ADGM Strengthens MEASA Leadership with Strong Q3 2025 Growth

Abu Dhabi, UAE: Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the international financial centre of the UAE capital, has posted another strong quarter with its Q3 2025 results, reinforcing its position as the leading financial hub across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA). The performance highlights a surge in asset management activity, rising institutional confidence, and continued economic momentum.

Asset Management Drives Strong Expansion

The asset management sector once again served as a major engine of growth. Assets Under Management (AUM) climbed by 48% year-on-year in Q3 2025 compared to Q3 2024, cementing ADGM’s position as a preferred global jurisdiction for fund and wealth management.

The number of asset and fund managers operating within ADGM increased to 161, while the number of funds managed in the jurisdiction rose to 220—reflecting growing interest from international and regional institutions alike.

Commenting on the centre’s performance, His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM, said: “As we advance our vision for a diversified and resilient financial ecosystem, our ongoing progress and achievements reflect the confidence that global institutions place in ADGM as a catalyst for growth and transformation. Our financial centre is one of the world’s youngest, but our exponential growth has achieved global recognition. Following another strong quarter, our commitment to deliver innovation, regulatory excellence, and global connectivity is stronger than ever.”

Licensing Growth and Expanding Business Activity

By the end of Q3, ADGM had issued 2,801 new licences in 2025, bringing the total number of active licences across the jurisdiction to 11,920. Operational entities based across Al Maryah and Al Reem Islands reached 3,227—marking a 43% year-on-year increase. Out of these, 328 entities belonged to the financial services sector.

The rise in operational entities underscores ADGM’s status as a growing nexus for global capital flows, supported by a robust regulatory framework, transparent governance, and a pro-business environment.

Real Estate Transactions and Project Registrations Surge

Real estate activity within ADGM’s jurisdiction recorded substantial year-on-year gains. The total value of property transactions rose by 104% in Q3 2025, while combined off-plan and ready-unit sales increased by 78%.

Project registrations also doubled during the period. This upward trend follows the successful integration of Al Reem Island into ADGM’s jurisdiction, a move that continues to drive investor confidence and expand opportunities for developers and financial institutions.

Growing Workforce Supports Expanding Ecosystem

The employee base working across ADGM on Al Maryah and Al Reem Islands increased to 39,870 in Q3 2025, reflecting the rapid expansion of financial and professional services activity. The growing workforce highlights ADGM’s ability to attract global talent and support large-scale institutional operations.

A Decade of Strategic Progress

The strong Q3 results cap a milestone year for ADGM as the financial centre marks its 10th anniversary. Over the past decade, ADGM has achieved significant advancements—from pioneering regulatory frameworks in digital assets and sustainable finance to welcoming a new wave of global banks, asset managers, private equity firms, and fintech innovators.

With a robust pipeline of new entities and continued expansion across key sectors, ADGM enters its second decade well-positioned to drive long-term economic growth and further strengthen Abu Dhabi’s role as a global financial powerhouse.