Agenda

Agenda

This agenda is subject to change.

08 December

2025
09:05 - 09:10 Presentation ADQ Arena

Welcome to the Abu Dhabi Economic Forum 2025, with ADDED

09:10 - 09:15 Presentation ADQ Arena

The 10x Jurisdiction: What You Need to Know About ADGM Real Estate

This session explores ADGM’s emergence as a fast-evolving real estate jurisdiction. Discover the frameworks, incentives, and market dynamics driving its rise as one of the region’s most efficient platforms for institutional real estate investment.

09:15 - 09:25 Presentation ADQ Arena

An Update on the Falcon Economy

This presentation provides a comprehensive overview of the Falcon Economy’s trajectory, assessing macroeconomic performance, investment trends, and policy reforms driving diversification. It highlights opportunities and challenges in fostering sustainable growth, strengthening global competitiveness, and advancing Abu Dhabi’s vision as a leading hub for innovation, finance, and economic resilience.

09:25 - 09:45 Presentation ADQ Arena

Champions of the Falcon Economy

This special segment will showcase the investment thesis and growth strategies of several listed industrial champions as they shape Abu Dhabi’s economic future.

09:45 - 10:10 Panel ADQ Arena

Abu Dhabi: Metropolis of the Future

Explore the many facets shaping the urban vision driving the rapid emergence of Abu Dhabi on the global stage. From infrastructure, to culture, liveability, and its strategy of placing artificial intelligence at the core of its economic transformation.

10:10 - 10:25 Fireside ADQ Arena

The Story of Our Journey in Abu Dhabi

In this market case study, hedge fund Brevan Howard shares its journey into Abu Dhabi. From early engagement with ADGM to key inflection points in its expansion, this session highlights the emirate’s appeal as a long-term partner and growth market for global investors.

Speaker
Alan Howard

Founder

Brevan Howard

Moderator
Arvind Ramamurthy [Moderator]

Chief Market Development Officer

ADGM

10:25 - 10:35 Presentation ADQ Arena

The Global Outlook, with the IMF

The IMF presents its latest view on the world economy, highlighting shifting growth prospects, policy challenges, and the risks that demand attention. This outlook sets the tone for understanding how global trends may influence markets in 2026.

10:35 - 11:05 Panel ADQ Arena

Global Business at a Crossroads: Opportunities & Risks (in Partnership with F.A.B.)

As geopolitics, capital flows, and new technologies redefine global commerce, this session brings together leading CEOs to explore opportunities, systemic risks, and the strategies driving resilience and reinvention in today’s economy.

Speaker
Hatem Dowidar

Group CEO

e&

Moderator
Timothy Adams [Moderator]

President & CEO

Institute of International Finance (IIF)

11:20 - 11:35 Fireside ADQ Arena

In Conversation with His Excellency Mohamed Al Shorafa

In this interview, the Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities & Transport discusses Abu Dhabi’s next-generation urban mobility strategy, integrating sustainable infrastructure with smart city and multi-modal transport systems. He will outline how the Emirate is leveraging public-private partnerships, digital innovation, and green policy to optimise liveability, streamline municipal services, and accelerate economic diversification.

Speaker
H.E. Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa

Chairman

DMT & Etihad

11:40 - 11:50 Keynote ADQ Arena

Engineering the UAE's Role in Global Trade

With trade at the heart of the UAE's globally strategic position, this special address explores how diversification, digitalisation, and partnerships are redefining the nation's place in global supply chain and commerce.

Speaker
H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi

Minister for Foreign Trade

Government of the UAE

12:30 - 12:35 Ceremony ADQ Arena

Welcome to His Highness & National Anthem

12:35 - 12:40 Keynote ADQ Arena

ADFW Opening Address: Engineering the Capital Network

Speaker
H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi

Chairman

ADDED & ADGM

12:40 - 12:50 Theatre ADQ Arena

ADFW Opening Ceremony

13:00 - 13:10 Presentation ADQ Arena

The ADFW Agenda Guide

Please stay tuned for more details about this session soon.

13:10 - 13:15 Video ADQ Arena

Welcome to the 2025 Global Markets Summit, with HSBC

A warm welcome to the 2025 ADFW Global Markets Summit from HSBC. Join us as we analyse trade, macro-economics, systemic market risks & opportunities for humanity.

13:15 - 13:25 Keynote ADQ Arena

Announcement: The 2025 Global Financial Centre Competitiveness Index

Unveiling the landmark New York University Global Financial Centre Competitiveness Index, a new initiative driving research and dialogue on global competitiveness, and outlining the realities of the world economic order.

13:35 - 13:50 Keynote ADQ Arena

How Countries Go Broke: The Big Cycle

One of the world’s most influential investors deciphers the long-term forces that push nations toward strength or decline. Expect a candid take on debt, currency power, and the recurring cycles that signal whether economies endure or unravel.

Speaker
Ray Dalio

Founder & Mentor

Bridgewater Associates and Dalio Family Office

13:50 - 14:00 Presentation ADQ Arena

The Quick Take: Geopolitics in Real Time

Cut through the noise in this sharp geopolitical address on the forces reshaping global markets. From shifting power dynamics and economic rivalries to the policy decisions that could tip the balance, PGIM will outline the key risks - and opportunities - that matter most to investors right now.

Speaker
Daleep Singh

Chief Global Economist & Head of Global Macroeconomic Research

PGIM

14:15 - 14:35 Fireside ADQ Arena

Investing For Humanity

A fireside exchange with one of the world’s foremost business icons and philanthropists explores how capital, science, and collaboration can confront urgent global challenges. From rethinking food systems to advancing healthcare solutions, it highlights the responsibility and opportunity in investing for humanity.

