In just a few of generations, Abu Dhabi has transformed itself from a desert landscape into a thriving business hub surrounded by lush residential communities. Home to many talented and skilled professionals and Capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi is a dynamic modern city rich with impressive architecture, at the forefront of global green initiatives and planning for the next generation’s transformation.

Located on an island on the coast of the Arabian Gulf, Abu Dhabi is the largest of its seven emirates and has a highly diverse and international population – international residents from 120 countries make up 80 percent of its population.

In addition to a progressive agenda in healthcare, arts, economic & environmental sustainability, educational and human development, this city intends to develop its position in international finance, in partnership with the world’s leading financial centres, through Abu Dhabi Global Market. 

Developing a sustainable economy that will prosper after oil and gas production comes to an end

Designed to diversify the Emirate’s economy away from oil, the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision is a comprehensive plan for the long-term transformation of the economy, by focusing on knowledge-based industries. The Vision aims to develop a sustainable economy that will continue to prosper long after oil and gas production has eventually come to an end. 

The Vision not only targets diversifying Abu Dhabi’s economy by developing specific economic sectors, it also aims to enlarge the enterprise base, encourage entrepreneurs, small and medium enterprises and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), in addition to further developing its established national champion enterprises which act as economic anchors. Abu Dhabi will also enhance competitiveness and improve productivity.

The Abu Dhabi government has identified the following seven areas of focus to achieve the diversification of the economy:

  • 1Build an open, efficient, effective and globally integrated business environment
  • 2Adopt a disciplined fiscal policy that is responsive to economic cycles
  • 3Establish a resilient monetary and financial market environment
  • 4Drive significant improvement in the efficiency of the labour market
  • 5Develop a sufficient and resilient infrastructure capable of supporting the anticipated economic growth
  • 6Develop a highly-skilled, highly-productive work force
  • 7Enable financial markets to become the key financiers of economic sectors and projects

Abu Dhabi has a dynamic and sophisticated financial services sector that generates 10 per cent of the Emirate’s none-oil GDP

Abu Dhabi accounts for 60 per cent of the UAE’s investable wealth and 75 per cent of the UAE’s total assets under management.  Over four decades, Abu Dhabi-based institutions, such as the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, International Petroleum Investment Company, National Bank of Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and Mubadala; have earned their position as major players in the global financial services arena, managing substantial assets and pursuing international growth strategies

Abu Dhabi Global Market will provide a business friendly platform for local, regional and international financial services institutions to set up and do business within a robust and international recognised regulatory framework and with an independent court.

Abu Dhabi’s infrastructure is at par with the most advanced countries across the globe

In less than 50 years, the Emirate has successfully built a comprehensive transportation network, as well as modern facilities and amenities that make it easy to  do business from the Emirate. In addition, Abu Dhabi Economic Vision identifies premium infrastructure assets as one of its 9 pillars.

Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD)

In line with the Vision, KIZAD, an industrial development of unprecedented scale, ambition and vision was established in 2010. Stretching over an extraordinary 417 square kilometres. its strategic location, linking East with the West, coupled with its multi-modal transportation infrastructure by sea, air, road and rail, gives businesses clear advantages by having easy and efficient access to over 4.5 billion consumers within four time zones.

Located within Kizad is Khalifa Port, the first semi-automated container port in the region. Six Super Post Panamax Quay cranes, 32 automated stacking cranes, 20 straddle carriers and comprehensive ICT services are part of the container port’s state-of-the-art infrastructure, making it one of the most technologically advanced ports in the world. Khalifa Port can accommodate the biggest ships sailing the world’s oceans. Currently, the port serves 17 shipping lines, offers direct services and direct connections to more than 40 international destinations as well as transshipment at the world’s main hubs.


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Abu Dhabi is the largest of the seven Emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, accounting for more than 80 per cent of the country’s total area

Home to over 2.45 million residents, Abu Dhabi’s population has almost doubled over the past eight years, at an annual growth rate of 7.5 per cent.  Considered one of the safest cities in the world, Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the UAE offers residents and visitors a wide array of facilities and amenities suitable for modern day life; including shopping malls featuring some of the world’s leading brands, extensive sports, leisure and hospitality facilities, world-class attractions including: Ferrari World; Yas Water World; the Yas Marina Circuit, which hosts the Formula 1 Grand Prix and a wealth of beaches, islands and a landscape of outstanding natural beauty.   

Know more about Abu Dhabi Culture & Tourism Authority

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Abu Dhabi International Airport handles over 20 million passengers annually

Located at the crossroads connecting East, West, South and North, Abu Dhabi has a vast logistics network that reaches destinations across the world via land, air and sea, led by Abu Dhabi International Airport, which is expected to handle over 20 million passengers annually once the current expansion phase is complete and reaching 55 million in the following ten years.

Etihad Airlines, the internationally recognised and award winning National Airline of the UAE has in just ten years established itself as the world’s leading airline with more than 103 destinations. 

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