DIFC (Dubai) vs ADGM (Abu Dhabi): which jurisdiction wins?

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

	DIFC (Dubai)	ADGM (Abu Dhabi)
Tax headline	0% on qualifying income (9% otherwise)	0% on qualifying income (9% otherwise)
Formation days	14	14
First-year cost	$12,000	$11,500
Treaties	140+	140+
Substance	Mandatory office, directors, employees in DIFC	Office and director presence required
Banking	DIFC-licensed banks and prime brokers	ADGM banks plus FAB, ADCB onshore introductions

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