Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and Chairman of the Executive Council, Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW), the flagship financial event of the MEASA region hosted by Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), will take place for its third edition from December 9-12, 2024 under the theme “Welcome to the Capital”.

This year’s strategic theme will aim to unravel the key facets of Abu Dhabi’s strength and value proposition, covering the evolution and rise of its role as the region’s prominent financial hub and destination of choice for leading international financial institutions. The event will also seek to explore the opportunities created when monetary capital is combined with top-tier human capital, technological capabilities and ground-breaking innovations that are emerging in science, technology, engineering, and creativity. Abu Dhabi’s position as a financial hub has garnered global recognition. The emirate is home to some of the world’s largest Sovereign Wealth Funds and many international financial institutions that have chosen ADGM as their regional gateway to grow and expand.

Abu Dhabi’s technological sector has witnessed a significant evolution in recent years, marked by a surge in innovative startups, strategic investments in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain, and the establishment of tech-focused initiatives and ecosystems. This growth trajectory has positioned Abu Dhabi as a regional hub for technology-driven innovation and entrepreneurship, attracting talent and investment globally.

The third edition of ADFW will also examine how the UAE capital is leading the charge to blend these aspects to contribute to the future prosperity of the Falcon Economy of Abu Dhabi.

His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED and ADGM, said: “Abu Dhabi is rapidly emerging as a regional and international hub for finance, technology, education, hospitality, healthcare, tourism, trade, industry, artificial intelligence, and other types of key economic activity, aligned with a vision that is prioritising a diversified economy. Such impactful transformations, which stem from Abu Dhabi’s unique value proposition, foster a proactive mindset, a spirit of innovation and driven by some of the most capable and ambitious professionals. Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2024 will delve into these aspects, including the significant role of AI, which are contributing equally to positioning Abu Dhabi as the rising falcon economy and the Capital of Capital.”

Last year’s ADFW achieved monumental success by hosting more than 18,000 attendees from the financial industry during its thematic days. Of this, 39 per cent represented an international audience, with over 3,500 business leaders, senior financial leaders from top global financial firms, industry experts, policymakers, regulators, investors, and bankers.

In a significant development,14 major financial institutions, collectively managing $452 billion in assets, announced plans to establish operations within ADGM during the ADFW 2023, reaffirming ADGM’s rising prominence as a global financial hub and enhancing Abu Dhabi’s appeal as an international finance destination. Notable institutions such as JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Rothschild & Co showcased confidence in Abu Dhabi’s economic reforms. ADGM’s allure, bolstered by its adoption of English common law, continues to attract esteemed global firms like GQG Partners and The Children’s Investment Fund (TCI). The positive momentum from Abu Dhabi Finance Week underscores ADGM’s pivotal role in fostering economic growth in the region.

ADFW’s 2024 edition will be one of the year’s most significant investment and finance trade gatherings globally. The event aims to be even bigger and better than previous editions and deliver a platform that will continue to attract global firms to the Falcon economy of Abu Dhabi.

ALETIHAD