Overview Jurisdiction Al Reem Expansion Authorities Initiatives ADGM Academy Arbitration Centre Overview Business areas Setting up Operating in Public registers Legal framework Regulation Awareness Collaboration Ecosystem ADGM Sustainable Media News Events Spotlight Podcasts Publications Support Make an enquiry Whistleblowing FAQs
A platform that offers limitless opportunities and paves the way for a brighter future

Abu Dhabi boasts first-class infrastructure and unparalleled global connectivity, making it a premier international destination. Its exceptional qualities make it an ideal location to live, work, and conduct business.

Read about Abu Dhabi's lifestyle
Latest initiatives ADGM Announces Incentive Initiative for Existing Al Reem Island Businesses Transitioning to ADGM ADGM Marks Its Presence on Al Reem by Hosting its First Community Event on the Island
Providing an environment that empowers the future

A financial centre that provides transparency, efficiency, and integrity, through its progressive frameworks, future focused infrastructure, all within a familiar independent legal jurisdiction – ADGM is the perfect platform for success.

Find out how to set up in ADGM
Latest news ADGM issues alert concerning misleading claims made by For Life Pro ADFW Unveils Top Finance Leaders Set to Speak at 2024 Edition
Preserve our economies and environment for future generations

ADGM, the centre for a transparent and thriving sustainable finance ecosystem.

More about our Sustainability vision
Highlights Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum’s COP28 Edition Deep-Dives into Nuances of “Building Green Financial Centres of the Future” ADGM, the Region's Leading Climate Finance Hub, Announces its Role as Principal Partner at COP28
Stay up-to-date with our wide range of available resources

Our community of business professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors can depend on ADGM to provide timely news and reliable insights.

Read our latest news articles
Upcoming events LINK Networking Series ADFW 2024
We are here to help

At ADGM, we offer various support options, including contact details, FAQs, enquiry forms, and a whistleblowing form.

View available support options
Some of our FAQ topics
  • Getting started
  • Foundations regime
  • Resolution for incorporation
  • Existing auditors
  • New auditors
  • ACCESSADGM
  • Foundations Regime

    service
    What are the benefits of an ADGM foundation?
    ADGM’s Foundations Regime is the first in the UAE, offering the local private and corporate community an international product for a variety of functions including wealth management and preservation, family succession planning, tax planning, asset protection and corporate structuring, without relying on foreign regulations and structures.

    ADGM foundations offer a robust balance of client confidentiality and high standards of transparency under the ADGM’s internationally recognised legislative environment. International clients who seek to effectively manage and supervise their wealth and assets under a competitive and international jurisdiction will find ADGM foundations useful. ADGM foundations also serve as an alternative to trusts for financial planning and structuring.

    Benefits of ADGM’s Foundations Regime:
  • Access to UAE’s DTTs (subject to the UAE Ministry of Finance Requirements)
  • Wealth Management
  • Robust governance features, with the Foundation Council acting in an equivalent manner to a board of directors. Council members’ duties are prescribed in the ADGM Foundations Regulations. The regime follow international best practice and sets a regulatory standard for the foundation council. This standard includes statutory duties similar to directors’ duties in companies’ law.
  • Assurance through Guardian oversight. The Guardian supervises the Foundation Council and ensures that it acts in accordance with the Foundation’s Charter and By-Laws. Appointment of the Guardian is compulsory upon Founder’s death and optional during Founder’s lifetime.
  • Distinct legal personality, unlike a Trust. Having a legal personality provides Foundations with the flexibility to enter into contracts and arrangements directly, as a company would be able to.
  • Separation of liability whilst maintaining control of assets. A Foundation is a distinct legal entity which allows for separation of liability between Founder and the Foundation.
  • Perpetual existence after the lifetime of Founder. Like a company, a Foundation is a perpetual concept, allowing arrangements to continue and therefore providing certainty after the Founder’s death.
  • Asset protection mechanisms to assist in protection from bankruptcy claims, claims in the event of divorce and from the effect of forced heirship rules.