ADGM, the international financial center of Abu Dhabi, has revealed its new brand, ‘Path to Forward,’ marking a pivotal moment in its journey toward becoming one of the globe’s largest financial districts and realizing its future ambitions.
As ADGM celebrates its 10th anniversary, ‘Path to Forward’ articulates a distinct vision for the financial center, reinforcing its position as a vibrant business hub. This initiative further establishes Abu Dhabi as a premier destination for companies seeking top-tier expertise and some of the brightest talent in the financial sector. The new branding also emphasizes ADGM’s role as a vital connection between East and West, creating an exceptional environment for business success.
In conjunction with this branding initiative, ADGM has introduced a new logo. While retaining the sun’s energetic qualities from its previous logo, the design has been refined to represent growth and optimism. The emblem’s design draws inspiration from the forms and contours of Arabic script, symbolizing a connection point and a guiding star that assists businesses in navigating the ‘Path to Forward.’
His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM, emphasised the importance of the timing of the financial centre’s new brand: “Path to Forward is a clear message that reflects how far ADGM, together with its ecosystem has come and where we are headed. It encapsulates our role as a trusted, dynamic, sustainable, and most importantly a future-focused international financial centre that embraces our commitment to supporting Abu Dhabi’s broader economic diversification strategy.”
Founding mission and growth
Founded in 2015, ADGM was established with a clear objective: to function as a leading international financial center that provides a secure, transparent, and business-friendly environment. Since its inception, ADGM has been instrumental in diversifying Abu Dhabi’s economy by nurturing sectors such as technology, finance, and sustainability. Its growth has been marked by a series of strategic milestones that have propelled ADGM toward becoming an innovative hub for financial services, asset management, sustainable finance, and fintech.
Expanding operational landscape
In just nine years, ADGM has expanded from a few companies to more than 2,000 operational entities, including 231 financial services firms. It stands as the only international financial center in the MENA region that employs the direct application of English Common Law.
Leadership and significant milestones
Under the leadership of His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, who assumed the role of Chairman in 2021, ADGM has implemented progressive regulations and services, achieving significant milestones such as the launch of Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) and a tenfold expansion of its jurisdiction to Al Reem Island. These developments have solidified ADGM’s reputation as a global hub. In the first half of 2024, ADGM saw a remarkable 226 percent increase in assets under management (AUM) compared to the previous year, underscoring its rapidly growing influence both regionally and globally.
“Milestones like the expansion into Al Reem Island, the surge in AUMs, our digital innovations and the multiplying number of regional and international businesses, show that we did not just build a financial centre, but are shaping the path to forward,” said His Excellency.
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Commitment to sustainable growth
Reflecting on ADGM’s future, His Excellency stated: “As we look to the future, ADGM will continue to be a catalyst for Abu Dhabi’s progress. Our vision for fostering sustainable growth and our commitment to the Falcon Economy will drive us to explore new frontiers, creating an even more dynamic, resilient, and inclusive financial ecosystem. ‘Path to Forward’ is our roadmap for continuous growth and transformation, as we work towards building a future that is innovative, interconnected, and prosperous for all.”
Role in global finance
As the ‘Capital of Capital’, ADGM will continue to be a key player in shaping global financial trends, with its initiatives offering opportunities for emerging industries and supporting high-growth sectors within the financial landscape. On a global scale, ADGM will maintain its central role in positioning Abu Dhabi as a world-class financial hub, aiding the Emirate’s objective of boosting non-oil GDP as part of its broader strategy for diversifying the Falcon Economy.
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