Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2024: 50 Events Coming in 100 Days

Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) is set to return for its third edition, promising to be a landmark event in the global financial calendar. Scheduled to take place from December 9th to 12th, 2024, this year’s event is more ambitious than ever, featuring an expansive lineup of forums, summits, and discussions that will position Abu Dhabi as the “Capital of Capital.” 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, ADFW 2024 will bring together the world’s most influential financial leaders to explore the multifaceted dimensions of finance, culture, technology, and sustainability.

Abu Dhabi Finance Week, ADFW

ADFW has rapidly evolved into one of the world’s premier financial events, drawing top-tier professionals and institutions from across the globe. The event’s comprehensive agenda reflects Abu Dhabi’s vision of becoming a leading financial hub that not only influences regional markets but also plays a significant role in shaping the global financial landscape. With the theme “Welcome to the Capital of Capital,” ADFW 2024 will explore the various aspects that contribute to Abu Dhabi’s standing, including financial, human, cultural, environmental, and technological factors.

A Stellar Lineup of Forums

This year’s edition of ADFW will feature five core forums that have become the cornerstone of the event: the Abu Dhabi Economic Forum, Asset Abu Dhabi, RESOLVE 2024, Fintech Abu Dhabi, and the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum (ADSFF). These forums are designed to provide deep insights into the pressing issues and opportunities in the financial world.

But ADFW 2024 isn’t stopping there. The event will introduce several new forums and summits, further broadening its scope and influence. Among these are the UBS Investment Forum, the China UAE Investment Summit presented by HSBC, the Islamic Finance Summit, Spear’s Private Wealth Summit, and the Abu Dhabi Capital Markets Showcase. These additions ensure that ADFW continues to be a pivotal event that addresses the evolving needs of the financial industry, offering a platform for strategic discussions, networking, and innovation.

Reflecting on ADFW 2023

The success of last year’s ADFW set a high bar for the upcoming event. ADFW 2023 was a resounding success, attracting over 3,300 high-level executives, including Chairmen, CEOs, COOs, Managing Directors, and Regional CEOs, who collectively manage more than USD 30 trillion in assets. This staggering figure represents a significant portion of the global economy, underscoring the event’s importance on the world stage.

The 2023 edition centered around the theme “Investing in the Transition Era,” highlighting the critical role Abu Dhabi plays in the global financial ecosystem. The discussions at ADFW 2023 covered a wide range of topics, including sustainable investing, technological innovation, and the strategic shifts required to navigate the transition to a more sustainable and resilient global economy. The event also emphasized Abu Dhabi’s growing influence in global financial markets, attracting some of the world’s most prominent financial institutions and thought leaders.

Abu Dhabi Economic Forum

The third edition of ADFW will kick off with the Abu Dhabi Economic Forum on December 9th, 2024. This forum will serve as the centerpiece of the event, focusing on the strategies, policies, and investments that are driving the future of Abu Dhabi’s economy, often referred to as the “Falcon Economy.” The forum will convene senior leaders from the Abu Dhabi government, along with top executives from international financial institutions, to discuss how Abu Dhabi is positioning itself for sustained economic growth and resilience.

Key topics of discussion will include the diversification of Abu Dhabi’s economy, the role of innovation in driving economic growth, and the city’s ambitious plans to become a global leader in various sectors, including finance, technology, and sustainability. The forum will also explore the impact of global economic trends on Abu Dhabi’s economy and the strategies being implemented to mitigate risks and capitalize on opportunities.

Asset Abu Dhabi 2024

On December 10th, the focus will shift to Asset Abu Dhabi, one of the most anticipated events at ADFW 2024. Building on the success of its previous editions, Asset Abu Dhabi will delve into the future of investment, exploring the evolution of public and private markets, the role of technology in shaping investment strategies, and the opportunities presented by the cities of the future.

The forum will feature insights from some of the world’s largest institutional investors, including asset managers, venture capitalists, private equity firms, and family offices. Participants will discuss the latest trends in asset allocation, the impact of macroeconomic factors on investment strategies, and the growing importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations in investment decision-making.

In addition to the main forum, Asset Abu Dhabi will also host a series of side events, including the UBS Investment Forum, the International Family Office Congress, the Turnaround, Restructuring, and Insolvency (T.R.I.) Summit, Spear’s Private Wealth Forum, and the Venture Stage – Startup Campus. These events will provide attendees with additional opportunities to network, share insights, and explore new investment opportunities.

