Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) — Complete Business Guide 2026
ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) is Abu Dhabi’s international financial centre on Al Maryah Island. Here is the complete 2026 business guide for ADGM-based companies.
In this guide:
ADGM at a Glance
- Location: Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi
- Established: 2015
- Legal system: English common law; independent court system (ADGM Courts)
- Regulator: Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) for financial firms; Registration Authority (RA) for non-financial firms
ADGM Company Types
- Private Limited Company: For operating businesses; requires at least 1 shareholder
- Public Company: For listed entities; ADGM Securities Exchange (ADX integration)
- Incorporated Cell Company (ICC): For fund structures
- Foundation: For wealth preservation; succession planning
- SPV: Special Purpose Vehicle for holding and structured finance
ADGM Costs (2026)
- Registration: USD 2,000-4,000 (one-time)
- Annual fee: USD 2,000-5,000/year
- Office: Al Maryah Island premium commercial rent; AED 150,000-500,000+/year for physical office
- Virtual office: AED 15,000-25,000/year
- FSRA regulated firm: Application fee USD 5,000-30,000 + ongoing regulatory capital requirements
ADGM Strengths
- Common law: English common law legal system; familiar to UK, US, and global financial firms
- Financial: Premier UAE financial centre alongside DIFC; many global asset managers, hedge funds, and private equity firms
- Foundations: ADGM Foundation is preferred structure for UAE wealth management and succession planning