#Abu Dhabi #United Arab Emirates #Abu Dhabi Finance Week #ADGM #Falcon Economy

Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2024: A Gathering of Financial Leaders

Abu Dhabi kicked off the much-awaited Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) 2024 under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and President of the Executive Council. The event commenced with a grand opening ceremony at the ADQ Arena of ADGM, setting the stage for a series of over 60 events and intimate meetings throughout the week.

This year’s edition is built around the theme of the Falcon Economy, showcasing strategic discussions that underline Abu Dhabi's growing stature as a pivotal financial hub. The opening day witnessed the presence of a stellar list of global financial leaders from over 100 nations, reflecting the global impact of the event.

Opening Ceremony and Keynote Addresses

The grand kickoff was marked by a special address from His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, a member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and president of both ADGM and the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED). He emphasized Abu Dhabi's remarkable growth trajectory and the promises it holds for a prosperous future in the UAE capital.

He stated, “In a world seeking stability and growth, Abu Dhabi's Falcon Economy stands as a steadfast partner for businesses, investors, innovators, and visionaries. Our commitment is to build a future defined by trust, resilience, and limitless opportunities.” This sentiment echoed throughout the day’s discussions, which aimed to shape conversations about the path forward for the economy and the region.

Highlights of the Week

The Abu Dhabi Economic Forum (ADEF) returned for its second installment in partnership with ADQ and ADDED, where high-level discussions delved into the current state and future outlook of the Falcon Economy. Esteemed speakers included CEOs from major firms like Blackrock, UBS, and HSBC, offering insights on growth strategies in an evolving global landscape.

One of the key sessions, “Abu Dhabi in the Global Economy,” featured discussions with renowned leaders such as Sergio Ermotti of UBS and Ray Dalio of Bridgewater, who shared their views on global economic trends and strategies to bolster Abu Dhabi's ambitions. Other significant topics explored included constructing the Falcon Economy and the dynamics of capital flows in a polycentric world.

The opening day also welcomed the Abu Dhabi Capital Markets Forum, conducted in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), accentuating some of the most dynamic listed companies in the region. Similarly, the UBS Investor Forum brought together over 30 global hedge fund founding leaders for vital networking and discussions.

During the first day, ADQ, in collaboration with ADFW and ADGM, launched an insightful paper titled “A New Era of Capital Flows in a Polycentric World,” detailing the diversification of global capital flows and their implications for investment landscapes.

Looking Ahead: Events to Come

In the following days, attendees can expect pivotal discussions at forums such as Asset Abu Dhabi, RESOLVE, Fintech Abu Dhabi, and the Abu Dhabi Forum on Sustainable Finance, each promising to enhance Abu Dhabi's reputation as the Capital of Capital through globally significant dialogues.

As this successful week unfolds, the focus remains on fostering innovation and collaboration among international economies while reinforcing Abu Dhabi's ambitious vision.

With the world watching, ADFW 2024 not only aims to fortify existing partnerships but also to initiate new connections that will shape the future of finance and investment globally.