Abu Dhabi Finance Week: Global Initiatives and Partnerships Shaping the Future of Financial Innovation

Abu Dhabi wrapped up its biggest financial week ever, with major global companies setting up shop in the emirate and nearly $2 billion pledged to fight polio worldwide. The Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2025 brought together executives managing over $62 trillion in assets – more than half the world's GDP.

The event delivered several big announcements. Abu Dhabi launched FIDA, a new hub for fintech, insurance, and digital assets. New York University released its first Global Financial Centers Competitiveness Index, ranking Abu Dhabi 12th globally and first in the Middle East and North Africa region, ahead of Dubai, Riyadh, and Doha.

Binance got official approval to operate its global platform Binance.com under Abu Dhabi's regulatory framework. This marks a significant win for Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) as it competes with other financial centers to attract crypto businesses. Major investment bank Cantor and infrastructure developer Plenary Group also received preliminary approvals to set up operations.

Circle Internet Group, the New York Stock Exchange-listed fintech company, strengthened its regional presence by getting a money services license. BBVA Bank also secured preliminary approval from ADGM's financial regulator.

Galaxy Digital and the Eurasian Development Bank announced plans to open offices in ADGM. Real estate company SAS officially revealed its latest project, The Ritz-Carlton Residences on Al Maryah Island, adding another luxury development to Abu Dhabi's growing portfolio.

The week saw 59 memorandums of understanding signed in just the first three days. Partners included major names like BlackRock, Franklin Templeton, Mubadala, Mastercard, Swiss Re, and Crypto.com. These deals span various sectors from traditional banking to cryptocurrency and real estate.

Abu Dhabi's financial regulator announced improvements to its digital assets framework during the fintech sessions. The regulator also enhanced its fund management rules, reinforcing ADGM's position as a leading international center for asset management.

The Abu Dhabi Investment Office signed strategic partnerships with several global companies. Prudential Financial will help develop long-term retirement savings and reinsurance solutions in Abu Dhabi. Cross-border payments company YI PAY will establish its regional headquarters and tech center in the emirate. China International Capital Corporation (CICC), one of Asia's top investment banks, agreed to create an investment framework between Abu Dhabi and China.

E& Emirates signed a deal with Al Maryah Community Bank to enable AE Coin payments across E&'s digital platforms. This move positions the UAE as a leader in digital payment innovation.

The humanitarian side brought significant commitments. An international coalition pledged $1.9 billion during the finance week to support the final phase of global polio eradication efforts. Bill Gates participated alongside Sheikh Mariam bint Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with major contributions including $1.2 billion from the Gates Foundation, $140 million from the Mohammed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanitarian Work, and $450 million from Rotary International.

The week featured over 60 events and 300 specialized sessions with more than 750 global speakers. For Abu Dhabi, this represents a clear strategy to position itself as a major financial hub that can compete with established centers like London, Singapore, and Hong Kong. The emirate is particularly focused on attracting fintech and digital asset companies as traditional financial centers grapple with regulatory uncertainty in these sectors.