Glossary / Free Zone
Free Zone

ADGM

Abu Dhabi Global Market — an independent financial free zone on Al Maryah Island with English common law and its own employment regulations.

What is ADGM?

Abu Dhabi Global Market is the emirate's financial free zone, operational since 2015. Like DIFC, it applies English common law directly and has its own courts and financial regulator (FSRA).

Hiring implications

  • Governed by ADGM Employment Regulations 2019 (as amended).
  • End-of-service gratuity applies under ADGM rules; no DEWS-equivalent mandate yet.
  • Work permits and visas issued by ADGM Registration Authority.
  • Popular with hedge funds, family offices, and Web3/virtual-asset firms.

Sources

  • · adgm.com
  • · ADGM Employment Regulations 2019

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