February 24, 2026
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ECONOMIC VISION 2030
The Vanderbilt Terminal for Gulf Economic Transformation
INDEPENDENT GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE FOR ABU DHABI & BAHRAIN
Abu Dhabi GDP: ~$300B | Bahrain GDP: ~$44B | ADIA AUM: $1T+ | Mumtalakat AUM: ~$18B | ADNOC Production: ~4M bpd | Alba Output: 1.6M+ tonnes | AD Non-Oil GDP: ~52% | AD Credit Rating: AA/Aa2 | BH Credit Rating: B+/B2 | ADGM Entities: 1,800+ | Bahrain Banks: 350+ | Vision Deadline: 2030 | Abu Dhabi GDP: ~$300B | Bahrain GDP: ~$44B | ADIA AUM: $1T+ | Mumtalakat AUM: ~$18B | ADNOC Production: ~4M bpd | Alba Output: 1.6M+ tonnes | AD Non-Oil GDP: ~52% | AD Credit Rating: AA/Aa2 | BH Credit Rating: B+/B2 | ADGM Entities: 1,800+ | Bahrain Banks: 350+ | Vision Deadline: 2030 |

Regulatory Intelligence

Abu Dhabi’s regulatory environment operates across multiple jurisdictions and frameworks. Mainland business operates under UAE federal and Abu Dhabi emirate-level regulations. ADGM operates under its own English common law framework. Free zones operate under zone-specific regulations with federal law overlay. Understanding which jurisdiction applies to a given business activity is the first decision any investor or entrepreneur must make.

The guides below provide structured intelligence on the key regulatory domains relevant to business formation and investment in Abu Dhabi.

  • Company Formation — Mainland vs ADGM vs free zones. Steps, costs, timelines, entity types, and comparative assessment.
  • ADGM Regulatory Framework — English common law jurisdiction, entity types, licensing, costs, and regulatory approach.
  • Property Ownership — Freehold vs leasehold, designated zones, foreign ownership rules, and key investment areas.
  • Tax Framework — Corporate tax (9%), VAT (5%), free zone exemptions, and international comparison.
  • Emiratisation — Sector quotas, compliance requirements, penalties, and private sector implementation.
All Articles
abudhabi

Abu Dhabi Company Formation: Complete Guide

Comprehensive guide to company formation in Abu Dhabi — mainland, ADGM, and free zone options. Entity types, formation steps, costs, timelines, licensing requirements, and comparative analysis for investors and entrepreneurs.

Feb 23, 2026
abudhabi

Abu Dhabi Property Ownership Rules for Foreigners

Complete guide to property ownership in Abu Dhabi for foreign nationals — designated investment zones, freehold vs leasehold, recent legislative changes, key areas (Saadiyat, Yas, Al Reem, Al Maryah), and practical considerations for property investment.

Feb 23, 2026
abudhabi

Abu Dhabi Tax Guide

Complete guide to the tax framework in Abu Dhabi — federal corporate tax (9%), free zone exemptions, no personal income tax, no property tax, VAT (5%), excise tax, and comparison with regional and international jurisdictions.

Feb 23, 2026
abudhabi

ADGM Regulatory Framework

Complete guide to the Abu Dhabi Global Market regulatory framework — English common law jurisdiction, entity types, Financial Services Regulatory Authority licensing, Registration Authority processes, costs, and regulatory approach for the emirate's international financial centre.

Feb 23, 2026
abudhabi

Emiratisation Requirements in Abu Dhabi

Guide to Emiratisation policy in Abu Dhabi — sector-specific quotas, Emiratisation Council, Tanmia programmes, compliance requirements, penalties for non-compliance, and private sector implementation of national workforce participation targets.

Feb 23, 2026
Key Indicators
Abu Dhabi GDP ~$300B
Bahrain GDP ~$44B
ADIA AUM $1T+
Mumtalakat AUM ~$18B
ADNOC Production ~4M bpd
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