Abu Dhabi’s Financial Hub ADGM Hits 13,353 Licenses as AUM Jumps 57%

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) said it recorded a 57% year-on-year increase in assets under management (AUM) during the first quarter of 2026, as the UAE capital continued attracting global asset managers, financial firms, and institutional investors into its international financial center ecosystem.

The number of asset and fund managers operating within ADGM climbed to 179 in Q1 2026, up from 144 a year earlier, while the number of funds managed from the jurisdiction increased 43% to 263.

The latest numbers add to a broader trend of expansion across Abu Dhabi’s financial sector, where authorities have been working to strengthen the emirate’s role as a gateway connecting capital flows between the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.

ADGM Expands Workforce and Licensing Activity

ADGM also reported strong operational growth beyond the rise in managed assets. Total active licenses surpassed 13,353 during the quarter, including 961 new licenses issued in the first three months of the year. The financial center’s workforce expanded to more than 47,000 people, reflecting a 44% increase compared with the same period last year.

The scale of the expansion reflects increasing demand from financial firms seeking a regional base in Abu Dhabi, particularly as Gulf economies compete more aggressively to attract international businesses, sovereign wealth partnerships, and private capital.

His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM, said, “ADGM’s performance in the first quarter of 2026 reflects the scale, pace, and growing global relevance of Abu Dhabi’s financial ecosystem. Surpassing 13,000 active licences and recording 57% growth in assets under management marks another major milestone in ADGM’s growth trajectory and reinforces its position among the world’s fastest-growing international financial centres. Investor confidence in Abu Dhabi remains strong. Capital continues to flow, global firms continue to expand, and talent continues to relocate to Abu Dhabi.”

The Q1 2026 results build on momentum already seen throughout 2025. Earlier disclosures from ADGM showed that assets under management rose 42% during the first half of 2025, before increasing 48% year-on-year during Q3 2025. By the end of last year, active licenses had climbed above 12,600 while workforce numbers exceeded 44,000.

That growth trajectory has positioned ADGM among the fastest-expanding international financial centers in the region over the past several years.

Global Investment Firms Deepen Abu Dhabi Presence

The latest announcement also highlighted growing interest from some of the world’s largest investment firms.

ADGM said institutions collectively managing more than $4.4 trillion in global assets announced plans to establish operations within the financial center. The firms span sectors including private equity, hedge funds, alternative investments, and global credit markets.

The expansion aligns with Abu Dhabi’s longer-term strategy of diversifying its economy beyond hydrocarbons while building a globally competitive financial services ecosystem.

The UAE’s regulatory environment, tax structure, political stability, and infrastructure investment have continued attracting international financial firms into Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

ADGM Sees Rising Financial Services Activity

Beyond asset management growth, ADGM reported rising activity across its broader financial services sector.

The number of financial services entities operating within the jurisdiction increased 30% year-on-year to 365 firms by the end of Q1 2026. Meanwhile, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) issued 22 in-principle approvals and granted 29 new financial services permissions during the quarter.

The figures indicate continued demand from international firms seeking regulatory approval to operate within Abu Dhabi’s financial ecosystem.

The growth has also coincided with rising regional competition among Gulf financial centers. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE have all accelerated initiatives aimed at attracting multinational companies, fintech startups, and global investment firms into the region.

Expansion Extends Beyond Traditional Finance

ADGM has also been increasing its focus on sectors beyond traditional banking and investment management.

In recent years, the financial center has expanded initiatives linked to digital finance, artificial intelligence infrastructure, sustainable finance, and innovation-focused regulatory frameworks.

Several major partnerships announced during the past year have further strengthened Abu Dhabi’s visibility within global financial markets.

ADGM also linked part of its recent expansion to reforms introduced within Abu Dhabi’s real estate ecosystem. The authority said initiatives including a Broker Classification Framework and expanded registration services were launched to improve transparency and operational flexibility across the sector.

The financial center additionally opened a new service center at The Galleria Al Maryah Island earlier this year to support businesses and residents operating across Al Maryah and Al Reem Islands.