Credit: GRI InstituteAbu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM): Investment Opportunities in the Falcon Economy
ADGM's common law gateway and “Falcon Economy” strategy is set to triple Abu Dhabi's GDP and attract global real estate investment
November 26, 2025Real Estate
Written by:Helen Richards
Key Takeaways
- The ADGM distinguishes itself as a premier financial hub by adopting the full application of English common law, providing exceptional legal certainty for global investors.
- Abu Dhabi is executing a strategic "Falcon Economy" plan to triple its GDP by 2045, shifting away from oil reliance toward a high-tech, export-driven model.
- The emirate supports foreign investment through ADIO's "livability setup" services, which cover family relocation, education, and banking, complemented by Abu Dhabi's status as the safest city globally.
The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) recently rolled out the red carpet for some of the world’s most respected real estate leaders, transforming a standard site visit during the GRI Global Summit 2025 into a compelling unveiling of strategic vision.
The occasion profoundly addressed how Abu Dhabi is strategically dismantling its traditional economic model and using ADGM as the sharp edge of its ambitious, export-driven future.
The message from representatives of ADGM and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) was clear: the emirate is open for high-stakes business, backed by a world-class legal fortress.
This legal environment is the cornerstone of investor confidence. ADGM operates its own court system, complete with judges trained in the UK and internationally. Furthermore, the ADGM Courts have secured a rare agreement in which their rulings are enforceable onshore across the Abu Dhabi mainland. This closes the loop for developers and institutional investors, providing a level of judicial security unmatched in the region.
For institutional players, the regulatory offering is equally attractive. Funds set up under ADGM’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) are granted a decisive advantage, enjoying a complete exemption from corporate and VAT taxes, including the 9% UAE corporate tax.
This is coupled with the simplicity of 100% foreign ownership. While financial licenses require rigorous due diligence and several months of process, ADGM’s internal teams are actively streamlining the journey, even helping new firms expedite processes like corporate bank account openings.
The engine of this growth is a cluster of 13 opportunistic industries designed to circumvent established global competitors. The focus is on disruptive technology, with Abu Dhabi declaring its intent to become a global manufacturing and supply chain hub for drones and air taxis (eVTOLs).
ADIO provides serious financial firepower for this transition, including an 80% rent rebate for manufacturers producing goods stamped "made in the UAE”.
Beyond capital, the emirate is luring talent through the federal Golden Visa program, offering a 10-year residency to creatives, artists, and investors.
But the most compelling pitch often comes down to basics: Abu Dhabi’s reputation as the safest city in the world for nine consecutive years. This unparalleled stability is a primary driver for attracting ultra-high-net-worth family offices and international corporations.
Developers can utilise passive SPV structures in ADGM to hold their assets. While simple to establish, these ADGM vehicles gain great leverage through the common law court system, which can be specified in joint venture agreements even when the physical development is on the mainland.
Leo Machado, Partner & Managing Director GCC at the GRI Institute, addressing global real estate leaders during the site visit to ADGM. (Credit: GRI Institute)
Furthermore, ADIO acts as an unparalleled government concierge, not only facilitating licenses but providing crucial "livability setup" services, including helping families navigate the selection of the 245 private schools in the emirate.
The commitment to ease of life is thorough: the city is built around a 20-minute travel mandate, and the official weekend has been harmonised with global markets.
The message from ADGM and ADIO was unified and stirring. This is a jurisdiction built for the future, leveraging both legal certainty and decisive government support to become the ultimate global connector for institutional capital.
Access more insights from the GRI Global Summit 2025 in the official report here.
The occasion profoundly addressed how Abu Dhabi is strategically dismantling its traditional economic model and using ADGM as the sharp edge of its ambitious, export-driven future.
The message from representatives of ADGM and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) was clear: the emirate is open for high-stakes business, backed by a world-class legal fortress.
Common Law Takes Centre Stage
ADGM launched in 2014 and has since cemented its status as a financial powerhouse by importing the gold standard of global jurisprudence: the fully live application of English common law. This move puts it directly in league with financial titans such as Singapore and Hong Kong.
The main ADGM office is located on Al Maryah Island. (Credit: ADGM)
This legal environment is the cornerstone of investor confidence. ADGM operates its own court system, complete with judges trained in the UK and internationally. Furthermore, the ADGM Courts have secured a rare agreement in which their rulings are enforceable onshore across the Abu Dhabi mainland. This closes the loop for developers and institutional investors, providing a level of judicial security unmatched in the region.
For institutional players, the regulatory offering is equally attractive. Funds set up under ADGM’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) are granted a decisive advantage, enjoying a complete exemption from corporate and VAT taxes, including the 9% UAE corporate tax.
This is coupled with the simplicity of 100% foreign ownership. While financial licenses require rigorous due diligence and several months of process, ADGM’s internal teams are actively streamlining the journey, even helping new firms expedite processes like corporate bank account openings.
During the GRI Global Summit 2025 in Abu Dhabi, global real estate leaders took part in a site visit to the ADGM offices. (Credit: GRI Institute)
Unleashing the Falcon: The 2045 Economic Revolution
ADIO’s vision - the Falcon Economy - is an extraordinary mandate for national transformation. It is a strategy to shed dependency on oil and become a dominant export-driven economy by 2045, tripling the national GDP.The engine of this growth is a cluster of 13 opportunistic industries designed to circumvent established global competitors. The focus is on disruptive technology, with Abu Dhabi declaring its intent to become a global manufacturing and supply chain hub for drones and air taxis (eVTOLs).
ADIO provides serious financial firepower for this transition, including an 80% rent rebate for manufacturers producing goods stamped "made in the UAE”.
Beyond capital, the emirate is luring talent through the federal Golden Visa program, offering a 10-year residency to creatives, artists, and investors.
But the most compelling pitch often comes down to basics: Abu Dhabi’s reputation as the safest city in the world for nine consecutive years. This unparalleled stability is a primary driver for attracting ultra-high-net-worth family offices and international corporations.
Real Estate & Capital: Seizing the Opportunity
Abu Dhabi’s investment landscape is ripe for intervention. The emirate's real estate market, particularly in the ultra-luxury segment, is seeing rapid expansion and less supply than its neighbouring Dubai, attracting developers to islands like Al Maryah and Al Reem.Developers can utilise passive SPV structures in ADGM to hold their assets. While simple to establish, these ADGM vehicles gain great leverage through the common law court system, which can be specified in joint venture agreements even when the physical development is on the mainland.
Leo Machado, Partner & Managing Director GCC at the GRI Institute, addressing global real estate leaders during the site visit to ADGM. (Credit: GRI Institute)Furthermore, ADIO acts as an unparalleled government concierge, not only facilitating licenses but providing crucial "livability setup" services, including helping families navigate the selection of the 245 private schools in the emirate.
The commitment to ease of life is thorough: the city is built around a 20-minute travel mandate, and the official weekend has been harmonised with global markets.
The message from ADGM and ADIO was unified and stirring. This is a jurisdiction built for the future, leveraging both legal certainty and decisive government support to become the ultimate global connector for institutional capital.
Access more insights from the GRI Global Summit 2025 in the official report here.