Henri Al Helaly, Chairman at EXILLIUM.
When I moved to the UAE in 2008, my impression of Abu Dhabi was that it was deliberate and community-driven. Today, however, I view it as a global force in finance, innovation and strategic investment—without losing its stability. If you’re an entrepreneur or investor, knowing how to plug into this ecosystem can help you unlock opportunities.
So, how can you do so?
1. Tap Into Abu Dhabi’s Financial Backbone
Abu Dhabi is a global financial engine. It’s financial center, ADGM, offers a common-law regulatory hub that attracts fintechs, hedge funds and VCs—making it a smart first stop for founders raising capital or scaling.
ADGM provides a regulatory environment that is both business-friendly and rigorous. It offers a common-law framework familiar to international investors and, under UAE federal rules, a free-zone tax regime that can mean 0% corporate tax on “qualifying income” and 9% on non-qualifying income—helping founders preserve cash in early scale-up phases and improving after-tax return.
This sits alongside the UAE’s general 9% corporate tax and a 15% minimum top-up for very large multinationals. Additionally, ADGM’s regulatory sandbox for fintech (RegLab) allows startups to test innovative products and services in a controlled environment, reducing the time and cost of bringing new ideas to market. A public example: RegLab cohorts included firms like DAPI and PointCheckout, with “graduates deploying solutions into live markets.”
So, what actionable steps can you take to get involved? I advise you to explore opportunities through ADGM and engage with its ecosystem, which is home to a vibrant community of companies. You can also leverage ADGM’s licensing options and map your license to the free-zone “qualifying income” rules to preserve incentives.
2. Align With Sovereign And Strategic Investors
Abu Dhabi has sovereign funds that deploy strategic capital to shape industries and drive diversification.
Why should you consider sovereign wealth funds? Because they can act as ecosystem builders—pairing capital with policy alignment, buyer access and supply chain development. That’s different from traditional capital providers, such as regional VCs and PEs, which are active in the region, but, from my observations, usually focus on faster payback and have less industrial coordination.
An actionable step you can take to align with sovereign and strategic investors is to research investment theses. Try to focus on national priorities and tailor your pitch to how you can help advance them. Additionally, build relationships by attending industry conferences and engaging with the funds’ investment teams well in advance of your fundraising efforts.
3. Leverage Next-Gen Platforms
The rise of platforms, such as 2PointZero and MGX, from state-aligned organizations offers another avenue for growth. These entities, I’ve observed, are rapidly expanding into emerging markets, particularly in fintech and digital infrastructure.
These platforms can open doors, but they may not be the right fit for you if you want to retain more control over your company. If that’s the case, my advice is to skip them and grow organically or via the venture capital route.
But if you do want to explore these platforms, you can start by proposing pilots with clear KPIs focused on distribution or procurement synergies. Additionally, look into leveraging the global reach of these platforms. Consider your focus as well—I’ve observed that payments, embedded finance and blockchain are natural fits for these platforms.
4. Capitalize On Strategic Geography And Logistics
Abu Dhabi’s strategic location as a bridge between the East and West makes it a strong hub for logistics, trade and supply chain innovation.
Case in point? Container throughput had a 13% “YoY rise to 4.91 million TEUs in 2023,” based on what AD Ports Group reported, per an article in Gulf Business. Additionally, the UAE had an LPI score of four in 2023, according to the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index.
Actionable steps you can take to leverage Abu Dhabi’s strategic geography and logistics include researching potential opportunities with local entities, leveraging financial instruments such as hedging and trade finance and using logistics hubs to your advantage (such as by designing routes around dwell times).
5. Commit To Sustainability And Green Innovation
Abu Dhabi has prioritized renewable energy through initiatives such as Masdar City and various solar projects.
In my view, committing to sustainability and green innovation is beneficial for entrepreneurs and investors, as well, as it can lower long-term energy costs and improve RFP scoring, among other benefits.
In terms of actionable steps to take in this area, you can clearly state how your product reduces emissions or enables energy efficiency, engage with ongoing renewable energy projects and prioritize renewable energy in your work.
6. Build For The Long Term
In my view, Abu Dhabi’s approach to growth revolves around building systems that last, rather than chasing trends.
I think entrepreneurs and investors should embrace the same approach. Long-term thinking can get you policy visibility, program support and routes to increasing business demand.
You can adopt a long-term approach by developing a sustainable business plan that emphasizes scalability, technology adoption and export potential and focusing on value creation (prioritizing customer outcomes and workforce skills that compound over time). Additionally, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development has resources you can explore.
The First Step Sets The Stage
If you’re serious about building your business journey in Abu Dhabi, engage local regulators, investors and innovation hubs. By taking a first step—be it by networking with an investor, exploring sovereign funds, etc.—you’ll set the stage for your business journey in Abu Dhabi.
The information provided here is not investment, tax or financial advice. You should consult with a licensed professional for advice concerning your specific situation.
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