ADGM (Abu Dhabi) vs RAK ICC: which jurisdiction wins?

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

	ADGM (Abu Dhabi)	RAK ICC
Tax headline	0% on qualifying income (9% otherwise)	0% on qualifying income
Formation days	14	5
First-year cost	$11,500	$3,800
Treaties	140+	140+
Substance	Office and director presence required	Lighter than DIFC/ADGM; substance for tax claims
Banking	ADGM banks plus FAB, ADCB onshore introductions	Onshore UAE bank intros possible with proper file

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