ADGM Leads Abu Dhabi's Sustainable Finance Revolution with ADSFF

Abu Dhabi's Sustainable Finance Forum: A New Era of Climate Investment

The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) recently hosted the 8th annual Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum (ADSFF), an essential event uniting leaders in climate finance. In collaboration with the Global Climate Finance Center (GCFC), Hanwha, and the EU-GCC Green Transition Cooperation Project, the forum took place on December 12, 2025, showcasing Abu Dhabi's commitment to driving the global transition towards net-zero emissions while promoting positive ecological impacts.

Setting the Stage for Sustainability

Salem Mohammed Al Darei, Chief Executive Officer of ADGM Authority, kicked off the forum by underlining Abu Dhabi's swift evolution into a benchmark for sustainable finance. His remarks centered on the ambitious policies, climate-resilient ecosystems, and capital mobilization strategies that are currently shaping the landscape of high-impact global solutions. He stated, "Our commitment is clear; Abu Dhabi will continue to be the destination where capital finds its purpose and makes progress. As the Capital of Green Capital, we build bridges between regions and mobilize capital for renewable infrastructure, green technologies, and sustainable innovation in emerging and developed markets."

Addressing the Green Transition

One of the focal points of the ADSFF was a session titled "From Ambition to Action: Financing the Transition to a Green Economy," led by Her Highness Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President and CEO of Frontier25. She shared vital insights into what actions are necessary to facilitate the transition to a green economy and foster climate action regionally.

Throughout the day, the forum featured keynotes, panel discussions, and interactive dialogues addressing investment in renewable energy, biodiversity financing, AI-based ESG risk analysis, Islamic sustainable finance, green infrastructure, and climate-smart innovations that range from designed ecosystems to climate-resilient digital infrastructure.

Capital and Climate Ambition Alignment

Under the overarching theme of aligning capital with climate ambition, participants explored strategies for the financial markets to accelerate large-scale investments in energy transition, green infrastructure, and nature-based solutions. Highlighted sessions of the forum showcased how future-minded urban planning, proactive policy frameworks, and climate-aligned mega projects are bolstering Abu Dhabi's status as a global investment platform.

Women's Leadership in Finance

In addition to the main agenda, the forum also hosted the Women in Finance Forum, which gathered influential leaders from the finance, investment, and sustainability sectors to discuss strategies for increasing inclusion, leadership, and innovation within the industry. Notable sessions included "Leaders in Motion: Women Driving Financial Innovation," which emphasized the crucial role women play in shifting the balance and transforming financial innovation in global markets.

Promoting Green Financing Strategies

Several parallel forums enriched the discussion with perspectives from across the industry, including the 2nd EU-GCC Green Transition Finance and Investment Forum, the Google Finance and Technology Summit (GtFT25), the Islamic Finance Summit, and the Abu Dhabi High-Level Roundtable on Climate Investment, highlighting collaborative efforts in promoting climate financing, resilience strategies, and cooperation within the green economy.

The ADSFF also celebrated the advancement of the UAE Sustainable Finance Working Group (SFWG), which recently approved the new "Principles for Climate Transition Planning," setting a landmark for guiding financial institutions toward credible and transparent transition planning practices aligned with the UAE's net-zero emissions objectives.

New Collaborations and Commitments

On the final day of the week-long Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW), key announcements were made by organizations such as J.P. Morgan, ERM, DLA Piper, Arab Bank (Switzerland), and iCapital, signaling their expansion into ADGM. J.P. Morgan is enhancing its Payment business by bringing its global Treasury capabilities to the UAE. Meanwhile, various entities, including Arab Bank's new regional presence, ERM, and DLA Piper, are establishing a significant footprint in the region through new offices.

A total of 23 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, reflecting collaboration between local and international entities such as Tether, Crypto.com, Zodia, and Warner Bros. Discovery. This illustrates the broadening landscape of partners committed to advancing sustainable finance and investment strategies in the region.

For additional information about the ADFW, visit www.adfw.com.