Addleshaw Goddard Gains ADGM Licence, Deepens Middle-East Presence with New Abu Dhabi Office
International law firm Addleshaw Goddard has secured regulatory approval to practise in Abu Dhabi, opening a full-service office inside Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).
The move marks the latest phase of the firm’s regional growth strategy and aligns with Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the emirate’s economy beyond oil and build a globally integrated, knowledge-based marketplace.
Why the new office matters
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Strategic location: ADGM is the UAE capital’s international financial centre, home to more than 6,000 registered entities and increasingly the jurisdiction of choice for cross-border finance and corporate structuring.
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Sector focus: Addleshaw Goddard will concentrate on high-growth segments including financial services, energy, infrastructure, and technology, providing on-the-ground support for both domestic and international clients.
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Regional scale-up: The firm now counts nearly 100 fee-earners and 27 partners across its Middle-East network, double its regional income of just a few years ago. Abu Dhabi joins existing bases in Dubai, Doha, Muscat and Riyadh.
Leadership view
“Establishing a presence in Abu Dhabi is a vital step in our regional strategy,” said Robin Hickman, Head of Middle East, noting that the licence enables the firm to deliver legal solutions that drive growth and innovation for clients operating in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.
Broader context
Abu Dhabi’s government has prioritized liberalizing legal services to attract foreign investment and technology transfer. Law-firm activity within ADGM has grown by more than 20 percent in the past two years, mirroring the centre’s 33 percent rise in assets under management during Q1 2025.
