In 2025, the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) free economic zone is demonstrating record growth rates, confirming its status as one of the leading financial hubs in the region and the world. According to Reuters, the number of active companies in ADGM increased by 42% year-on-year as of mid-2025.
Growth is observed not only in the number of registered entities, but also in the volume of assets under management, which also increased by approximately 42%. This growth demonstrates the growing confidence of international asset management funds and financial institutions in Abu Dhabi’s infrastructure and regulatory environment.
Experts note several factors that have contributed to this. First and foremost is the attractive investment climate in the form of a transparent regulatory system and legal framework aligned with international standards. In addition, the UAE economy is actively diversifying. There is active development in non-processing sectors: finance, technology, tourism and real estate. Another important factor is its geopolitical role, as Abu Dhabi is strengthening its status as a safe haven for investors amid instability in a number of countries in the region. It is also worth noting the development of the fintech sector and the introduction of innovations, including digital assets and sustainable finance.
Over the last few decades, Dubai was referred to as the UAE’s central financial and business center because of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). However, the growth of ADGM in Abu Dhabi shows that the capital is developing into a rising challenger to Dubai. While the DIFC has seen steady but lower-intensity growth in the numbers of the firms, the ADGM has seen a 42% leap in one year. Dubai has traditionally handled trade, logistics and regional markets, while Abu Dhabi handled global finance, asset management and institutional investors. That the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds are headquartered in Abu Dhabi (ADIA, Mubadala) only makes it stronger as a long-term capital center. Thus, in the future, we can see healthy competition between the two largest financial centers in the UAE, which will further entrench the country’s position on the international map.
