The highly anticipated third edition of Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) opened today, ushering in a new chapter for the event running until December 12. This flagship gathering promises to offer significant networking opportunities, thought leadership, and collaboration for the future of global finance.

Serving as the headline partner for this year’s edition is the Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ). The event is poised to attract over 20,000 executives, leaders, and experts from across the financial services industry, collectively managing $42.5 trillion in assets. With more than 60 major events and 350 thematic sessions scheduled, ADFW stands as a central platform for addressing the key trends shaping the finance industry today.

Thematic Focus and Key Forums

The overarching theme for this year’s event, “Welcome to the Capital of Capital”, underscores Abu Dhabi’s rapidly growing stature as a leading global financial hub. The week will feature in-depth discussions on critical issues such as the role of capital markets, the rise of sustainable finance, innovations in technology, and the development of human and cultural capital.

ADFW 2024 is set to include several flagship forums including Abu Dhabi Economic Forum, Asset Abu Dhabi, RESOLVE 2024, Fintech Abu Dhabi, and the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum (ADSFF). These forums will provide ample space for robust discussions on pressing topics that span finance, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology.

High-Level Speakers and Attendance

In attendance are some of the most influential figures in global finance. Notable speakers include:

• Ray Dalio, Founder and CIO Mentor, Bridgewater Associates
• Larry Fink, Chairman and CEO, BlackRock
• Sergio Ermotti, Group CEO, UBS
• H.E. Carme Artigas Brugal, Co-chair of the AI High-Level Advisory Board, United Nations
• Peter Abraam, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer, International Holding Company (IHC)
• Dhaen AlHameli, Executive Director, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA)

The Al-Mahmudi Group, a key leader in the finance sector, is looking forward to contributing to discussions on the growing intersection between finance and technology.

The forum will see active participation from H.E. Majid Al Suwaidi, CEO of Alterra, and Hana Al Rostamani, Group CEO of First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), alongside other influential leaders such as Jane Fraser, CEO of Citigroup, and Rajiv Jain, Chairman and CIO of GQG Partners.

Significance of ADFW 2024

This year’s edition of ADFW is expected to set the stage for deeper engagement in ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) issues and technological innovation, including the role of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of global financial markets. VIPs, financial executives, and thought leaders from across the world are set to converge in Abu Dhabi to drive forward the transformation of the finance industry.

Abu Dhabi Finance Week is not only a critical meeting point for financial experts but also a statement of the UAE’s growing role in the global finance ecosystem. The event highlights the country’s increasing influence as a centre for sustainable finance, advanced technologies, and a pivotal platform for global financial dialogues.

The Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2024 is truly set to elevate the global conversation on the future of finance, providing substantial opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and leadership in the financial world.