According to a report by Global SWF, Abu Dhabi has been named the world’s wealthiest city in terms of sovereign wealth fund (SWF) assets, managing $1.7 trillion. The city is home to major SWFs, including Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), Mubadala Investment Company (MIC), ADQ, and Emirates Investment Authority (EIA). This positions Abu Dhabi slightly ahead of Oslo, whose Government Pension Fund manages $1.6 trillion. Abu Dhabi leads six cities that collectively manage $12.5 trillion in SWF assets, solidifying its status as a global financial hub.Abu Dhabi has been recognized as the world’s wealthiest city in terms of sovereign wealth fund (SWF) assets, according to a report by Global SWF. The city now manages a staggering $1.7 trillion through its various SWFs, surpassing Oslo, which oversees $1.6 trillion through its Government Pension Fund (GPF), the largest single SWF globally.
Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth is managed by several major funds headquartered in the city, including:
- Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA)
- Mubadala Investment Company (MIC)
- Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ)
- Emirates Investment Authority (EIA)
The city’s rise to the top reflects decades of strategic growth in institutional investments, making Abu Dhabi a leading global financial powerhouse. It is joined by other financial hubs, such as Beijing (home to China Investment Corporation), Singapore (with GIC Private and Temasek Holdings), Riyadh (home to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund), and Hong Kong (where SAFE Investment Corporation is based). Together, these six cities account for two-thirds of the global SWF-managed capital, which totals $12.5 trillion as of October 2024.
In addition to its sovereign wealth funds, Abu Dhabi is home to other significant asset owners, including central banks, pension funds, and family offices linked to members of the Royal Family. This expands the city’s total public capital to $2.3 trillion, with projections estimating it will grow to $3.4 trillion by 2030.
The report also highlights Abu Dhabi’s leading position in human capital within the SWF sector, employing over 3,100 personnel across its funds. The city’s significance as a financial hub has earned it the nickname “Capital of Capital” due to its vast wealth and investment influence.
