ADGM (Abu Dhabi) vs Cayman Islands: which jurisdiction wins?

ADGM (Abu Dhabi) vs Cayman Islands — both credible, very different trade-offs. Below: side-by-side on the variables that actually move the decision.

	ADGM (Abu Dhabi)	Cayman Islands
Tax headline	0% on qualifying income (9% otherwise)	0% corporate, capital gains, and income tax
Formation days	14	5
First-year cost	$11,500	$4,200
Treaties	140+	Limited
Substance	Office and director presence required	Economic Substance Law applies to relevant activities
Banking	ADGM banks plus FAB, ADCB onshore introductions	Top-tier prime brokerage and crypto-friendly banking via Cayman National & private banks

Talk to a partner before you incorporate.

Wrong jurisdiction, wrong substance, or wrong bank shortlist is a 12-month problem. A 30-minute briefing fixes 80% of it.