A report in the Khaleej Times from 1st July on proposed regulation for the Abu Dhabi Global Market hides an interesting nugget, way down in paragraph six.
A palace overlooks Abu Dhabi Yacht Club – a high roller’s playground? Image: wavejourney.com
“Abu Dhabi financial zone will offer a zero-tax environment for 50 years. In the launch phase, the financial hub will benefit from Abu Dhabi’s natural strength, ie private banking, wealth management and asset management and will grow according to market demand to eventually become a broad based financial hub.”
Great news for private and corporate clients who want to take a break from paying taxes, but how does this sit with the rest of the world’s focus on tax crimes? Will parking funds in the ADGM and avoiding coughing up your dues in the place you make your money be OK? Time will tell.
Abu Dhabi is a part of the United Arab Emirates, a member of the Financial Action Task Force’s regional body – MENAFATF.
