Jurisdictions
English common · Al Maryah Island
— Common-law capital

Abu Dhabi Global Market.

A financial free zone on Al Maryah Island in which English common law applies of its own force. Legislation is enacted independently; the bench is drawn from the senior English and Commonwealth judiciary; financial services are supervised by the FSRA.

Sowwah Square (ADGM Square) on Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi — four office towers in two pairs flanking the central HQ buildingIISowwah Square · Al Maryah Island
— Legal architecture · ADGM Courts§ ADGM Courts, Civil Evidence, Judgments, Enforcement and Judicial Appointments Regulations 2015
i
ADGM Court of AppealFinal tier; Chief Justice presiding.
[ADGMCA]
ii
Court of First InstanceCivil and Commercial Division.
[ADGMCFI]
iii
Court of First InstanceEmployment Division.
[ADGMCFI]
iv
Small Claims TribunalClaims under USD 100,000.
[SCT]

The Abu Dhabi Global Market was established by federal decree in 2013 as a financial free zone on Al Maryah Island. It is unusual among offshore jurisdictions in applying English common law directly: the law of England and Wales, as it stands from time to time, takes effect within ADGM save where displaced by ADGM's own enactments. Its legislation is drafted as standalone regulations, its courts are presided over by judges drawn from the senior English and Commonwealth judiciary, and its proceedings are conducted in English. The FSRA regulates financial-services activity within the zone; the Registration Authority oversees corporate matters. iii

Our work in ADGM centres on corporate structuring: special purpose vehicles, holding companies, foundations, and operating entities, typically coordinated through registered corporate-services providers. We engage regularly with the Registration Authority and, where the matter touches financial services, with the FSRA, on incorporation, governance, and continuing compliance. Where contentious work falls within the rights of audience available to ADGM-registered legal practitioners, we conduct it directly; where it does not, we instruct local advocates and remain in the matter as instructing counsel. iiiiv

“ADGM is the only forum in the region in which English common law applies of its own force. The discipline that follows from that fact governs how the work is conducted.”

— Jurisdiction II · ADGM
— Engaging counsel on an ADGM matter

Initial discussions are conducted without obligation.

Whether the work concerns incorporation, governance, an FSRA regulatory pathway, or a contentious matter before the ADGM Courts, we will identify the principal regulatory and procedural considerations, set out the structural options, and advise on the most effective course.

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