Abu Dhabi's Sustainable Finance Forum: Paving the Way for a Greener Future

On December 11, 2025, the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) hosted the eighth edition of the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum (ADSFF) in collaboration with the Global Climate Finance Centre (GCFC) and other notable partners including Hanwha and the EU-GCC cooperation project. This important event was dedicated to discussing the future of sustainable finance and brought together influential climate financiers, policymakers, and institutional investors, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a global hub for sustainability efforts.

CEO of ADGM Authority, Salem Mohammed Al Darei, opened the forum with a strong statement regarding the need for rapid development in sustainable finance. He underscored Abu Dhabi's evolution into a center of sustainable finance, emphasizing the city's ambition to facilitate high-impact global solutions and create climate-resilient ecosystems. His remarks set the tone for a day filled with discussions focused on investment pathways, regulatory mechanisms, and cross-border partnerships crucial for transitioning towards a climate-oriented financial framework.

"Abu Dhabi will continue to be the place where capital meets purpose, and purpose drives progress," Al Darei stated. The forum displayed the growing role of Abu Dhabi as a platform for sustainable finance, showcasing collaborations that push the boundaries towards realizing ambitious climate goals.

A highlight of the day's discussions was a panel titled “From Ambition to Action: Financing the Transition to a Green Economy,” featuring Her Highness Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, who spoke on the achievements thus far and ongoing necessities to facilitate the region's green economic transition.

Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed keynotes, panel discussions, and engaging dialogues focusing on investments in renewable energy, biodiversity funding, AI-driven ESG risk analysis, Islamic sustainable finance, and greener infrastructure projects. The event also provided insights into new climate innovations, ranging from advanced technical ecosystems to climate-resilient digital infrastructure.

The forum addressed the crucial role of finance markets in accelerating investments into a sustainable future, discussing large-scale investments in renewable energy, green infrastructure, and nature-based solutions. Key sessions reflected Abu Dhabi's growing stature as a leader in sustainability-focused finance.

In one of the significant discussions, the impact of forward-looking urban planning, proactive policy frameworks, and climate-resilient mega-projects were explored, all reinforcing the emirate's role as a global platform for sustainable investments. Participants evaluated how long-term capital strategies, climate resilience, and international cooperation can transform the landscape of green finance.

The ADSFF also hosted the Women in Finance Forum concurrently with the main event, highlighting the contributions of influential female leaders in finance, sustainability, and regulation. This forum emphasized the vital role women play in driving financial innovations and reshaping the global market landscape.

Multiple parallel sessions provided additional depth on industry perspectives, including the 2nd EU-GCC Finance & Investment Forum for Green Transition, the Google Finance Technology Summit, and the Islamic Finance Summit. Each gathering featured prominent industry leaders committed to enhancing climate finance, resilience strategies, and collaborations within the green economy.

As a demonstration of ongoing commitments, the UAE Sustainable Finance Working Group (SFWG) introduced “Principles for Climate Transition Planning,” an essential framework guiding financial institutions toward transparent and credible transition planning aligned with the UAE's net-zero targets.

During the concluding statements of the event, new signatories to the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Declaration were welcomed, increasing the total to 180 organizations committed to supporting Abu Dhabi's long-term net-zero ambitions.

The closing day also witnessed announcements from leading companies such as J.P. Morgan and ERM, which unveiled plans to establish or expand their operations in ADGM to enhance sustainable initiatives in the region. This underscores the dynamic investment climate in Abu Dhabi, fostering partnerships and collaborations that enhance climate finance further.

Overall, the ADSFF represents a pivotal gathering aimed at mobilizing capital, policy, and innovative solutions essential for fostering a sustainable future. As Abu Dhabi cements its position as a leader in sustainability, the speed and impact of these discussions and partnerships are crucial for achieving significant global climate objectives.