Al Maryah Island is Abu Dhabi's international financial hub and the home of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) — a financial free zone with its own English-common-law framework. Banks, insurers, asset managers and multinational professional firms cluster here. ADGM's distinct legal system does not exempt businesses from UAE federal taxes: Corporate Tax and VAT apply.
Exempt supplies and structured finance
Financial-services firms on Al Maryah Island face some of the most technical VAT analysis in the country: many financial services are VAT-exempt, which limits input-VAT recovery and demands careful partial-exemption calculations. Under Corporate Tax, the interaction between ADGM regulation and the Federal CT law calls for specialist advice on structures involving funds, special-purpose vehicles and cross-border flows. The FTA expects financial-sector entities to keep especially detailed records — the Deadlines & Penalties hub outlines what is at stake.
For Al Maryah businesses, the right partner understands both the ADGM framework and federal tax law. We support financial-sector firms across Corporate Tax and VAT and coordinate regulated filings through our FTA-registered partner tax agencies.
Frequently asked questions
Are ADGM companies on Al Maryah Island exempt from federal tax?
No. ADGM has its own legal framework, but UAE Corporate Tax and VAT still apply, and entities must register with the FTA.
Why is VAT recovery limited for financial firms on Al Maryah Island?
Many financial services are VAT-exempt, so input VAT cannot be fully recovered and partial-exemption calculations are required.