6 May 2025 

His Majesty The King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, visited ADGM, the international financial centre of the UAE capital – Abu Dhabi. The delegation was hosted by His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM, together with members of the ADGM senior leadership team.

This visit by His Majesty follows the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in April 2025 between the GMC Authority (GMCA) and the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of ADGM, to establish a framework for cooperation between the two authorities in relation to financial services and innovation.

During the visit, His Majesty and His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi discussed how GMC can serve as a platform and gateway to support ADGM firms’ expansion into GMC and the South Asia region – home to almost two billion people. Likewise, ADGM can support GMC firms’ global growth ambitions in Abu Dhabi, the UAE, and the wider MENA region. Both GMC and ADGM utilise English Common Law frameworks and global best practices, and support technologically innovative businesses, which provides even greater support to enterprises seeking to establish a presence in both jurisdictions.

HB Lim, Managing Director of the GMC Authority, said: “GMC and ADGM are forward-looking jurisdictions committed to driving the growth of financial services across traditional finance, FinTech and digital assets. This visit by the GMC delegation to ADGM marks an important first step in establishing links between the two jurisdictions. We look forward to working closely with ADGM to support the vibrant growth of businesses in each other’s jurisdictions.”

Emmanuel Givanakis, CEO of the FSRA of ADGM, said: “ADGM is pleased to establish a regulatory relationship with GMC to facilitate cooperation and collaboration. Our partnership provides a strong foundation to develop opportunities that may support the expansion of GMC firms from the South Asian region into Abu Dhabi and the wider MENA region. Similarly, it has the potential to create future opportunities for ADGM firms to expand into South Asia.”

About Gelephu Mindfulness City

The Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) Special Administrative Region (SAR) is a pioneering

initiative creating an urban environment in the southern plains of Bhutan centred around

mindfulness, sustainability and innovation. The SAR under the guidance of His Majesty The King integrates traditional Bhutanese values, internationally accepted legal frameworks, cutting-edge design and technology and harnesses the Kingdom’s abundant green power to serve as a global exemplar of holistic development. Please visit www.gmc.bt or contact us at invest@gmc.bt for more information.

About ADGM

ADGM is the international financial centre (IFC) of the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, which opened for business on 21 October 2015. ADGM augments Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading financial centre and a business hub, serving as a strategic link between the growing economies of the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and the rest of the world.

Operating within an international regulatory framework based on the direct application of English Common Law, ADGM governs the entirety of Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island, collectively designated as the financial free zone of Abu Dhabi.

ADGM is ranked as one of the most preferred and top-ranking IFCs in the Middle East and Africa region. Its progressive and inclusive business ecosystem fosters growth, resilience, and optimism for global financial and non-financial institutions. Growing synergies between ADGM and multiple jurisdictions have positioned the centre as one of the world’s most advanced, diverse, and progressively governed financial hubs.

For more details on ADGM, please visit www.adgm.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram: @ADGM X: @adglobalmarket 

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