Here’s what ADGM chairman told London’s top investors about Abu Dhabi
Addressing influential investors in London, ADGM chairman Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi revealed that 14 global financial institutions managing more than $5tn plan to establish a presence in Abu Dhabi
19 October, 2026
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Abu Dhabi took its investment pitch to London’s financial heavyweights last week, armed with a striking figure: 14 global financial institutions managing more than $5tn in assets had announced plans to establish a presence in the emirate during the first half of 2026.
Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, chairman of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), delivered the message at the third Abu Dhabi Investment Forum on October 15, as the emirate stepped up efforts to attract international capital and deepen ties with British investors.
“We have the capacity to invest for decades, and the agility to act today,” Al Zaabi told the gathering.
Held at The Peninsula London and organised by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the forum brought together senior investors, financial institutions and business leaders to explore opportunities in the emirate. Last year’s edition attracted around 400 participants, including representatives of approximately 180 UK institutions.
Al Zaabi’s address offered a glimpse of Abu Dhabi’s ambitions to become a leading international financial centre, backed by long-term capital, competitive energy costs and an expanding non-oil economy.
The $5tn figure reflects the combined global assets under management of institutions planning to enter ADGM, rather than money committed to Abu Dhabi.
It builds on an announcement in May, when ADGM said eight financial institutions managing $4.4tn had unveiled expansion plans during March and April.
Capital Group, Man Group, Bain Capital, Barings and Hillhouse Investment are among the prominent investment firms that have announced plans or established operations in ADGM this year.
Why Abu Dhabi is attracting attention
Abu Dhabi’s push to attract global financial firms comes as the emirate climbs the rankings of the world’s leading financial centres.
In September, it jumped eight places to 13th in the Global Financial Centres Index, compiled by London-based consultancy Z/Yen and the China Development Institute.
ADGM has also reported a surge in activity. Assets under management rose 54 per cent year-on-year during the first half of 2026, while the number of fund and asset managers climbed 23 per cent to 190.
The London pitch comes against a backdrop of deepening commercial ties between the UAE and Britain. Bilateral trade reached £25bn in 2025, according to the UK Department for Business and Trade, making the UAE Britain’s largest trading partner in the Gulf.
But Al Zaabi stressed that attracting international capital required more than investment opportunities alone.
“Because capital needs more than opportunity,” he said. “It needs clarity to make decisions, confidence in the rules, and the speed to move.”
He pointed to ADGM’s direct application of English Common Law, independent courts and regulatory framework as advantages for international firms considering a regional base.
Beyond financial services, Abu Dhabi is also betting on artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, energy and life sciences to drive its next phase of growth.
Al Zaabi said the emirate’s economy expanded 7 per cent in 2025, with non-oil activity growing 8 per cent and accounting for more than half of GDP.
The chairman closed with a broader message about how Abu Dhabi intends to measure the success of its investment strategy.
“Our measure of progress is not simply how much capital comes to Abu Dhabi, but how much opportunity that capital creates,” he said.
Read the ADGM chairman’s full speech below
Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Abu Dhabi Investment Forum, London, October 15, 2026
Your Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning.
It is a pleasure to return to London for the third Abu Dhabi Investment Forum.
Abu Dhabi is playing an increasingly influential role in the global economy.
Not only through the scale of our investments, but through the industries we are advancing, the enterprises we are enabling, and the markets we are reaching.
In 2025, Abu Dhabi’s economy grew by 7%, and our non-oil economy grew by 8%, contributing more than half of total GDP.
Across artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, energy, and life sciences, we are developing industries that will shape future markets.
Our businesses are extending their international reach, establishing partnerships, and entering new markets.
Abu Dhabi has long-term capital, competitive energy, world-class infrastructure, and access to some of the world’s fastest-growing markets.
We have the capacity to invest for decades, and the agility to act today.
Because capital needs more than opportunity.
It needs clarity to make decisions, confidence in the rules, and the speed to move.
This is the foundation of our approach to the speed of doing business.
Removing barriers, accelerating decisions, and enabling enterprises to invest, expand, and operate internationally.
We see these advantages reflected in Abu Dhabi’s financial sector.
ADGM operates under the direct application of English Common Law.
Supported by independent courts and a regulatory framework that uphold transparency, fairness, and the enforceability of commercial rights.
And global institutions are responding.
In the first half of 2026 alone, fourteen major financial institutions, collectively managing over 5 trillion dollars in assets worldwide, announced plans to set up in ADGM.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Abu Dhabi has always taken the long view.
Our leadership has built the foundations of an economy designed not only to compete today, but to create prosperity for generations to come.
And as we look ahead, our measure of progress is not simply how much capital comes to Abu Dhabi, but how much opportunity that capital creates.
For businesses to expand,
industries to advance,
and people to prosper.
We invite you to be part of that future.
Thank you.



