14:35 - 15:00 Announcement ADQ Arena

Investing for Humanity: High-Level Announcement

Please stay tuned for more details about this session soon

15:00 - 15:30 Panel ADQ Arena

The ADFW Boardroom 2025: The State of the Global Economy

A powerhouse panel takes on the realities of today’s global economy. From shifting growth patterns to systemic risks and market resilience, this session delivers clear perspectives on where opportunity lies and how the financial order is evolving.

Speaker
Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara

CEO & Executive Director

Temasek Holdings (Private) Limited

Speaker
Sergio Ermotti

Group CEO

UBS AG

Moderator
Dan Murphy [Moderator]

Anchor & Correspondent

CNBC

15:30 - 15:35 Announcement ADQ Arena

Market Announcement

Please stay tuned for more details about this session soon.

Speaker
Jason Barsema

Co-Founder

Halo Investing

15:35 - 16:05 Panel ADQ Arena

Trade, Tech & Geo-Economics: Global Risks on the Rise

As technology, trade, and geopolitics collide, new risks are testing global markets. This session examines fault lines from supply chains to digital currencies, asking how investors and institutions can prepare for a world where disruption is the new constant.

16:05 - 16:25 Fireside ADQ Arena

Decoding Critical World Issues, with ADQ

From geopolitics to global trade, this session uncovers the forces driving economies and societies today. Expect fresh perspectives that connect markets to real-world challenges, offering clarity on how critical issues will influence investment, growth, and global cooperation.

16:25 - 16:55 Panel ADQ Arena

The Power & Potential of the Global South

The Global South, a range of diverse and rapidly growing economies, is the defining growth location of the next 100 years. Showcasing new and decisive roles in finance and trade, this discussion spotlights the opportunities and challenges that will define the rise of the Global South as a force in the next phase of world economic order.

Speaker
Dr. Zongyuan Zoe Liu

Council on Foreign Relations

Columbia University

Speaker
H.E. Majid Al Suwaidi

CEO

ALTERRA

Speaker
Hendrik du Toit

Founder & CEO

Ninety One

09:30 - 09:55 Fireside ADCB Stage

Building the UAE’s New Energy Economy

As the global race for AI dominance accelerates, the UAE is positioning itself as a future-proof hub where energy security meets technological ambition. This session explores how the UAE is leveraging its unique energy mix—solar, nuclear, and gas—to power the next generation of AI infrastructure, including mega-projects like Stargate UAE. We’ll examine the country’s strategic pivot from hydrocarbons to high-tech, the role of the Ministry of Energy in enabling AI growth, and how energy sovereignty is becoming a new axis of global competitiveness. From cooling costs in extreme climates to the evolving role of oil and gas in a renewables-first world, this conversation will unpack how the UAE is building the backbone of the chip economy.

Moderator
Dan Murphy [Moderator]

Anchor & Correspondent

CNBC

09:55 - 10:20 Fireside ADCB Stage

The Reality of Renewables in an AI World

The explosive growth of artificial intelligence is transforming the global energy and infrastructure landscape, driving a massive reallocation of capital as companies race to build the power and data center capacity to sustain it. A new era of collaboration is emerging between energy majors, developers, and technology leaders to deliver the clean, always-on power needed for the next wave of AI innovation. CNBC examines how energy and tech players are positioning themselves in this rapidly shifting reality.

10:20 - 11:20 Panel ADCB Stage

Who’s Funding the New Energy Order

Global capital is moving to back the infrastructure of the future. Sovereign wealth funds, infrastructure private equity giants, and venture-backed disruptors are redrawing the map of energy finance as trillions flow into clean energy and AI infrastructure. As the race to fund the AI economy intensifies, questions of ROI, risk, and who ultimately controls this new energy-and-compute order are coming to the forefront. CNBC explores the capital strategies shaping the transition and how the world will power this historic shift.

Speaker
H.E. Majid Al Suwaidi

CEO

ALTERRA

13:30 - 14:45 Ceremony ADCB Stage

Bridging Knowledge & Building the Nation

ADGM Academy proudly celebrates Bridging Knowledge & Building the Nation, marking another milestone in its journey of empowering professionals and shaping the future workforce. Over the past seven years, the Academy has continued to showcase exceptional talent, providing world-class education and transformative learning experiences that drive growth and success. As ADGM Academy celebrates this remarkable achievement, showcasing the academy talents it reaffirms its commitment to upskilling individuals, nurturing UAE Nationals, and fostering sustainable career development strengthening its reputation as a leading hub for knowledge and talent.

13:00 - 18:00 Meetings Rosewood

UBS Investor Forum

09:00 - 14:00 Summit Emirates NBD Stage

Further Network Summit

16:00 - 17:30 Roundtable Hanwha Boardroom

The Greenwich Economic Forum, Middle East

13:00 - 15:30 Roundtable Capital Boardroom

CEO Global Growth Forum by ADQ Leap

13:00 - 15:00 Roundtable Hanwha Boardroom

Private Wealth Dialogues with ADIO

19:30 - 23:00 Gala Reception ADFW Promenade

The Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2025 Opening Night (Invite-Only)

The opening ceremony will feature an exclusive guest list of top global financial leaders and Abu Dhabi’s economic visionaries. Kicking off the third edition of ADFW, this prestigious event will set the tone for a week filled with important conversations that will lead the way for finance and investment in the region.

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