The Emirate invests Dh60 billion in expanding the Abu Dhabi Global Market precinct, aiming to nearly double office capacity and attract international hedge funds and asset managers amid a wave of regulatory and infrastructural improvements.
Abu Dhabi is undertaking a Dh60 billion ($16.3 billion) expansion to extend the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) precinct on Al Maryah Island, a move designed to nearly double Grade‑A office capacity and accelerate the emirate’s bid to become a global alternative‑asset centre.
According to the original report, Mubadala Investment Company and Aldar Properties will develop the final undeveloped land on the north side of Al Maryah Island, delivering about 1.5 million square metres of mixed‑use infrastructure. Plans call for roughly 450,000 square metres of high‑end office space, more than 3,000 waterfront residences, expanded retail and hospitality offerings, a marina and upgraded public realm. The two developers said the project will substantially increase premium office supply in the heart of ADGM.
The expansion comes as a wave of international hedge funds and asset managers deepen operations in the emirate. Industry reporting notes applications and moves by firms including Man Group , which has applied for a licence to open an office next year and said in a statement that Abu Dhabi’s “strong focus on innovation and AI” aligns with its strategy , and Balyasny Asset Management, which is set to open a second UAE office after a 2023 approval in Dubai. Major players such as Marshall Wace and Rokos Capital Management have already established or signalled plans for offices, while Brevan Howard and Pharo Management have moved teams or increased footprint in Abu Dhabi.
ADGM, created in 2013 and extended to include Al Reem Island following a 2023 jurisdictional expansion, has expanded quickly as a financial centre for hedge funds, private equity, fintech and crypto‑related businesses. The development follows robust demand metrics: occupancy across ADGM has climbed sharply this year and licence volumes have surged. Industry data cited by property advisers indicates occupancy for Grade‑A office assets in Abu Dhabi has been exceptionally high , around 95% in some measures , and ADGM recorded significant year‑on‑year growth in operational firms and workforce numbers. Savills reported a 32% rise in operational firms and a 22% increase in the ADGM workforce in 2023. At present infrastructure is reported to support more than 11,900 licences and close to 40,000 professionals operating within the financial district.
The appeal for global funds extends beyond new buildings. Analysts and market participants point to a combination of favourable tax regimes, regulatory openness and geographic proximity to Asian and European markets as key pull factors. Industry observers say Abu Dhabi is deliberately marshalling sovereign wealth capital, large‑scale real‑estate delivery and regulatory reform to reposition itself against established centres in Europe and Asia. The Arabian Post notes the expansion is part of a strategic westward push of financial activity inside the UAE.
That repositioning is already producing tangible product on the ground. Separately, Aldar and Mubadala have earlier started projects such as One Maryah Place , a two‑tower Grade‑A commercial scheme adding approximately 98,000 square metres of office space , to meet immediate demand. Property market coverage by Gulf outlets and local magazines underscores the broader narrative: developers are racing to supply high‑quality office and mixed‑use space to match the rapid inflow of licences and staff.
But whether the investment surge will yield durable dominance over legacy financial centres remains an open question. Industry sources caution that long‑term success will depend on Abu Dhabi’s ability to convert initial relocations and back‑office growth into sustained asset‑management headquarters, talent pools and deep capital‑raising ecosystems. According to reporting on the expansion, much now rests on retaining and nurturing the wave of inflows , not merely on delivering new real estate.
Government and corporate statements characterise the expansion as a strategic step to reinforce Abu Dhabi’s global financial credentials. The project’s scale and the cluster of global fund activity it aims to serve, however, mean observers will be watching whether increased supply, liveability improvements and continued policy incentives translate into lasting shifts in the geography of global capital.
- https://thearabianpost.com/abu-dhabi-drives-16-billion-upgrade-as-hedge-funds-deepen-global-push/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/property/2025/12/08/mubadala-and-aldar-launch-dh60bn-expansion-of-abu-dhabi-financial-hub/ – Mubadala Investment Company and Aldar Properties have announced plans to invest Dh60 billion ($16.3 billion) to expand Abu Dhabi’s financial district on Al Maryah Island. The project aims to add over 1.5 million square metres of mixed-use infrastructure, including new office space, housing, retail, and hospitality venues, effectively doubling the availability of Grade-A office space and reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s status as a global financial hub.
