Capital Group wins an ADGM licence, Temasek plans an Abu Dhabi office: what it means for homes on Al Reem

Capital Group, with $3.6 trillion under management, has secured a licence from ADGM’s regulator and opened its first Middle East office in Abu Dhabi, announced on 7 October 2026. A week earlier, on 30 September, Singapore’s state investor Temasek said it will open offices in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh in the first half of 2027.

What did Capital Group receive in Abu Dhabi?

A Financial Services Permission from the FSRA, the regulator of the ADGM financial centre. It lets the firm operate in ADGM as a regulated investment manager, carrying out trading, investment management and distribution.

Capital Group first announced its Abu Dhabi plans in May 2026. Within five months it had the licence and had relocated staff from North America, Europe and Asia.

How large is the manager?

One of the largest active asset managers in the world, with $3.6 trillion under management. The Abu Dhabi office runs investment, operations and client functions from day one, and the firm says the team will grow with the business.

The head of the new office compared the move with the opening of Capital Group’s Singapore office in 1989 — a sign the firm sees Abu Dhabi as a long-term regional base.

What did Temasek announce?

Singapore’s government-owned investment company will open offices in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh. Timing and terms:

• operations start in the first half of 2027, subject to regulatory approval;
• the offices will act as regional hubs, and some Temasek portfolio companies plan to co-locate there;
• the network grows from 13 offices in 9 countries to 15 offices in 11 countries;
• net portfolio value at 31 March 2026 was S$518 billion, about US$401 billion.

How many managers already work in ADGM?

According to the centre’s own figures for the first half of 2026, ADGM hosts 190 asset managers, 23% more than a year earlier. Funds managed from ADGM number 276, up 32%. The district employs 49,027 people. We covered these numbers in detail in ADGM’s expansion onto Al Reem.

ADGM metric	H1 2026
Asset managers	190 (+23% year on year)
Funds under management	276 (+32%)
People employed	49,027

What does it mean for the Abu Dhabi housing market?

Every new manager brings a team on high, stable incomes that wants to live near the office. Since 2023 ADGM’s jurisdiction covers neighbouring Al Reem as well as Al Maryah, so that demand lands there first.

For an owner on these islands, it supports long-term letting with short voids. For a buyer, it is a reason to look at homes within walking distance of the Al Maryah offices. Housing next to ADGM is reviewed in Radiant Garden and St. Regis Residences by ADGM.

Are there risks?

Two. The first is new supply: large projects are under construction on Al Reem and will reach the market in waves, holding rents back. The second is timing: Temasek opens only in 2027 and only after regulatory approval, so its effect belongs to next year.

The island’s office shortage is being addressed by the Aldar and Mubadala scheme on northern Al Maryah, covered in Al Maryah North: Aldar and Mubadala.

Frequently asked questions

When did Capital Group get its ADGM licence?

The firm announced the licence on 7 October 2026. It is Capital Group’s first office in the Middle East.

When will Temasek open in Abu Dhabi?

In the first half of 2027, if regulators approve. Temasek will open a Riyadh office at the same time.

Where is ADGM?

On Al Maryah and Al Reem islands in Abu Dhabi. Since 24 April 2023 the centre’s jurisdiction has covered all of Al Reem.

Does the arrival of funds affect rents?

Yes, through demand from high earners who want to live near work. New supply on Al Reem keeps that growth in check.

How the world’s largest asset manager already changed Abu Dhabi — read BlackRock opens a hub in Abu Dhabi.