Abu Dhabi: ADGM, the international financial centre of the UAE capital, has accomplished another quarter of robust growth and increased global recognition, sustaining momentum from a record-breaking 2024.
According to Emirates News Agency, in Q1 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. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM, remarked on ADGM’s growth, highlighting the centre’s ability to deliver sustained growth and build trust among global and regional institutions, enhancing Abu Dhabi’s status as a global financial hub.
The asset management sector was a major indicator of ADGM’s growth in 2025. Assets under management grew by 33 percent compared to Q1 2024, with 119 asset and fund managers overseeing 184 funds. The total number of operational entities in ADGM increased by 43 percent to 2,781, and financial services entities grew by 26 percent.
ADGM continued to attract global firms, with new licenses increasing by 67 percent from Q1 2024. Notable firms establishing operations include Skadden, Investindustrial, and Polen Capital. ADGM focused on human capital under the ‘Capital of Capital’ concept, which led to a workforce surge on Al Maryah Island and the issuance of 3,509 new work permits.
ADGM completed its jurisdictional expansion to Al Reem Island, resulting in over 600 new businesses setting up there. A revised fee schedule was introduced, reducing commercial licence costs by 50 percent or more for non-financial and retail businesses, promoting SME growth.
In March, ADGM signed an MoU with Chainlink to develop compliant tokenisation frameworks. ADGM welcomed new entities like Stacks Asia and Bitgrit, leveraging its Distributed Ledger Technology framework. A new mobile application and a digital platform for real estate transactions were also launched, enhancing the digital experience.
ADGM Academy created 800 job placement opportunities for UAE nationals and signed agreements with Arab Youth and the Federal Tax Authority to empower youth and deliver targeted training. The ADGMA Research Centre published research on AI’s impact in the UAE financial sector, furthering ADGM’s commitment to innovation.