IOTA plays a leading and pioneering role in the ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) ecosystem. It is not just another company registered there; it is the organization that "premiered" the legal framework for distributed ledger technology (DLT) foundations.
Here are the key points of your current role at the end of January 2026:
1. The "First of its Kind"
IOTA was the first entity to register under the "2023 DLT Foundations Regulations" of the ADGM. This made it the role model for other networks (such as Sui or Solana) that have sought to establish themselves legally in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Its headquarters there is officially called IOTA Ecosystem DLT Foundation.
2. Expansion Hub (Africa and Asia)
Abu Dhabi is not just an office for IOTA; it is its global "gateway."
100 million dollar fund: The foundation was launched with a massive investment commitment in IOTA tokens to finance projects growing within the region.
Focus on Real Trade: Instead of focusing solely on speculation, IOTA is using its base in the ADGM to digitize global trade. They are working with the UAE government on "TradeTech" solutions to connect African markets with the Gulf.
3. IOTA 2.0 and "Tokenization"
At the start of 2026, IOTA's role in the ADGM has focused on the tokenization of real-world assets (RWA).
Leveraging the legal clarity of Abu Dhabi, IOTA is enabling companies to tokenize invoices, bills of lading, and other commercial assets.
Recent data: Collaborations have been announced to launch investment funds (like treasury bills) running on the IOTA network under the supervision of the ADGM.
4. Launches and Events (January/February 2026)
Right now, the foundation is fostering local and European talent. They are launching a Hackathon (MasterZ × IOTA) starting in February 2026, aimed at attracting developers to create DeFi and digital identity (DID) applications specifically designed to comply with ADGM regulations.
Summary: IOTA is the strategic reference partner of the ADGM to demonstrate that blockchain technology can be used in a regulated, serious manner focused on the real economy (logistics and finance), stepping away from the "chaos" of other less regulated markets.