADGM’s Registration Authority.
Authorities and Governance in ADGM Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Global Market Square is governed by four independent bodies as follows:
Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA)
This entity is responsible for regulating financial services, tax reporting, securities listing, and enforcing anti-money laundering. In 2025, the FSRA imposed AED 610,000 in penalties across 23 entities for CRS/FATCA non-compliance.
Registration Authority (RA)
A government organisation associated with ADGM to manage company incorporations, licensing, compliance, and property-related regulatory functions.
ADGM Courts
An autonomous common law judiciary that applies English common law directly within the Abu Dhabi Global Market Square. The ADGM courts have exclusive jurisdiction over all civil and commercial matters in the ADGM complex.
ADGM Authority
An independent government body that oversees strategic initiatives, communications, partnerships, and steps to support community development across the ADGM ecosystem.
Legal Framework
ADGM in Abu Dhabi is the only jurisdiction in the region that applies common law directly. This includes precedent from England and Wales, without codification or translation. The ADGM courts also have the exclusive right and authority to manage and oversee disputes that may arise due to contracts, property, or corporate matters within their jurisdiction.
Abu Dhabi Finance Week
ADFW (Abu Dhabi Finance Week), launched in 2022, is Abu Dhabi Global Market Square’s flagship conference. By the end of 2024, it will have grown to be one of the most significant financial events in the Middle East, with 350 sessions held, 600 speakers, and hosting over 20,000 participants.
ADFW was officially endorsed and supported by the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, which has given the event more recognition and prestige.
The ADFW event held in 2024 was also supported by ADQ, a major Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company. During this event, 44 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between various international partners.
Benefits of Setting Up A Business in ADGM in Abu Dhabi
1. Independent Common Law Framework
ADGM operates under an internationally recognised English common law system, offering legal clarity, transparency, and investor protection, unique in the region.
2. 100% Foreign Ownership
Businesses in ADGM Abu Dhabi can be fully foreign-owned with no local sponsor required, giving international investors full control of their operations.
3. Zero Tax Environment
Companies enjoy 0% corporate and personal income tax, with no restrictions on capital repatriation, making ADGM a highly tax-efficient jurisdiction.
4. Robust Regulatory Framework
The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) ensures transparency, stability, and investor confidence through a modern and well-structured regulatory regime.
5. Strategic Location
Situated in Al Maryah Island, ADGM is at the heart of Abu Dhabi’s financial district, with easy access to government entities, global banks, and major business hubs.
6. Flexible Business Structures
ADGM offers a wide range of legal structures, including SPVs, holding companies, and investment firms, making it an ideal business-friendly option for startups, SMEs, and large enterprises.
7. Access to Capital and Talent
ADGM’s growing ecosystem includes venture capitalists, family offices, global financial institutions, and a skilled international workforce.
8. World-Class Infrastructure
ADGM Square offers premium office towers, flexible workspaces, luxury retail, fine dining, and five-star hotels, all within a walkable urban environment. They also offer modern amenities and support services to help businesses thrive within the financial district.
Start Your Business Journey in ADGM with TEC
As of 2024, ADGM has reported a 31% increase in company registrations. Among these, there are over 2,200 active companies and more than 4,400 new employees joining the complex. Besides this, the assets under management in Abu Dhabi Global Market Square have spiked by over 200% year-on-year. Renowned global financial organisations such as Franklin Templeton, PGIM, and Skadden have also opened their regional offices in ADGM.
To support this growing business ecosystem, The Executive Centre offers premium flexible workspace solutions in ADGM, with prime locations in both Al Maryah Tower and Al Sila Tower.
From serviced offices in ADGM to coworking spaces, meeting rooms, event spaces, virtual offices, and enterprise solutions, all our services cater to meet the evolving needs of today’s fast-paced business environment.
