In recent years, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has established itself as a key centre for international finance, thanks to the development of financial centres such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Of particular note is Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, which combines innovation and tradition to create a unique environment for business and investment.
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Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
Established in 2015, ADGM is a free zone offering a wide range of financial services, including banking, asset management and insurance. The centre has attracted major global financial institutions such as Standard Chartered Bank, Goldman Sachs and BlackRock due to a number of attractive incentives:
- 100% Foreign owned companies without the need for a local partner.
- No taxes on corporate income and profits.
- Unlimited repatriation of capital and income.
- A legal system based on the principles of English common law, ensuring fairness and transparency.
Support from the state
Abu Dhabi actively supports investors and entrepreneurs through various programs. An example is Hub71, an innovation ecosystem that offers favorable conditions for the development of startups, including access to funding, office space, and mentoring opportunities. Such initiatives create a favorable environment for technological innovation and entrepreneurship.
Infrastructure development and sustainable development
Abu Dhabi has invested heavily in modern infrastructure, including transportation systems, world-class healthcare facilities, and educational institutions. Renewable energy and sustainability projects such as Masdar highlight the emirate’s commitment to environmental innovation.
Cultural and educational development
Investments in the cultural and educational sectors, including branches of world museums such as Louvre Abu Dhabi and leading educational institutions, are boosting tourism and attracting international attention. Abu Dhabi aims to become a global hub for the arts and education.
Abu Dhabi offers unique business and investment opportunities thanks to its commitment to innovation, sustainability and cultural enrichment. The emirate combines stability and government support with openness to international business, making it one of the leading financial centres in the region and the world.
Like DIFC, ADGM offers a number of incentives for international business.
including 100% foreign ownership, zero taxes on corporate income and profits, and no restrictions on the repatriation of capital or profits.
The centre also has a strong legal and regulatory framework. It is based on the principles of English common law and complies with international standards. Overall, the UAE financial centres attract some of the world’s leading financial institutions and professionals. This makes the country a major player in the global financial industry.
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aspects that may make Abu Dhabi more attractive for certain types of businesses to balance the review:
Support from the state
Abu Dhabi actively seeks to attract investment and entrepreneurs by offering various support programs and incentives. Programs such as Hub71 aim to support startups and innovative projects by offering them favorable conditions for development, including funding, office space and mentoring. This creates a favorable environment for technological innovation and entrepreneurship.
Infrastructure development
Abu Dhabi is investing in high-quality infrastructure, including transportation systems, healthcare facilities and world-class educational institutions. These investments improve the quality of life in the emirate and make it attractive to expatriates and their families.
Energy sector and sustainable development
Abu Dhabi remains a major player in the oil industry, but is also investing heavily in renewable energy and sustainability projects. Masdar, the city of the future that aims to become a world leader in sustainability and renewable energy, is one such example. This opens up business opportunities in green technology and sustainability.
Cultural and educational development
Abu Dhabi is investing in the cultural and educational sectors, aiming to become a hub for the arts and education in the Middle East. The opening of branches of world museums, such as Louvre Abu Dhabi, and leading educational institutions is boosting tourism and attracting international attention to the emirate.
Investment attractiveness
The Abu Dhabi government offers various investment incentives and preferences for foreign investors, including the possibility of 100% business ownership in some sectors and special economic zones with tax incentives and simplified business registration procedures. As you can see, Abu Dhabi offers a stable and supportive environment for business development with an emphasis on innovation, sustainability and quality of life. The choice between Dubai and Abu Dhabi largely depends on the goals of your project and the industry you plan to operate in.
