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The global economic landscape is undergoing a transformation, and all eyes are on Abu Dhabi. "The Abu Dhabi Advantage" is not merely a blueprint; it is a bold declaration of intent to lead the world in innovation, sustainability, and economic dynamism. Abu Dhabi stands apart, not as a participant in global markets, but as a force shaping the future economy.
What sets Abu Dhabi apart is its extraordinary track record of turning ambitious plans into reality, consistently delivering remarkable results. With visionary leadership, the emirate has repeatedly transformed challenges into opportunities, redefining what is possible. The next phase of Abu Dhabi's journey is not focused solely on competitiveness but on establishing global leadership in priority sectors, setting new benchmarks for industries worldwide.
Abu Dhabi's proactive approach to transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable energy reflects its ambition to stay at the forefront of global innovation. These efforts aim to fuel creativity and industrial growth while creating a forward-thinking environment.
By prioritizing high-growth sectors like healthcare, financial services, and AgriTech, Abu Dhabi is actively addressing global challenges, rather than simply responding to them. Its commitment to sustainability and inclusivity further positions it as a visionary force, building an ecosystem where the world's brightest minds can bring their ideas to life and shaping a fairer, more equitable global future.
At the heart of this vision is Abu Dhabi as the "Capital of Capital." With its strong sovereign wealth, robust regulatory framework, world-class infrastructure, and strategic location, Abu Dhabi offers fertile ground for business and innovation. Policies such as 100% foreign ownership and a favorable tax environment make it an attractive destination for investors and entrepreneurs.
"The Abu Dhabi Advantage" is a call to action for those who dare to think big and innovate boldly. This eBook isn't just a guide—it is an invitation to be part of a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
Chairman, Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development
Work &
Live
A Global Economic Power, With Robust Infrastructure, Progressive Regulations, Resilience and Stability.
The wealthiest city in the world by sovereign wealth fund assets, Abu Dhabi is a global economic powerhouse, contributing $310 billion—68%—of the UAE's total GDP.
The emirate has invested heavily in world-class infrastructure, positioning itself as a hub for international trade, finance and investment.
Its progressive regulatory environment fosters innovation and foreign direct investment (FDI), offering benefits such as 100% foreign ownership and favorable tax structures.
Abu Dhabi's resilience and adaptability to global economic shifts ensure stability, making it an ideal destination for businesses seeking long-term growth.
Business-friendly environment
A hub for global trade
seamlessly connects with other GCC countries
Livability
Abu Dhabi provides a variety of living options that cater to different preferences and lifestyles—from urban skyscrapers to beachfront villas and everything in between—across a range of neighborhoods.
for livability
Digital
Economy
How Can I Stay One Step Ahead of the AI Revolution?
Artificial intelligence, automation, advanced manufacturing, and the principles of Industry 4.0 are more than just buzzwords for Abu Dhabi—they are the foundation of its economic transformation.
The Abu Dhabi Government's Digital Strategy 2025-2027 aims to make the emirate the world's first fully AI-native government by 2027, further cementing Abu Dhabi's leadership in AI-driven governance.
The existing world-class digital infrastructure of the emirate, ranked among the top 10 smartest cities globally, boasts 97% 5G network coverage, and Abu Dhabi is ranked first worldwide in fiber-to-home connectivity. Supported by technology partnerships with leaders including Amazon Web Services, Microsoft and Oracle, this robust infrastructure drives innovation, empowering industries to shape the future of AI, automation and beyond.
High-Growth Sectors
Abu Dhabi's high-growth sectors include financial services, tourism, healthcare, industry and advanced manufacturing—and opportunities abound in all. The emirate is also charting the future of energy, agritech and sustainable living, supported by proactive legislation and initiatives.
The Capital of Capital
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Abu Dhabi manages the largest sovereign wealth fund globally, with $1.7 trillion in assets. The emirate is home to one of the world's most dynamic financial ecosystems, anchored by the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the fastest-growing financial center in the MENA region; the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), the second-largest stock exchange; significant venture capital; private equity; and strong fintech support.
ADX, a global capital-raising platform and investment gateway
With over $816 billion in market capitalization at the end of 2024, ADX is the Middle East's second-largest public market. It accounts for 50% of regional IPO proceeds, and offers high liquidity and dual listing options, making it ideal for growth-focused entities. Fully owned by ADQ, a government-backed investment and holding company, ADX is well supported for continued expansion.
Pioneering Research into Food and Water Security
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The AgriFood Growth and Water Abundance (AGWA) cluster is a key initiative in Abu Dhabi's strategy to invest in future-focused economic sectors while tackling global challenges. AGWA drives innovations in alternative proteins, water technology and sustainable agriculture to ensure water and food security, attracting major players, supporting research and unlocking commercial opportunities in a $21 trillion industry with strong growth and job creation potential.
AGWA by 2045
Abu Dhabi's GDP
NUOS
Switzerland-based NUOS is setting up an innovation center and manufacturing facilities in Abu Dhabi, leveraging the emirate's strategic location and resources to establish the world's largest alternative protein production facility and drive its global growth.
Leading the Future of Smart Mobility Across Air, Land and Sea
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Abu Dhabi's Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) cluster supports the UAE's innovation and commercialization of smart and autonomous technologies across air, land and sea transport, offering state-of-the-art facilities and regulatory support.
SAVI aims to enhance sector efficiencies, goods transport and mobility, with strategic goals to advance the autonomous vehicle value chain, attract startups and global players, access and secure funding, and localize technological expertise.
SAVI by 2045
Abu Dhabi's GDP
Redefining Health with AI Powered Life Sciences
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Launched in 2025, Abu Dhabi’s Health, Endurance, Longevity & Medicine (HELM) cluster boasts a comprehensive hub where AI-driven discovery, clinical-genomic data, startup incubation and on-site biomanufacturing sit side-by-side. By integrating research, validation and scale-up into a single collaborative cluster, HELM accelerates precision-medicine, digital-health and longevity solutions–anchoring Abu Dhabi as the Gulf’s definitive hub for precision medicine, digital health and longevity tech.
HELM by 2045
Abu Dhabi's GDP
created
Driving the Energy Transition
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Abu Dhabi, while maintaining a strong competitive edge in traditional energy, is implementing sustainable solutions aligned with its national energy transition goals. In Q2 2024, the emirate's non-oil sectors contributed over 55% to total GDP, underscoring its commitment to a diversified economy.
Abu Dhabi Energy Outlook 2050 aims
International businesses can tap into Abu Dhabi's robust clean energy and manufacturing ecosystem, driven by initiatives like ADNOC's $15 billion investment in low-carbon solutions, Noor Abu Dhabi's solar plant, which will cut 1 million metric tons of emissions annually, and the Masdar Initiative's $15 billion commitment to renewables.
The Barakah Nuclear Power Plant reduces 22 million tons of carbon emissions annually, while the Abu Dhabi Hydrogen Alliance (comprising ADNOC, Mubadala and ADQ) is advancing green and blue hydrogen in emerging markets to build a sustainable hydrogen economy.
How Can I Future-proof My Industry?
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Abu Dhabi's industrial strategy aims high: The emirate seeks to be the most competitive industrial hub in the region by 2031.
A $2.7 billion investment by the Abu Dhabi government across six programs—Talent Development, Industry 4.0, Circular Economy, Ecosystem Enablement, Homegrown Supply Chain and Value Chain Development—will strengthen manufacturing growth, create jobs and further diversify the economy.
Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy
Can I Invest in Government Projects?
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Abu Dhabi's pro-business environment thrives on strong public-private partnerships (PPPs), which attract significant FDI, bolster economic stability, and foster innovation through regulatory flexibility and active private-sector participation.
The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the investment arm of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and the government's central authority for infrastructure PPPs, has facilitated $650 million in deals since 2020, enabling private-sector delivery of major public sector infrastructure and services and driving transformative economic growth in the emirate.
Notable examples include Nojoom's collaboration with EDF and Engie, securing $30.7 million in investments to deliver the GCC's first smart street light project, and BESIX Plenary Education Properties, which built three K-13 school campuses under a 22-year concession, attracting $38.6 million in FDI.
Additionally, the KUnnected Living consortium, led by Plenary Group, BESIX and Mazrui International, will develop accommodations for two university campuses, securing a combined $73.7 million in investments.
