#Abu Dhabi #UAE #Finance Week #Polio Eradication

Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2025: A Global Hub of Finance and Philanthropy

The Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) 2025 commenced today, showcasing a gathering of the world's most influential leaders in finance and commerce. This year’s event is particularly notable, as it emphasizes the capital’s evolving economic landscape and its strategic role on the global stage.

Organized by the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), this edition is touted as the most significant gathering for the financial community in the region. The event also marks a historic moment with a pledge of $1.9 billion from globally recognized leaders, including Bill Gates, for the eradication of polio, in collaboration with the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity.

During the official opening ceremony, prominent economic figures from Abu Dhabi and international delegates engaged in high-level discussions aimed at fostering collaboration and dialogue to tackle pressing global financial challenges. H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Department of Economic Development and ADGM, shared insights on the rapid rise of ADFW in just four years, establishing it as a premier global financial gathering that reflects Abu Dhabi's resilient economy.

"Our economy is continuously reshaping global markets, and today, we are joined by leaders managing over $60 trillion in assets, which represents more than half of the world’s GDP," said Al Zaabi, emphasizing the capital's robust economic indicators and sustained growth.

Abu Dhabi has maintained a double-A credit rating for an impressive 25 years without any downgrading, boasting 17 consecutive quarters of GDP growth, including a 6.6% increase in the last quarter alone. This growth underscores its status as a leading international financial hub.

Local Momentum Meets Global Ambition

Earlier in the day, the third edition of the Abu Dhabi Economic Forum (ADEF) convened leaders from the UAE, sovereign wealth funds, and industrial champions to discuss the emirate's economic diversification strategies. ADEF spotlighted Abu Dhabi's non-oil economic growth, which has seen a significant increase of 6.6% year-on-year in Q2 2025, reaching a remarkable 306.3 billion AED.

H.E. Khaldoon Al Mubarak, CEO of Mubadala Investment Company, articulated a visionary perspective on Abu Dhabi’s role as a global center for capital, AI, energy, innovation, and life sciences. He urged stakeholders to invest in sectors that will define the future of wealth and growth worldwide.

Pledging $1.9 Billion for Polio Eradication

In the afternoon session, the MBZ Foundation for Humanity hosted a significant panel discussion titled “Investing in Humanity,” emphasizing global commitment towards public health. Bill Gates shared the stage with Her Highness Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation, and Ethiopian Health Minister Dr. Mekdes Daba. The pledge included substantial contributions from a diverse group of donors, including $1.2 billion from the Gates Foundation and significant sums from various global partners.

"The fight against polio demonstrates the power of global solidarity. We are almost there, but it takes equal determination to finish the job," said Gates, highlighting the new funding as essential for strengthening health systems against this devastating disease.

New Collaborations Flourish at ADFW

Numerous companies made headlines by announcing their initiatives at ADFW 2025. The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of ADGM granted approval to Binance.com, establishing a regulatory framework for global platforms. Notable organizations like Cantor and Plenary Group also received initial approvals to expand their operations within the Middle East.

Additionally, significant developments were unveiled, with Mubadala and Aldar planning a large-scale project on the northern part of Al Maryah Island, worth over 60 billion AED. The initiative intends to create a mixed-use space of over 1.5 million square meters, integrating office, retail, and luxury residential spaces to form a cohesive trading, community, and lifestyle environment.

Engaging Dialogues Mark the Opening Day

The opening day featured a series of public and invitation-only forums, including the Global Markets Summit, which explored macroeconomic trends influencing trade and investment strategies. It also featured discussions on energy transition, the intersection of AI demands, and capital flows with leading industry figures.

For further details on this influential event, visit ADFW.

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