Abu Dhabi is now officially the 'Capital of Capital'

Abu Dhabi now holds the title of the world’s wealthiest city, managing a staggering US$ 1.7 trillion through its Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs), according to Global SWF data. These assets, spread across key entities like ADIA, Mubadala, and ADQ, make Abu Dhabi a global financial leader.

But the city’s rise to this pinnacle wasn’t sudden—it’s the result of decades of strategic investments, diversification, and a long-term vision for sustainability.

Global SWF wrote in a report that Abu Dhabi’s wealth journey began in 1958 with the discovery of oil. By the early 1970s, the government created ADIA, one of the world’s first SWFs, to invest surplus oil revenues globally.

Over six decades, Abu Dhabi’s strategy evolved, focusing on attracting foreign investment while continuing to deploy surplus capital abroad. This dual approach ensures that the emirate’s wealth is not only vast but sustainable in the long run, the report added.

According to Global SWF, Abu Dhabi employs a multi-fund strategy. ADIA, Mubadala, ADQ, and others operate independently, each with its own mandate and leadership. This diversification allows the emirate to pursue a wide range of investments, from global infrastructure projects to emerging technologies, enhancing resilience.

In 2024, Abu Dhabi’s SWFs invested US$ 36 billion globally, accounting for two-thirds of all Gulf SWF investments, according to Global SWF data. The city’s newest financial entity, Lunate Capital, has quickly made waves, managing US$ 105 billion and completing high-profile deals like the ADNOC Oil Pipelines.

Abu Dhabi’s national champions, including Etihad, ADPorts, and Masdar, further enhance its financial strength, making significant overseas investments. Meanwhile, the Abu Dhabi Stock Exchange (ADX) has become a key player, with 99 companies listed and a market capitalization of US$ 779 billion, the report concluded.