Abu Dhabi Global Market Update

St Salvator's College, St Andrews
© 2022 Jane Elizabeth Lambert: All rights reserved

Jane Lambert

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is the international financial centre and free economic zone of Abu Dhabi, located on both Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island.   I first mentioned it on 22 Feb 2016 in Abu Dhabi Global Market - Yet Another Common Law Enclave in the Gulf. Like the Dubai International Financial Centre and the Qatar Financial Centre, the ADGM has its own legal system based on English common law.

The reason I mention the ADGM today is that St. Andrews University Business School announced that it will host a Future Readiness Summit in Abu Dhabi between 26 and 29 Jan 2026 in conjunction with the ADGM Academy and the Future Readiness Academy. The ADGM Academy's mission is 

"dedicated to delivering world-class financial education and literacy, aiming to position Abu Dhabi as a leading global financial center. They are committed to providing educational and experiential programs on a wide range of topics and qualifications in banking, finance, leadership, entrepreneurship, technical, and soft skills. Their mission is to enhance the skills and knowledge of professionals in the financial sector."

The Future Readiness Academy's purpose is "to make Future Readiness a new way of living, learning, and working."

Professor Phillips O’Brien and Dr Adham Saouli are coming from St Andrews.  They will join Dr Selina Neri, CEO, Dean and Co-Founder at Future Readiness Academy and Dr Marius Oostuizen, a member of the Academy's faculty.

Although intellectual property is not on the programme, innovation, branding and creativity will almost certainly be discussed.   Abu Dhabi's rigorous common law legal system protects investment in intellectual assets effectively.  It has already resolved its first intellectual property case.   The ADGM Academy has a School of Law with a programme on navigating business disputes. 

Anyone requiring information on ADGM law or practice should call me on +44 (0)20 7404 5252 during UK office hours or send me a message through my contact form.