ADGM Fund Insights
Abu Dhabi's sandbox with serious ambitions.
ADGM is quietly becoming one of the more interesting fund domiciles in the Middle East. Common-law framework, English-language documentation, and a regulator that actually picks up the phone. We cover FSRA licensing, fund structuring in Abu Dhabi Global Market, and what makes ADGM different from DIFC.
Employee investment vehicles in ADGM: how to structure co-investment without triggering fund regulation
ADGM is proposing to exempt properly structured employee investment vehicles from fund licensing and minimum subscription rules. The details matter — one ineligible participant can blow up the entire structure.
ADGM's 2025 reform proposals: what Sub-Threshold and Institutional Fund Manager mean for your first fund
The FSRA proposed two new fund manager categories in late 2025: Sub-Threshold for managers under $200M, and Institutional for those targeting $5M+ tickets. Here is what changes and why it matters.
UAE corporate tax and ADGM funds: how to maintain 0% through Qualifying Free Zone Person status
The UAE's 9% corporate tax does not have to apply to your ADGM fund. Qualifying Free Zone Person status preserves 0% — but the conditions are strict and the compliance is ongoing.
ADGM service provider requirements: who you must appoint and why local nexus matters
ADGM mandates specific service provider appointments for every fund — fund administrator, custodian, and corporate service provider. New proposals tighten local nexus requirements further.
ADGM Category 3C licensing: the fund manager licence and the sub-threshold shortcut
ADGM's Category 3C licence is the gateway for fund managers in Abu Dhabi. A proposed sub-threshold framework could cut capital requirements and approval times in half for emerging managers.
ADGM fund classification: Exempt vs. Qualified Investor Funds and what the minimums mean for your raise
Choosing between an Exempt Fund and a Qualified Investor Fund in ADGM is not a technicality. The minimum subscription threshold — $50,000 or $500,000 — shapes your investor base, your fundraise, and your admin costs.
VC fund pricing in ADGM
$3.5k
+ 0.75%
of fund size
Best for funds under 2M
$20k
+ 0.2%
of fund size
Best for funds 2M - 26M
$20k
+ 0.15%
of fund size
Best for funds over 26M