- https://www.semafor.com/article/12/08/2025/abu-dhabi-plans-a-16b-expansion-of-finance-district – Abu Dhabi’s financial district is set for a $16 billion expansion, with plans to double the amount of office space on Al Maryah Island. The development includes 450,000 square metres of Grade-A offices, along with residential, retail, and hospitality spaces. This expansion is driven by a surge in international hedge funds and asset managers establishing a presence in the emirate, attracted by its favourable tax regimes and proximity to Asian and European markets.
- https://abudhabimagazine.ae/abu-dhabi-to-invest-16bn-expanding-financial-hub/ – Abu Dhabi is investing $16 billion to expand its financial hub, focusing on the north side of Al Maryah Island. The development will add 1.5 million square metres of office, residential, retail, and hospitality space, including over 450,000 square metres of Grade-A offices. This expansion aims to meet the growing demand for office space, with more than 11,000 active licences and nearly 40,000 professionals operating within the financial district.
- https://gulfnews.com/business/property/dh60-billion-al-maryah-island-expansion-planned-to-double-abu-dhabis-major-financial-district-1.500372692 – Mubadala Investment Company and Aldar Properties have announced a Dh60 billion expansion of Al Maryah Island, aiming to double the availability of Grade-A office space and reinforce Abu Dhabi’s status as a global financial hub. The project will add over 1.5 million square metres of mixed-use infrastructure, including new office space, housing, retail, and hospitality venues, effectively doubling the existing supply of premium offices.
- https://www.gulftoday.ae/business/2024/10/14/aldar-and-mubadala-to-meet-strong-demand-for-office-space-in-abu-dhabi – Aldar Properties and Mubadala Investment Company have commenced the development of One Maryah Place, a two-tower Grade-A commercial project on Al Maryah Island. The development will add approximately 98,000 square metres of Grade-A office space, addressing the strong demand from global corporations and financial institutions for high-quality commercial space within Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).
- https://www.savills.com/insight-and-opinion/savills-news/362903-0/abu-dhabi-s-office-and-industrial-sectors-showcase-robust-growth-amid-economic-expansion – Abu Dhabi’s office market has experienced significant growth, with Grade-A office assets like Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) achieving around 95% occupancy. ADGM recorded a 32% increase in operational firms and a 22% rise in the workforce in 2023, reflecting the growing demand for office spaces. The expansion of ADGM into Al Reem Island has further amplified its appeal, attracting a diverse mix of regional and international occupiers.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative is based on a press release from Mubadala and Aldar, dated 8 December 2025, announcing a $16.3 billion expansion of Abu Dhabi’s financial district on Al Maryah Island. ([mubadala.com](https://www.mubadala.com/en/news/mubadala-and-aldar-announce-expansion-of-abu-dhabis-financial-district-on-al-maryah-island?utm_source=openai)) This press release is the earliest known publication of this information, indicating high freshness. The report has been republished across various reputable outlets, including The National and Semafor, confirming its originality. ([thenationalnews.com](https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/property/2025/12/08/mubadala-and-aldar-launch-dh60bn-expansion-of-abu-dhabi-financial-hub/?utm_source=openai)) No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. The inclusion of updated data, such as the expansion plans and the involvement of hedge funds like Man Group, justifies a higher freshness score.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The report includes direct quotes from Talal Al Dhiyebi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Aldar, and Hani Barhoush, Chief Executive Officer of Mubadala Capital, as found in the press release. ([mubadala.com](https://www.mubadala.com/en/news/mubadala-and-aldar-announce-expansion-of-abu-dhabis-financial-district-on-al-maryah-island?utm_source=openai)) These quotes are consistent across all reputable outlets, indicating no discrepancies or variations. No earlier usage of these quotes was found, suggesting they are original to this report.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from a press release by Mubadala and Aldar, both reputable organizations. The report has been covered by established media outlets such as The National and Semafor, further confirming its credibility. ([thenationalnews.com](https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/property/2025/12/08/mubadala-and-aldar-launch-dh60bn-expansion-of-abu-dhabi-financial-hub/?utm_source=openai))
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The expansion plans align with Abu Dhabi’s strategic initiatives to enhance its status as a global financial hub. The involvement of major hedge funds like Man Group supports the plausibility of the report. The language and tone are consistent with official corporate communications, and the report includes specific details such as the $16.3 billion investment and the development of 1.5 million square meters of mixed-use infrastructure, which are verifiable and align with known facts.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The report is based on a recent press release from reputable organizations, with consistent and original quotes. The information aligns with Abu Dhabi’s strategic initiatives and has been corroborated by established media outlets, indicating high credibility.