The Reuters news staff had no role in the production of this content. It was created by Reuters Plus, the brand marketing studio of Reuters.
PRODUCED BY REUTERS PLUS FOR
Abu Dhabi Powerhouse
Global Connectivity
Investment Opportunities
Tourism
Sustainability
Technology
Disclaimer: The Reuters news staff had no role in the production of this content. It was created by Reuters Plus, the brand marketing studio of Reuters. To work with Reuters Plus, contact us here.
From modest origins in pearl fishing, Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is on an ambitious path to become a catalyst of a diverse economy that is booming with opportunities.
With its dynamic and modern lifestyle, impressive architecture and acclaimed green initiatives, Abu Dhabi is fast becoming a hot spot for the world’s biggest and brightest. Welcome to the dawn of Abu Dhabi Powerhouse.
Explore
Global Connectivity
27
new manufacturing operations
Q1 2023 saw
Technology
A pioneering, business-friendly environment
#1
In the world for ease of doing business*
#9
#1
In the top 4 best performing global indices with highest growth rate and positive investment returns
World-class logistics, infrastructure and connectivity
People reached by semi-automated port
12%
Lorem ipsum dolor sit
18%
Lorem ipsum dolor sit
29%
Lorem ipsum dolor sit
41%
Lorem ipsum dolor sit
For ease of doing business in the Middle East*
0%
Income tax with a low VAT rate of 5%
Investment Opportunities
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
DUBAI
UAE
5m
ABU DHABI
of the world reachable within 8-hour flight.
80%
Tourism
Sustainability
*World Bank, Doing business report, 2021
Abu Dhabi has built a reputation as one of the best investment destinations in the region, empowering businesses to be competitive and innovative.
The circular economy framework was launched in December 2023
The framework aims to achieve a 50% reduction in industrial process waste, at least 40,000 tons annually.
The initiative will cover key sectors to ensure 100% compliance by 2030 with 100% compliance within the plastic manufacturing sector by 2025.
100%
29%
growth over 2021
Abu Dhabi is the largest economy in the UAE
The capital of Capital, contributing over 62% of GDP in 2023.
ADX has the largest and most traded ETF market in MENA
9.4% of inward FDI stock as % of GDP in 2022
61.2%
Abu Dhabi's ideally located to be a major business hub, with a third of the world’s population within a four-hour journey.
Abu Dhabi Ports operates 10 ports and terminals in the UAE, including the region’s first semi-automated container port that offers state-of-the-art logistics and trade facilities.
Additionally, its advanced seaport facilities at Khalifa Port play a crucial role in facilitating maritime trade and logistics, further enhancing its connectivity with global markets.
Cutting edge infrastructure
There’s a reason why Abu Dhabi regularly tops smart living and business indexes.
In May 2023 it was named the smartest city in the region and 13th in the world by the IMD Smart City Index. An 11-km bridge inaugurated last year now connects Al Reem Island to Abu Dhabi City.
Abu Dhabi is the first capital market in the region to have a dedicated ESG benchmark Index to advance sustainable investment practices
Launched by ADX, the ESG Screened Index supports Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s sustainability ambition and facilitates greater investments to responsible ADX listed companies.
Home to a pioneering global climate finance center
Launched at COP28 in 2023, ALTÉRRA is a climate focused investment manager in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), with a $30 billion commitment in catalytic capital.
ALTÉRRA can claim to be the world’s largest private investment vehicle for climate change action and aims to mobilize $250 billion globally by 2030.
Abu Dhabi has adopted green standards to encourage energy-efficient and environmentally friendly buildings
The Estidama Pearl Rating System, similar to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), is used to evaluate the sustainability of buildings in the emirate.
LEED Platinum building in Abu Dhabi was Siemens Middle East HQ in 2014
Abu Dhabi has launched Tourism Strategy 2030
Compliance within plastic manufacturing by 2025
In Feb. 2022, Abu Dhabi launched the ‘Investor Journey’ – a fully digitalized experience designed to address the needs of prospective entrepreneurs and investors by reducing costs, offering seamless integration and an advanced service ecosystem.
It followed the lowering of set-up and renewal fees by 93% to just $272, and the cancellation of 71% of business set-up requirements in 2021.
Abu Dhabi attracts business with Investor Journey
Founded five years ago, Hub71 provides subsidized housing, office space, and funding opportunities to attract startups in various technology sectors, including AI, fintech, healthtech, and more.
Mubadala Investment Company
Mubadala is a sovereign wealth fund owned by the Abu Dhabi government. It invests in various sectors, including technology, through its subsidiary, Mubadala Technology.
Mubadala has invested in several high-profile technology companies globally, such as AMD, SoftBank Vision Fund, and Uber.
The emirate boasts a well-developed transportation network including a world-class international airport
Hub71 is a tech ecosystem offering incentives and support for startups
261
Startups based at Hub71
Raised in VC funding
$1.5bn
1,147
Jobs created
50+
Businesses and investments in more than 50 countries
1015Bn
Assets under management
Khalifa University is a leading research institution focusing on science, engineering and technology
It collaborates with industry partners and government entities to conduct research and development in areas such as renewable energy, aerospace, and healthcare technology.
