February 23, 2026
Methodology About Newsletter
WE THE UAE 2031
The Vanderbilt Terminal for the UAE's National Transformation
INDEPENDENT GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE FOR THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% | UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% |

Definition

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is an international financial centre and free zone located on Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi. Established by federal decree in 2013 and operationally launched in 2015, ADGM functions under its own independent legal jurisdiction based on English common law, administered by its own Registration Authority, Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), and ADGM Courts. It serves as Abu Dhabi’s primary platform for international financial services and capital markets.

UAE Context

ADGM has rapidly established itself as a leading financial centre in the region, particularly distinguished by its progressive approach to digital assets, virtual assets regulation, and sustainable finance. The centre was among the first jurisdictions globally to introduce a comprehensive regulatory framework for virtual assets in 2018. ADGM hosts hundreds of financial institutions, asset managers, fintech companies, and professional service firms. Its location on Al Maryah Island places it adjacent to major Abu Dhabi government entities and sovereign wealth fund headquarters, reinforcing its role as the capital’s financial nerve centre.

Key Data

  • Established: 2013 (operational since 2015)
  • Location: Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi
  • Legal framework: Independent English common law jurisdiction
  • Regulator: Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA)
  • Key distinction: Pioneering virtual assets regulatory framework
  • Registered entities: Over 1,800 firms

Significance for Vision 2031

ADGM plays a strategic role in Abu Dhabi’s contribution to Vision 2031 by positioning the capital as a global hub for next-generation finance. Its leadership in digital assets regulation, sustainable finance frameworks, and fintech innovation supports the national goal of building a future-ready financial ecosystem. ADGM’s regulatory sandbox encourages experimentation in blockchain, decentralized finance, and green bonds, aligning the UAE’s financial infrastructure with emerging global trends.

  • DIFC - Dubai’s established financial free zone
  • Free Zone - The broader regulatory model ADGM operates within
  • Sovereign Wealth Fund - Key institutions headquartered near ADGM