UPDATE: Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) 2025 has just concluded, smashing attendance records with over 35,000 participants and showcasing Abu Dhabi’s growing influence as a global financial powerhouse. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, this year’s event marked a pivotal moment for the financial sector, solidifying the UAE capital’s status on the world stage.
With more than 30% of attendees coming from international backgrounds, the event featured 68 events and 394 thematic sessions, driven by the participation of 819 influential speakers and 69 global partners. Notably, the total assets represented during ADFW 2025 surpassed USD 62 trillion, an astonishing figure that equates to 53% of global GDP. This unprecedented gathering of capital leaders, regulators, and innovators is shaping the future of finance.
H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), stated, “ADFW has been recognised as one of the world’s most influential financial gatherings. This record-breaking edition demonstrated Abu Dhabi’s ability to convene global capital at a meaningful scale.”
The week catalyzed significant announcements, including the welcome of 11 global financial institutions managing over USD 9 trillion in assets. Major players like UBS Group, KKR, and Julius Baer are now establishing a presence in Abu Dhabi’s financial ecosystem.
In a groundbreaking collaboration, a USD 1.9 billion commitment to eradicate polio was announced, involving Bill Gates and a coalition of donors. This moment underscored the intersection of finance and philanthropy during ADFW 2025.
Adding to the event’s excitement, Binance achieved a significant milestone, becoming the first crypto exchange to secure a global license under ADGM’s regulatory framework, setting new standards for digital asset oversight and emphasizing Abu Dhabi’s leadership in financial innovation.
The inaugural Financial Centres Competitiveness Index (FCCI) revealed Abu Dhabi as the top financial centre in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and 12th globally, further cementing its reputation as a key player in the worldwide financial landscape.
The theme for ADFW 2025, “Engineering the Capital Network,” highlighted Abu Dhabi’s strategic position as a global financial epicentre. The event saw the signing of 82 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and partnerships, reinforcing cross-border alliances and innovative pipelines.
Mark your calendars for the next edition of ADFW, scheduled for 7-10 December 2026, which promises to build on the momentum established in 2025, continuing to solidify its role as the region’s premier global financial gathering.
Stay tuned for more updates as Abu Dhabi continues to shape the trajectory of global finance. For more information, visit: www.adfw.com.
