Abu Dhabi Global Market Posts 54 Percent Surge in Assets Under Management

Active licenses at the centre climbed to 13,974, with 1,814 new permits issued during the first six months of 2026. This growth is mirrored by an expanding professional ecosystem, as the combined workforce across Al Maryah and Al Reem Islands swelled to 49,027 employees—a 34 percent increase from the previous year. The influx of human capital and corporate registrations highlights the territory's growing appeal to international institutional players.

The fund and asset management sector remains a core driver of this momentum. The number of managers operating within the jurisdiction rose to 190, collectively overseeing more than $2.1 trillion in global assets. High-profile entrants, including Capital Group, Man Group, Barings, Bain Capital, and Hillhouse Investment, have expanded their local presence, signaling sustained confidence in the region’s medium-term economic trajectory.

This expansion aligns with the competitive growth seen at the Dubai International Financial Centre, which reported 10,018 active registered companies by mid-2026. Collectively, these hubs have positioned the UAE as the world’s seventh-largest cross-border financial center, according to Boston Consulting Group. The Financial Services Regulatory Authority bolstered this activity by granting 45 new financial services permissions throughout the period, reinforcing the regulatory framework necessary to capture rising regional wealth.