ADFW 2026 Unveils Elite Speaker Lineup Showcasing Global Capital Community in Abu Dhabi

ADFW 2026: A Premier Gathering of Global Financial Leaders

The Abu Dhabi Financial Week (ADFW) 2026, under the esteemed sponsorship of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has revealed a stellar lineup of speakers for its upcoming event scheduled from December 7 to 10, 2026. With the theme "The Capital Community Powered by Alliances," this year marks the fifth edition of ADFW, promising an impressive convergence of minds and strategies that will shape the future of the global capital ecosystem.

In less than five months, ADFW has already attracted over 200 internationally renowned speakers from various sectors, including government officials, financial services, investment, technology, and innovation. This surge in participation highlights Abu Dhabi's robust emergence as a leading global hub for capital and investment.

Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, the Chairman of ADGM, emphasized that the initial commitment from global financial leaders reflects the increasing confidence in Abu Dhabi as a reliable destination for capital and long-term investment alliances. "ADFW's strength lies not just in the discussions but in their outcomes," he stated. By facilitating dialogues among top investors, policymakers, and innovators, Abu Dhabi has created an environment where conversations translate into investments and relationships evolve into enduring alliances. This essence distinctly positions Abu Dhabi as the Capital of Capital.

The government representatives featuring prominently at this event include Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi himself, who chairs both ADGM and the Department of Economic Development for Abu Dhabi; Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade; Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport; among others.

Moreover, ADFW 2026 will see participation from leading executives of some of the world’s largest financial institutions. High-profile names such as Oliver Bäte, CEO of Allianz SE, Tan Su Shan, CEO of DBS Group, and Ron O'Hanley, CEO of State Street are just a few of the notable figures expected to grace the conference.

Adding to the mix are voices from asset management and institutional investment, including Jenny Johnson, CEO of Franklin Templeton, and Stephen Hoops, CEO of DWS. The event will also welcome tech and fintech leaders to reflect the increasing interconnection between finance and technology. Visionaries like Chamath Palihapitiya, founder of Social Capital, and Richard Teng, CEO of Binance, will contribute to the discourse.

In response to the prior successes of previous editions, ADFW 2026 plans to launch several new initiatives aimed at enhancing engagement among executives and ensuring more targeted outcomes. Highlights include the inaugural Abu Dhabi Real Estate Summit, the AIMA Global Hedge Fund Leaders Platform, and many more thematic roundtables covering topics related to capital strategy and sustainable finance.

Throughout the week, ADFW 2026 anticipates hosting more than 70 themed events, showcasing over 800 speakers. The program will be organized around four main thematic days, which will delve into Abu Dhabi’s economic strategy, global markets, asset management, fintech, digital assets, sustainable finance, and Islamic finance.

The ADFW 2026 event once again cements Abu Dhabi's rising stature in the global financial landscape, underscoring its pivotal role in facilitating investment and fostering robust partnerships that will undoubtedly shape the contours of future economic collaboration. With such a comprehensive agenda and a distinguished roster of speakers, attendees can expect insightful discussions and significant networking opportunities that can drive innovation and growth in the financial markets.