Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) 2025, the flagship financial event of the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, was officially inaugurated today under the patronage of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
Organised by Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the fourth edition of ADFW commenced with an opening ceremony attended by more than 20,000 participants, including chief executives, chairpersons and senior representatives from institutions collectively overseeing assets exceeding US$62 trillion.
In his opening remarks, Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM and the Department of Economic Development, stated: “ADFW 2025 represents a pivotal milestone in Abu Dhabi’s journey to become a leading international financial centre. Under the theme ‘Engineering the Capital Network’, this year’s programme is designed to foster innovation, strengthen regulatory collaboration and facilitate strategic partnerships that will shape the future of global finance.”
Notable announcements made during the opening day included the launch of the NYU Stern Global Financial Competitiveness Index, a new benchmark for assessing the strength and attractiveness of international financial centres.
Salem Mohammed Al Darei, Chief Executive Officer of ADGM Authority, emphasised: “Abu Dhabi Finance Week has evolved into one of the world’s most influential gatherings of capital, ideas and innovation. We are proud to provide a neutral and forward-looking environment where global leaders can address the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the financial industry.”
The event, taking place from 8 to 11 December 2025, will host more than 60 curated forums, over 300 sessions and 750 speakers, including the inaugural Further Network Summit, Fintech Abu Dhabi, the Asset Abu Dhabi conference and the Global Markets Summit. The programme will also feature high-level plenaries, specialised industry tracks and exclusive meetings involving sovereign wealth funds, global asset managers, regulators and technology leaders.