RESOLVE 2024

Also on December 10th, RESOLVE 2024 will take center stage, focusing on the challenges and opportunities in the dispute resolution landscape. With the theme “Resilience,” this year’s RESOLVE will bring together leaders from government, industry, technology, and academia to discuss the future of dispute resolution, including the role of technology in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the process.

Key topics of discussion will include strategies for developing a resilient mindset, the art of negotiation, the impact of digital transformation on dispute resolution, and the importance of dispute resolution in supporting robust business environments. RESOLVE 2024 will also feature case studies and best practices from around the world, providing attendees with valuable insights into the latest trends and developments in the field.

Fintech Abu Dhabi 2024

The third day of ADFW, December 11th, will be dedicated to Fintech Abu Dhabi, the largest fintech event in the MENA region. Fintech Abu Dhabi 2024 will bring together tech innovators, entrepreneurs, developers, scientists, and alternative investors to explore the future of finance in areas such as digital payments, blockchain, digital security, and credit.

This year’s event will feature a range of side events, including the Global Financial Regulators Summit, the AI Forum, Blockchain Abu Dhabi, the Risk 4.0 Risk & Security Forum, the DLT Foundations Roundtable, and the Islamic Finance Summit. These events will provide attendees with the opportunity to engage with industry leaders, explore cutting-edge technologies, and discuss the latest trends shaping the future of finance.

Fintech Abu Dhabi 2024 will also highlight the growing importance of financial inclusion, with discussions on how fintech can be leveraged to provide access to financial services for underserved populations around the world. The event will also feature the MENA Fintech Awards, which will recognize the most innovative and impactful fintech solutions in the region.

Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum 2024

The final day of ADFW, December 12th, will host the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum (ADSFF), which has become a cornerstone of the global green finance movement. Following its successful special edition at COP28, ADSFF 2024 will focus on the critical role of sustainable finance in driving the transition to a low-carbon, sustainable future.

The forum will feature discussions on a range of topics, including the latest regulatory developments in sustainable finance, the role of collaboration in advancing green finance initiatives, and the importance of building a robust ecosystem to support the growth of sustainable finance. ADSFF 2024 will also highlight the UAE’s commitment to achieving its net-zero ambitions and the steps being taken to support the global transition to a sustainable future.

In addition to the main forum, ADSFF 2024 will also feature a series of side events, including the Women in Finance Forum, the ADGM Academy (ADGMA) Showcase, the Youth in Finance Summit, and the Philanthropy Summit. These events will provide attendees with additional opportunities to engage with thought leaders, share insights, and explore new opportunities in the rapidly evolving field of sustainable finance.

UAE-China Summit and UBS Investment Forum

ADFW 2024 will also include two highly anticipated events: the UAE-China Summit, presented by HSBC, and the UBS Investment Forum. These events will bring together senior leaders from the UAE and China, as well as global financial leaders, to discuss strategic investments, the future of international financial markets, and the opportunities for collaboration between the two countries.

The UAE-China Summit will explore the growing economic ties between the UAE and China, with a focus on the opportunities for investment and collaboration in areas such as technology, infrastructure, and sustainable development. The summit will also highlight the role of Abu Dhabi as a key gateway for Chinese investments in the region.

The UBS Investment Forum, meanwhile, will provide attendees with insights into the latest trends and developments in the global financial markets. The forum will feature discussions on a range of topics, including the impact of macroeconomic factors on investment strategies, the role of technology in shaping the future of finance, and the growing importance of ESG considerations in investment decision-making.

ADFW 2024—A Catalyst for Global Financial Innovation

With an unprecedented breadth and depth of programming, ADFW 2024 is set to make a significant impact on the global financial landscape. The event reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to fostering innovation, sustainability, and economic growth, positioning the Emirates as a leading financial hub on the world stage.

As the global financial sector continues to navigate complex challenges and opportunities, ADFW 2024 will serve as a crucial platform for dialogue, collaboration, and progress. Whether you’re a financial leader, an investor, a tech innovator, or a policymaker, ADFW 2024 offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the world’s top financial minds, explore the latest trends and developments, and contribute to shaping the future of global finance.

In an increasingly interconnected and rapidly changing world, ADFW 2024 is more than just an event—it’s a catalyst for meaningful dialogue, strategic collaboration, and transformative innovation. As Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its position as a global financial powerhouse, ADFW 2024 will play a pivotal role in driving the future of finance, both in the region and beyond.