The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) announced on Friday a robust set of results for the third quarter of 2025, reinforcing its position as one of the leading financial hubs across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. The financial center continues to expand its influence as global institutions increasingly choose Abu Dhabi as a preferred destination for wealth management and financial services.
Asset Management Sector Leads Growth Momentum
ADGM’s asset management sector remained a major engine of expansion during the quarter. Assets under management recorded an impressive 48% year-on-year growth compared to Q3 2024. This strong performance reflects the growing appeal of Abu Dhabi’s international financial center as a stable, innovative, and competitive platform for global investors.
The total number of asset managers and funds operating within ADGM rose to 161 managers overseeing 220 funds, highlighting a steadily growing pipeline of investment activity.
Strategic Progress and Steady Expansion
Ahmed Jassim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM, emphasized that the financial center is advancing consistently toward its long-term vision of establishing a diversified and resilient financial ecosystem. He noted that the achievements recorded this quarter reflect the strong trust global institutions place in ADGM and its role as a key driver of economic transformation and sustainable growth.
Despite being one of the world’s younger financial centers, ADGM has managed to build a strong international presence thanks to its rapid development, regulatory excellence, and commitment to innovation. Al Zaabi added that the solid performance throughout this quarter reaffirms ADGM’s ongoing dedication to global connectivity, financial leadership, and high governance standards.
Licensing, Companies, and Workforce Growth
By the end of Q3, ADGM reached approximately 11,920 active licenses, including 2,801 new licenses issued during 2025 alone. The number of companies operating within the jurisdiction surpassed 3,000, reaching 3,227 firms an annual increase of 43%. Of these entities, 328 companies operate directly in the financial sector.
This surge highlights Abu Dhabi’s growing appeal as a destination for global enterprises seeking a stable and business-friendly environment with robust regulatory frameworks.
Real Estate Activity Sees Triple-Digit Growth
ADGM also recorded exceptional progress in real estate-related activities during Q3 2025. The value of property transactions surged by 104%, while sales activity—including off-plan and ready-to-move units—rose by 78%. Additionally, project registrations more than doubled, reflecting deepening investor confidence and the impact of expanding ADGM’s geographic jurisdiction to include Reem Island.
Workforce Expansion and Increasing Global Interest
The rapid growth within ADGM translated into a notable increase in employment across Al Maryah and Reem Islands, where the workforce reached 39,870 people during the quarter.
The consistent influx of new companies establishing headquarters in ADGM serves as clear evidence of its strengthening global stature. The financial center continues to attract major multinational corporations and fast-growing enterprises seeking a dynamic, regulated, and innovation-driven environment.
A Year Marked by Strategic Milestones
The impressive Q3 results build on a year filled with major developments for ADGM, coinciding with its 10-year anniversary. Key initiatives included advancing regulatory frameworks for sustainable finance, strengthening digital asset regulations, and expanding partnerships with some of the world’s largest financial institutions, entrepreneurs, and innovators.
With accelerating growth across assets, companies, real estate, and workforce, ADGM continues to solidify its role as a central hub for global capital flows and a powerful pillar of Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification strategy.