Abu Dhabi Global Market has added 4,688 professionals to its workforce in the first half of 2026, taking total employment across its Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island operations to 49,027. The 34 percent year on year increase highlights the rapid expansion of Abu Dhabi’s international financial centre as global institutions continue to establish operations and deploy capital through the emirate, Bloomberg reports.
The talent surge comes alongside broader expansion across ADGM. Active licences reached 13,974 by the end of June, including 1,814 issued during the first half of the year, while operational entities increased 34 percent to 3,986. Financial services entities also rose 27 percent to 392, with major international firms including Capital Group, Man Group, Barings, Bain Capital and Hillhouse Investment establishing or expanding their presence.
The growth is strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a gateway for investment across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. Assets under management at ADGM increased 54 percent year on year in the first half, reflecting rising demand for the centre’s regulatory framework, access to capital and English Common Law environment.
For Abu Dhabi, the expansion of its financial workforce signals a broader economic strategy built around attracting international capital, specialised talent and high value financial services. ADGM is also investing more than AED400 million through 2029 to expand digital infrastructure and modernise its regulatory and operational systems, positioning the hub to compete more aggressively for global financial business in an increasingly technology driven economy.
