The article reports on the growth of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), highlighting a 54% increase in assets managed from the financial center in the first half of 2026. The workforce has grown to nearly 50,000, with over 4,688 additional professionals since the previous period. ADGM also saw an increase in active licenses, fund managers, and operational entities, with over $2.1 trillion in assets under management. Major financial institutions such as Capital Group, Man Group, and others have expanded their presence in ADGM. The financial center is investing heavily in AI, with over $100 billion in AI-focused capital deployed by institutions within its jurisdiction. ADGM aims to solidify its position as a leading international financial center.
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) announced that its workforce has grown to nearly 50,000, marking a significant milestone for the financial hub. This growth coincides with an increase in the number of asset managers operating within ADGM, particularly during the first half of 2026. According to ADGM, assets under management have surged by 54 per cent compared to the same period last year. As of now, 49,027 professionals are employed across Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island, representing a 34 per cent increase over the previous year. The number of active licenses in ADGM has risen to approximately 14,000, with 1,814 licenses issued during the first half of the year. These licenses encompass a range of entities including operating companies, financial institutions, and investment structures. ADGM stated that this expansion reflects sustained international confidence in Abu Dhabi as a financial center. Ahmed Al Zaabi, chairman of ADGM, emphasized the importance of this growth, stating that it reinforces Abu Dhabi's status as the "capital of capital." He noted that ADGM continues to attract global institutions even amid ongoing challenges such as the Iran conflict. Notable additions to ADGM include private credit lender Blue Owl Capital, tech-focused US private equity firm Vista Equity Partners, and major players like Man Group, Barings, Bain Capital, Cantor, and Swiss derivative investment company Adapt Investment Managers. Collectively, asset managers that have established operations in ADGM oversee more than $2.1 trillion in global assets under management. The number of fund and asset managers based in ADGM has increased by 23 per cent annually, reaching 190, with 11 new managers added in the second quarter. Funds at the hub have also increased by 32 per cent year-on-year to 276 in the January-to-June period. ADGM is also experiencing a surge in investments focused on artificial intelligence, with more than $100 billion in AI-related capital deployed by entities established within its jurisdiction. Entities such as MGX, a global investment platform specializing in AI infrastructure and advanced technologies, are contributing significantly to this trend. During the first half of 2026, ADGM completed the initial phase of its AI implementation, reducing manual workload by more than 5,000 staff hours annually. The financial center plans to invest more than Dh400 million ($109 million) through 2029 to enhance its technological capabilities, strengthen digital infrastructure, and modernize its regulatory and operational systems. ADGM Academy has been instrumental in training local talent, having trained 1,607 Emirati nationals during the first half of the year. Additionally, the academy partnered with the Mawaheb Talent Hub to expand employment opportunities. Over 544 UAE nationals received training in agentic AI through the Wealth Management Institute WMI School of AI, which provides more than 19 practitioner-led courses. Other initiatives include the graduation of 28 young Emiratis in its third cohort and the selection of 15 UAE nationals for the World Bank Group Explorers Program.
2 reports
The NationalParty-alignedCenterFactual 98Objective 90
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the financial center of the UAE, reported significant growth in its workforce and assets under management during the first half of 2026. The workforce reached nearly 50,000 professionals, marking a 34% increase compared to the previous year. Assets under management grew by 54%, with over $2.1 trillion managed by firms based in ADGM. The number of active licenses increased to around 14,000, including new issuances from major global institutions like BlackRock, State Street, and PGIM. ADGM also highlighted advancements in AI implementation, with over $100 billion invested in AI-focused projects and plans to spend over $109 million on expanding AI capabilities by 2029.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual developments in ADGM's growth without overtly favoring any political ideology. It reports on economic expansion, institutional investments, and technological progress without taking a clear stance on policy debates or ideological positions. While the subject involves a U
Why factuality (98): This article corroborates the key figures from Article 0, including the 54% growth in assets, 49,027 professionals, and 1,814 new licenses. The mention of specific companies and the $2.1 trillion in assets under management further supports the factual consistency across sources.
Why objectivity (90): While the article includes a direct quote from Ahmed Al Zaabi, it remains largely objective in presenting the data. However, the inclusion of a quote may slightly reduce neutrality compared to purely statistical reporting.
The article reports on the growth of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), highlighting a 54% increase in assets managed from the financial center in the first half of 2026. The workforce has grown to nearly 50,000, with over 4,688 additional professionals since the previous period. ADGM also saw an increase in active licenses, fund managers, and operational entities, with over $2.1 trillion in assets under management. Major financial institutions such as Capital Group, Man Group, and others have expanded their presence in ADGM. The financial center is investing heavily in AI, with over $100 billion in AI-focused capital deployed by institutions within its jurisdiction. ADGM aims to solidify its position as a leading international financial center.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual data about the economic development and expansion of ADGM, focusing on quantitative growth metrics and institutional activity. There is no overt ideological framing or emphasis on specific political agendas. The tone remains neutral, presenting information without clear左
Why factuality (95): The article provides specific numerical data including a 54% increase in assets, 49,027 professionals, 13,974 active licenses, and 4,688 increase in workforce. These numbers align closely with the cross-source consensus found in Article 1, indicating strong factual accuracy.
Why objectivity (92): The article presents the information in a straightforward manner without overt bias or emotional language. It quotes statistics and avoids taking a stance beyond reporting the facts.
How each side covered it
The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.
progressive
center
conservative
★
How each side covered it
Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.
AE
