Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is Abu Dhabi's equivalent to Dubai's DIFC — a financial free zone operating under its own common-law framework, located on Al Maradah Island in central Abu Dhabi.
What ADGM is built for
ADGM licenses financial services, asset and wealth management, fintech, funds, and professional services supporting that sector, similar in scope to DIFC. It operates under English common law with its own courts, and has its own independent regulator, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA). ADGM has been particularly active in fintech and digital-asset regulation, building a reputation as a forward-leaning regulatory environment for that sector specifically.
ADGM also permits a broader range of non-financial commercial activities than DIFC does, including a general commercial licence category, which has made it increasingly popular beyond pure financial services.
Costs and what drives them
Like DIFC, ADGM sits toward the premium end of UAE free zone pricing, particularly for regulated financial activities that require FSRA licensing and minimum capital. Its general commercial licence category is more comparable in cost to a standard free zone company than its financial-services licences are. Model your specific activity with this site's Business Setup Cost Calculator.
Is ADGM the right fit?
ADGM suits financial services and fintech companies specifically wanting the common-law framework and FSRA regulation, plus a growing number of general commercial businesses drawn to the Abu Dhabi address and legal structure. For standard trading or service activity without a financial-sector angle, compare it against a general free zone using this site's Free Zone vs Mainland Tool.