ADGM: Abu Dhabi Global Market Explained
ADGM, the Abu Dhabi Global Market, is Abu Dhabi’s international financial free zone, built on Al Maryah Island in the heart of the capital. Established by federal decree in 2013 and opened for business in 2015, it is a common-law jurisdiction with its own courts and financial regulator, positioned as Abu Dhabi’s answer to Dubai’s DIFC.
Structure and legal system
Like DIFC, ADGM operates its own civil and commercial legal framework based on English common law, separate from onshore UAE law, with an independent court system, the ADGM Courts. Financial services activity is licensed and supervised by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), ADGM’s own regulator.
What ADGM is known for
ADGM has built a particular reputation in asset management, family offices, fintech and digital-asset regulation. The FSRA introduced one of the region’s earlier dedicated regulatory frameworks for crypto-asset activities, which helped draw exchanges and digital-asset firms to base regional operations there. It has also become a popular jurisdiction for setting up single-family offices and funds.
Relationship to Abu Dhabi’s wider ambitions
ADGM’s growth is closely tied to Abu Dhabi’s broader push to diversify its economy beyond oil and to compete directly with Dubai as a financial and business hub. Its home, Al Maryah Island, has developed into a wider business and lifestyle district alongside the financial centre itself.
Key facts
- Full name: Abu Dhabi Global Market
- Established: 2013 (decree), operational from 2015
- Legal system: Independent common-law jurisdiction, own courts (ADGM Courts)
- Regulator: Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA)
- Location: Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi
Frequently asked questions
Is ADGM the same as DIFC?
No. They are separate free zones in different emirates with their own courts and regulators: ADGM in Abu Dhabi under the FSRA, and DIFC in Dubai under the DFSA. Both are common-law jurisdictions and often compete for the same institutions.
What is ADGM known for in fintech?
ADGM’s FSRA was among the earlier regional regulators to publish a dedicated framework for crypto-asset businesses, which helped attract digital-asset exchanges and fintech firms to set up there.
Can a family office be set up in ADGM?
Yes. ADGM has a specific regulatory track for single-family offices and has become one of the more established Gulf jurisdictions for this kind of structure.
Part of the Gulf business and company guide. See also DIFC and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority.