Over the past two decades, Abu Dhabi has experienced massive growth, thanks largely to the country’s natural resources, as well as strategic investments and deliberate long-term planning by forward-thinking government officials. As such, the city has seen an influx of ultra-high-net-worth individuals, who have been attracted by a myriad of factors. These days, the UAE capital is seen as one of the most important cities in the Global Family Office Network (GFON) – the world’s most exclusive organisation for the UHNW community. Read on to learn all about Abu Dhabi’s Global Family Office Network and how it attracts global players.
The ‘Capital of Capital’
After years of stalling attempts and playing catch-up to the neighbouring emirate of Dubai, Abu Dhabi’s efforts to diversify away from oil seem to finally be paying dividends. Key to this strategy is Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), which, quite significantly, operates under British law. The reasons for this are numerous, but essentially, having a framework in place which is familiar to global companies offers predictability, in addition to a sense of legal credibility. Hence, this represents a highly attractive proposition, especially when merged with other magnetic factors, which will be discussed throughout.
Having a legal system in place which is trusted globally is key to enticing UHNWIs to the city, and as such, ADGM has experienced a surge in growth recently. In 2024, this important financial hub showed a 32% increase in the number of operational entities, reaching almost 2,400. As of the end of 2024, ADGM was home to 134 asset and fund managers who were taking care of 166 funds.
This growth has steadily positioned Abu Dhabi as a global financial centre, helping to frame the city as the ‘Capital of Capital’.
Why Expats Should Set Up in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi offers a range of incentives and support systems designed to attract the world’s ultra-high-net-worth community to the city.
Famously, the UAE capital, along with the rest of the country, boasts no personal income tax and only a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 – a stark contrast to the UK’s 25% corporate tax – which makes the city an exceptionally attractive destination for new investors and residents alike. Additional benefits, such as 0% inheritance tax and double taxation agreements with around 140 countries, provide yet more incentives, while the UAE also ensures full foreign ownership and unrestricted profit repatriation, which essentially means 100% of any earnings are kept.
Abu Dhabi’s robust property market is another reason why many UHNWIs decide to relocate. The city reinforces its commitment to high-end residential developments year on year, which allows those with the capability to build up a significant property portfolio.
The Family Office ecosystem created by ADGM has significantly increased the viability of relocating to the city for those with generational family wealth. Specialised structures and solutions help secure family assets, while detailed wealth management systems allow for security and growth.
For those who bring a certain amount of wealth to the country, there is also the option of pursuing a Golden Visa. These long-term renewable residency visas come with the ability to sponsor family members.
Support Networks Available to UHNWIs
Abu Dhabi offers a curated selection of institutional collaboration and strategic facilitation services, all designed to streamline the investor process.
The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) is the central government hub supporting investment in the city. A team of dedicated professionals is on hand to advise and facilitate both investors and companies who wish to set up in the city. This strategy has the dual purpose of supporting individuals and companies who are new to the city, while also diversifying the Abu Dhabi economy away from non-renewables.
The Emirates Family Office Association (EFOA) is the premier resource for Family Offices, family businesses and stakeholders in the UAE. The organisation strives to provide a global ecosystem for UHNWIs, while also promoting best practices and fostering new relationships.
In mid-2025, these two organisations teamed up to sign a landmark deal aimed at positioning Abu Dhabi as the top global destination for high-net-worth individuals. This strategic alliance is seen as the beginning of a long-term collaboration designed to transform the city’s economic agenda, while ensuring the UAE capital is aligned with the ever-changing priorities of international investors.
In addition to these services, the city also hosts a range of further support events. Strategic roadshows, private investor forums and high-level delegations help to highlight Abu Dhabi’s key financial benefits, while also providing access to the region’s high-growth markets and a network of other UHNWIs.
The Family Office Summit
Arguably the most important support and networking event in the city is the Family Office Summit, which was established in 2022.
Dedicated to fostering both innovation and wealth management, the summit is designed to bring together key players from the region’s business, finance and investment communities, while also promoting an atmosphere of excellence, privacy and prosperity within the Family Office community.
A full program of networking events – including talks on key subjects such as governance, insurance, risk and tax, unicorn hunting, growth strategy, private credit, and Family Office real estate strategy – complements an end-of-summit cocktail evening designed to strengthen and consolidate burgeoning relationships.
High-Profile Entrants into the Market
Over the past few years, Abu Dhabi has welcomed an abundance of big players into the market. Global banks, hedge funds, family offices, venture capitalists and cryptocurrency traders have all rushed to the city, joining the likes of Mubadala and ADIA.
Premier asset management firm Bridgewater Associates hit the headlines in 2023 when they made their debut in the city, while Goldman Sachs and Rothschild’s have also set up offices in the city in recent times, despite also operating in Dubai.
More recently, Abu Dhabi investment management firm Lunate acquired a small stake in leading global alternative investment management platform Brevan Howard, with the two firms agreeing to set up an investment platform based in the city. This will hopefully serve as a key marker in the growth of the sector in the UAE’s capital and encourage similar investment deals in the future. Lunate is part of the portfolio of Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) national security adviser and brother of UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
These global firms are attracted by the UAE’s regulatory and strategic benefits, and have recently been joined by other key players in the sector such as BlackRock and Wellington Management.
The Impact of Family Offices in Abu Dhabi
The number of millionaires in Abu Dhabi has increased by an astonishing 75% since 2013, thanks to the emirate’s strategic planning and financial incentives.
Many Family Offices have deep ties to real estate development in the city, while also being involved in various construction projects. With a number of families involved in other sectors such as manufacturing and infrastructure, attracting Ultra-High-Net-Worth families to the city is part of a forward-thinking vision that, it is hoped, will ultimately elevate the emirate once again.
Family Offices offer a powerful boost to the city’s growth, and with diversification a key part of the government’s strategy, they are an essential component of Abu Dhabi’s business scene. It is estimated that Family Offices generate around 60% of the UAE’s GDP, so attracting more of these global players to the city represents a smart strategy.
The growth of Family Offices in the city also benefits residents who are economically comfortable. Their presence drives a demand for quality services, reflected in the wide range of five-star hotels, exclusive clubs, and upscale leisure destinations available throughout the city.
Final Thoughts
Abu Dhabi is now widely recognised as one of the world’s most well-equipped cities for ultra-high-net-worth individuals. With a strong focus on economic diversification, the government has made services and facilities for Family Offices increasingly attractive, drawing some of the world’s wealthiest families and investors. This approach positions the city to continue its trajectory as a destination where sophisticated hospitality and global capital seamlessly converge.
