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Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Global Market

Often called just ADGM.

Abu Dhabi's international financial centre. Applies English common law directly and has its own courts.

ADGM is Abu Dhabi's international financial centre. Its jurisdiction covers Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island, it applies English common law directly, and it has its own courts.

Besides financial services, ADGM offers a Tech Startup licence. That licence needs at least one dedicated desk or office on Al Maryah Island; hot-desking is not accepted.

Source: ADGM website, checked 25 October 2026 (read from search results)

Best for
  • •Financial services firms
  • •Tech startups based in Abu Dhabi (Tech Startup licence)
Things to consider
  • •Financial services activities are regulated by the FSRA; check whether yours needs a licence before you apply
  • •Budget for a dedicated desk or office on Al Maryah Island

Activity fit

Activities its website names
Financial services / investmentFintech / payments / cryptoSaaS / software product

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