12
Specialized Research Centers
8:1
Student to faculty ratio
99%
Student awarded scholarships
Abu Dhabi is investing in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics
Through initiatives like the AI and Robotics Accelerator. This accelerator provides funding and support for startups developing AI and robotics solutions across various industries, including healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing.
A new era of smart mobility
Launched in October 2023, Abu Dhabi’s Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) cluster is a hub for smart mobility in the region, positioning Abu Dhabi as a global leader revolutionizing mobility across air, land and sea.
SAVI supports innovation and the commercialization of smart and autonomous vehicle technologies in the UAE, unlocking their global potential by providing state-of-the-art facilities and value-added services within an enabling regulatory environment.
1,000+
Organisations are now based in the city, which covers 6sq km
1st
2020
2025
2030
$250b
Tourism Strategy 2030 is an ambitious blueprint that signals a new era of expansion and strategic development in the travel and tourism sector, fueling an estimated 178,000 new jobs.
The strategy seeks to boost visitor numbers from 24 million in 2023 to 39.3 million by 2030 (overnight and same-day), with a 7% year-on-year growth.
2023
2030
Abu Dhabi’s top attractions
24m
visitors
(target: 39.3m by 2030)
$13.3bn
contribution to GDP (target: $24.5m by 2030)
27%
rise in hotel guests
54%
rise in international guests
(arrivals from key international markets like India, Russia, the UK, China and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia played a pivitol role in 2023).
Abu Dhabi's booming tourism sector in 2023
Cultural sites include: Qasr Al Hosn, Qasr Al Watan, Abrahamic Family House and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque as well as its pristine beaches and natural landscapes.
Museums and exhibitions include: Louvre Abu Dhabi and the inaugural Manar Abu Dhabi public art exhibition. The Guggenheim and Zayed Museum will be opening soon.
Festivals include: Al Hosn Festival and Liwa Festival.
World events include: Wireless Middle East Festival and the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
To achieve the ambitions laid out in the Tourism Strategy 2030, the emirate has identified 26 key initiatives across four strategic pillars:
Offering & City Activation
Promotion & Marketing
Infrastructure & Mobility
Visa, Licensing & Regulations
Unlocking opportunities and amplifying its distinctive culture
by 2023
Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy (ADIS) aims to be the leading industrial hub in the region through $2.7bn of investment
+35%
1,825
Home to three of the largest sovereign wealth funds – ADIA, Mubadala Investment Co. and ADQ
2023
+$2.7bn
ADGM is the fastest-growing financial center in the region
The emirate is among the few places in the world to manage more than $1.1 trillion in sovereign wealth capital, and has recently set up a technology investment firm that could surpass $100 billion AUM.
The strategy places greater focus on knowledge-based industries of the future and contribute to the global competitiveness of the industrial sector.
$1.5tn+
$250bn
2030
$30bn
2023
The Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy launched in June 2022.
$2.7b
investment program
13,600
skilled jobs by 2031
Accounting for 45% of the ETFs listed in the GCC region, ADX offers local and foreign
Significant investment in renewable energy projects, particularly solar and wind
Noor Abu Dhabi and the Al-Dhafra Solar Park are two of the largest solar projects in the world with capacities of 1.17 gigawatts (GW) and 2GW respectively, once completed.
1.17GW
Noor Abu Dhabi
Al-Dhafra Solar Park
2GW
Offering exceptional local and foreign investors strategic access to investment opportunities in vital growth industries and market liquidity.
ADX is the 2nd largest capital market in the GCC
+$762 bn Market Cap
ADX
8 stock exchanges
Access to 8 fast-growing economies
12 ETFs*
companies
35%
Growth in AUM in 2023
Asset managers operating
102
Funds managed
141
One of the largest IFCs in the world
14.38m (sq m)
Operational entities
1,825
The Reuters news staff had no role in the production of this content. It was created by Reuters Plus, the brand marketing studio of Reuters.
PRODUCED BY REUTERS PLUS FOR
ETFs
12
3.8m
international overnight visitors
(target: 7.2m by 2030)
8.7m
visitors to cultural sites
Libraries, Louvre Adu Dhabi , Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Qasr Al Watan
3.8m
international overnight visitors
(target: 7.2m by 2030)
8.7m
visitors to cultural sites
Libraries, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Qasr Al Watan
Disclaimer: The Reuters news staff had no role in the production of this content. It was created by Reuters Plus, the brand marketing studio of Reuters. To work with Reuters Plus, contact us here.
USA
Turkey
Kuwait
Pakistan
China
UAE
India
Saudi Arabia
(total of assets under management)
*Exchange-traded funds
*Images inspired by HUB71 Impact Event branding
(total of assets under management)
Wireless Middle East
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Qasr Al Watan palace
Qasr Al Hosn
Abu Dhabi Yas Island
Learn more
Explore the opportunities that Abu Dhabi DED has to offer