Where Am I Protected by a Robust Regulatory Environment?
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The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development is committed to developing efficient, modern and transparent legislation, which is regularly updated to enhance business efficiency and inspire confidence in the emirate's regulatory framework
Constantly evolving regulatory frameworks
(Abu Dhabi, IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook, 2020)
Talent
Where Can I Find Global Talent, Locally?
Abu Dhabi is rapidly developing into an innovation hub, fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem with 12 accelerators and incubators that provide funding, mentorship and coworking spaces.
Key initiatives include Hub71 at ADGM (climate-tech and digital assets); The Catalyst (GCC's first clean-tech accelerator); Disrupt AD (ADQ's venture platform); StartAD at NYU Abu Dhabi; and Microsoft for Startups in partnership with ADIO and Plug and Play.
Diverse and Skilled Workforce
nationalities
Global Talent
Competitiveness Index
2022
World-Class Educational Institutions
Abu Dhabi's thriving educational infrastructure contributes to its highly skilled local pool, and empowers the emirate's workforce to meet the demands of its evolving economy.
The emirate offers world-class academic options, with a wide range of local and international schools - including Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, Repton Abu Dhabi, and Nord Anglia Abu Dhabi - 251 public schools and 198 private schools providing diverse curricula. Abu Dhabi's 30 universities include Khalifa University, INSEAD, NYU, Sorbonne and the IIT Delhi–Abu Dhabi campus.
The emirate also boasts best-in-class professional training institutions such as the ADGM Academy, and the Abu Dhabi School of Management.
Abu Dhabi's tourism growth strategy is built on a multi-pronged approach that leverages its diverse cultural attractions, world-class infrastructure and natural assets, with a focus on sustainable, high-quality experiences.
With innovative urban planning and futuristic infrastructure, Abu Dhabi is transforming into a "20-minute city," where everything residents and visitors need is just a short journey away, making it one of the most accessible cities to live, work and enjoy.
Abu Dhabi's Tourism Strategy by 2030
Visitors
(vs 24M in 2023)
Contribution to GDP
(vs $13.4 billion in 2023)
Infrastructure
investment through
2030
New jobs created
Business and Event Tourism
Abu Dhabi stands as a premier global hub for business and leisure events, bolstered by world-class infrastructure, thriving economic sectors, and a dynamic local community.
In 2024, the emirate hosted over 1.1 million attendees at business events, reinforcing its strong growth trajectory. A diverse annual calendar of events – including Abu Dhabi Business Week and Abu Dhabi Finance Week – showcases Abu Dhabi's key industries such as financial services, healthcare, advanced technology, sustainability, mobility and energy, driving economic development through major meetings and exhibitions.
Beyond business, Abu Dhabi's sporting and entertainment events attract visitors year-round, with the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix drawing 190,000 attendees in 2024 alone.
With a world-class event lineup, Abu Dhabi continues to inspire global leaders, foster innovation, and create valuable business opportunities for international partners.
A Cultural Epicenter
Abu Dhabi is a cultural hub, attracting millions with landmarks like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, with 1.2 million and 5.5 million visitors, respectively, in 2023; Qasr Al Hosn, the city's oldest stone building; and Al Ain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Upcoming cultural marvels will include the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum, Natural History Museum and the teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi digital arts museum.
Nature, Adventure and Luxury
Abu Dhabi combines natural wonders with luxury experiences, from Saadiyat Island's eco-tourism retreats and Sir Bani Yas Island's wildlife encounters to Yas Island's iconic attractions like Ferrari World and SeaWorld.
Visitors can indulge in luxury at renowned hotels such as the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, St. Regis Saadiyat Island and Four Seasons Abu Dhabi, and shop at Yas Mall and The Galleria, or escape to the serene desert luxury of Qasr Al Sarab.
Abu Dhabi ticks all the boxes needed to accelerate your business's growth and ensure its prosperity while offering a quality of life that's hard to match. Investors have the opportunity to play a role in the sectors that will shape the future of the global economy while addressing the world's biggest challenges and ensuring prosperity in our community and beyond.
The future of Abu Dhabi is even brighter than its remarkable economic journey so far. It is a destination that is thriving today and transforming tomorrow.