Abu dhabi: the international financial centre of Abu Dhabi, has reported a strong start to 2026, underscored by continued expansion across its financial ecosystem and sustained global investor confidence. Surpassing a major milestone, with total active licences exceeding 13,353, of which 961 were in the first quarter of 2026 alone, ADGM has reinforced its position as the MEASA region's largest financial centre by this metric. March 2026 also recorded a 5.2% increase in new active licences compared to March 2025, further demonstrating sustained demand and continued business confidence in ADGM.
According to Emirates News Agency, the financial centre has also recorded an increase of 57% in Assets Under Management (AUM), reflecting solid business momentum and growing demand from global and regional asset management firms. This record performance reflects ADGM's long-term strategic vision to position ADGM among the world's top five financial centres.
Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM, remarked on the performance in the first quarter of 2026, highlighting the scale, pace, and growing global relevance of Abu Dhabi's financial ecosystem. The 57% growth in assets under management marks a significant milestone and reinforces its position among the world's fastest-growing international financial centres.
Investor confidence in Abu Dhabi remains strong, with capital continuing to flow, global firms expanding, and talent relocating to Abu Dhabi. Even during recent periods of regional uncertainty, ADGM's growth persisted, reflecting sustained demand and long-term confidence in Abu Dhabi's institutional environment.
ADGM's asset management sector continued an upward trajectory in Q1 2026, driven by the entry of leading global investment firms and sustained capital inflows. The number of asset and fund managers increased by 24% to 179, with the total number of funds managed out of ADGM reaching 263, marking a 43% increase from the previous year.
Collectively, asset managers establishing in ADGM in 2026 represent over USD 4.4 trillion in global assets under management, reinforcing the centre's growing prominence as a hub for institutional capital.
The broader business ecosystem at ADGM expanded, with a net increase of 2,783 licences since Q1 2025. The number of operational entities rose significantly to 3,741, reflecting a 34.52% increase. This growth is supported by initiatives in the real estate sector and the opening of a new Service Centre at The Galleria Al Maryah Island.
ADGM recorded sustained growth in its financial services sector, with the number of financial services entities rising to 365, reflecting a 30% increase. The Financial Services Regulatory Authority issued 22 In-Principle Approvals and 29 new Financial Services Permissions in Q1 2026.
High-profile announcements from global and regional asset managers and financial institutions have further diversified ADGM's asset management landscape. Firms such as Capital Group, Man Group, and Bain Capital, among others, have established a presence in ADGM.
ADGM's workforce grew significantly, reaching 47,047, marking a 44% increase in Q1 2026. ADGM Academy successfully created 441 job placement opportunities for UAE Nationals with support from internationally recognised certifications. The National programmes offered by ADGMA are monitored for expansion and include offerings such as the Anti Money Laundering programme.