#Abu Dhabi #Abu Dhabi Finance Week #Bill Gates #Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation

Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2025: A Global Stage for Finance and Humanity

The Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) 2025 kicked off with influential leaders from the finance and business world convening to deliberate on the dynamic business landscape and Abu Dhabi's pivotal role on the global stage. This year marks the most significant iteration of the ADFW, hosted by the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), showcasing major discussions that paint a picture of the region's economic potential.

A landmark moment during the ADFW was the humane commitment made by the Mohamed bin Zayed (MBZ) Foundation for Humanity, where Bill Gates, chairman of the Gates Foundation, along with other global health leaders, pledged a staggering 1.9 billion USD for polio eradication. This unprecedented commitment signifies international solidarity in combating infectious diseases and fostering global health.

During the official opening ceremony, attendees witnessed a vibrant gathering of economic leaders and international delegates, all dedicated to fostering global collaboration and dialogue. The event set a bold tone, encouraging discussions around trust, legacy, and future connectivity. S.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and ADGM, reaffirmed the pivotal stature of ADFW, acknowledging its rise as one of the most influential financial meetings globally. He stated, “In just four years, ADFW reflects an economy that operates purposefully, thinks clearly, and consistently delivers results that redefine global markets.”

He highlighted Abu Dhabi’s robust financial standing, marking its Double-A credit rating for 25 consecutive years without a downgrade, alongside a GDP growth of 6.6% in the last quarter alone. With foreign investments quadrupling and now contributing to one-third of all market activities, Abu Dhabi is rightly labeled the richest city in terms of state wealth, as well as the leading financial hub in the region.

Local Momentum Meets Global Ambitions

The Abu Dhabi Economic Forum (ADEF), in its third edition, brought together UAE cabinet ministers, sovereign fund executives, and international stakeholders to deliberate on topics surrounding economic diversification, infrastructural developments, and evolving trade partnerships. Notably, the forum showcased the Falcon Economy with a reported GDP of 306.3 billion AED in the second quarter of 2025, boasting a growth rate of 6.6% year-on-year, excluding oil.

Opening the forum, S.E. Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Managing Director and Group CEO of Mubadala Investment Company, delivered a visionary message portraying Abu Dhabi as a global hub for capital, AI, energy, innovation, and biosciences. He emphasized Abu Dhabi's role in shaping future prosperity through interconnected economic ventures. “If you believe the world is changing, invest where you can shape that change,” he urged.

A Commitment to Humanity

The afternoon session featured the **