As Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) celebrates its ninth anniversary, it has unveiled a new brand initiative, Path to Forward, underscoring its remarkable growth since its establishment in 2015. With over 2,000 companies now registered in the jurisdiction and a host of initiatives advancing financial technology and sustainable finance, ADGM continues to solidify its reputation as a leading international financial hub.
The refreshed branding, including a redesigned logo inspired by Arabic script, embodies optimism and growth. It reflects ADGM’s evolution and its role as a strategic ‘pathway’ for foreign investors to connect global markets. Path to Forward symbolises ADGM’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and growth while supporting Abu Dhabi’s ambitious economic diversification goals.
The Evolution of ADGM
Since its inception, ADGM has undergone significant transformation. Its expansion to Al Reem Island in 2023 marked the first step in an ambitious growth strategy. This move extends ADGM’s jurisdiction beyond its original hub on Al Maryah Island, creating new opportunities for businesses seeking a presence in Abu Dhabi and reinforcing its ambition to become the leading International Financial Centre (IFC) in the region.
This expansion aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader economic goals. According to data from the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, financial and insurance activities have become the UAE’s top-performing non-oil sectors, contributing 13.4% to GDP growth. In the second quarter of 2024 alone, non-oil GDP reached a record AED 164.2 billion, a 6.6% year-on-year increase. These figures highlight the resilience of Abu Dhabi’s economy and the business opportunities available in sectors like finance, manufacturing, and construction.
Abu Dhabi is now a thriving hub for regional and global financial institutions, especially those investing in alternative and digital assets. Path to Forward encapsulates ADGM and Abu Dhabi’s vision to define ‘new pathways’ in the financial sector, underscoring their adaptability to global trends and reinforcing the emirate’s attractiveness as a hub for sustainable investment.
Why Is ADGM a Competitive Financial Hub?
ADGM’s forward-thinking approach, coupled with its adoption of English common law, creates a transparent and business-friendly environment that appeals to foreign companies. Businesses familiar with common law jurisdictions benefit from minimal regulatory adaptation, fostering trust and confidence in the jurisdiction.
In just nine years, ADGM has built a reputation for excellence, earning recognition as the Most Trusted Financial Centre Brand in the Middle East at the 2024 Global Brand Awards. This trust has driven an influx of new businesses seeking to leverage its competitive advantages, which include:
-
A favourable tax and financial ecosystem
-
Adoption of English common law
-
Opportunities in alternative finance, such as virtual assets and FinTech
-
Incentive programmes, including financial incubators and support structures
-
High-value business prospects within a thriving ecosystem
-
Robust regulatory oversight by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), ensuring safety and security
Setting Up in ADGM
Establishing a business in ADGM requires partnering with an ADGM-approved Corporate Service Provider (CSP) for company formation and ongoing regulatory support. ADGM’s rigorous onboarding and compliance processes enable it to carefully select and maintain high-quality businesses within its jurisdiction.
The Freezone’s Regulatory Authority conducts thorough reviews of businesses during setup and mandates ongoing compliance and reporting. These measures uphold ADGM’s strong reputation for integrity and ensure the credibility of businesses operating within its jurisdiction.
As Abu Dhabi strengthens its financial prominence, ADGM plays a pivotal role in driving growth and innovation. Together, they are building on solid foundations to secure even greater opportunities for businesses and investors under the Path to Forward initiative.
About Sovereign PPG
Sovereign PPG is one of the most recognised Corporate Service Providers (CSP) in ADGM. We assist companies with setup across various sectors, including operational companies, holding companies, SPVs, foundations, family offices, and financially regulated entities, as well as firms in the virtual asset sector.
For more information on setting up your company in ADGM, contact us at:
Phone: +971 (0)2 448 5120 or +971 (0)52 926 8037
Email: ADGM@SovereignGroup.com
.jpg)
.jpg)
