Abu Dhabi Crowned Richest City with $1.7 Trillion

Abu Dhabi has claimed the title of the world's richest city, boasting a staggering $1.7 trillion in capital managed by its Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) as of October 2024, according to Global SWF. This impressive figure includes key players like the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), Mubadala, Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ), and more.

A Leader in Wealth Management

Following Abu Dhabi in the SWF rankings are cities like Oslo, home to the world's largest SWF (NBIM), Beijing (CIC), Singapore (GIC, Temasek), Riyadh (PIF), and Hong Kong (SAFE IC). It’s important to note that this total doesn’t account for the substantial assets managed by Abu Dhabi’s Royal Private Offices (RPOs), which manage about $344 billion.

Not only does Abu Dhabi lead in financial capital, but it also ranks first in human capital, employing 3,107 staff across its SWFs. This is followed by Singapore, Riyadh, Kuala Lumpur, and Dubai, each boasting over 1,000 employees.

The Evolution of Wealth

Abu Dhabi is often seen as “old money” in the Arabian Gulf, having discovered oil in 1958. Shortly after, the government established an investment board, which evolved into the ADIA, to manage surplus revenues globally. Over the decades, the emirate has transitioned from a low-profile approach to becoming a significant player on the world stage, now dubbed the "Capital of Capital."

In response to global financial changes, Abu Dhabi underwent a consolidation phase, combining various SWFs like Mubadala and ADIC to streamline operations. More recently, ADQ has emerged as a key player in this landscape.

Family Conglomerates and Financial Growth

The rise of family conglomerates in Abu Dhabi has added another layer of financial muscle. Under the leadership of Sheikh Tahnoun, these groups, including IHC, Multiply, and G42, are becoming increasingly influential.

With sustained high oil prices since 2020, Abu Dhabi has enjoyed healthy fiscal surpluses. Projections suggest a surplus of $60 billion over the next two years, further boosting the ADIA.

Investment Activity and Market Trends

In the first three quarters of 2024 alone, Abu Dhabi's SWFs, including ADIA, Mubadala, and ADQ, invested $36 billion globally. This represents two-thirds of all Gulf SWF investments and 26% of total SWF investments worldwide during that period.

New entrants like Lunate Capital, with a portfolio of $105 billion, have also made significant investments, showcasing Abu Dhabi's dynamic financial environment.

The Role of National Champions

National champions like Etihad (aviation), ADPorts (terminals), and G42 (AI) further amplify Abu Dhabi’s investment capabilities. The Abu Dhabi Stock Exchange (ADX) is another vital player, hosting 99 companies with a combined market cap of $779 billion.