Abu Dhabi Global Market Showcases Capital's Growth Journey to International Media

Abu Dhabi Global (ADGM) hosted 25 journalists from major international media outlets including Bloomberg, Reuters, Wall Street Journal, and Financial Times for its second Global Media Forum. The three-day event marked ADGM's 10th anniversary and showcased Abu Dhabi's economic growth as a global financial center.

The forum ran from October 28-30, 2025, under the theme "Gateway to Capital City - Abu Dhabi's Growth Journey." Journalists got exclusive access to briefing sessions with ADGM leaders and interactive opportunities with major Abu Dhabi institutions. The event spanned ADGM's financial district from Al Maryah Island to Al Reem Island.

Media representatives came from heavyweight publications across different sectors. Financial outlets included Bloomberg, Reuters, Wall Street Journal, Financial News, and CityAM. Crypto and tech coverage came through CoinDesk and The Cube. Regional media included Al Nahhar newspaper, Economy & Business, and Al Ittihad in both Arabic and English editions.

The program mixed business sessions with cultural experiences. Visiting journalists toured key Abu Dhabi landmarks like Louvre Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Zayed Mosque alongside their professional meetings.

Mohamed Al Mehiri, ADGM's Chief Communications Officer, positioned the forum as more than just an event. "This is a platform for dialogue and understanding," he said. "We launched this forum to open a window for the world to see Abu Dhabi's growth story and strengthen constructive ties between Abu Dhabi institutions and global media."

**High-Level Business Sessions**

Day one featured strategic insights from ADGM's key arms - the Registration Authority, Financial Services Regulatory Authority, ADGM Courts, and ADGM Academy. A session called "Thriving in the Capital" followed these regulatory briefings.

Day two ramped up with sessions titled "Shaping the Future of Financial Services," "Enabling Abu Dhabi's Digital Economy," and "Abu Dhabi's Advantage." Major local players participated including Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Department of Economic Development, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, and M42's Abu Dhabi Health Data Services.

The sessions highlighted how Abu Dhabi institutions work together using regulatory innovation, capital strength, and digital transformation. Hub71, Al Maryah Community Bank, Numo (an ADGM subsidiary), Venture One, and Presight also contributed to discussions.

**Strategic Timing**

The forum comes as ADGM enters what officials call its "new chapter" after a decade of establishing itself as a financial hub. Abu Dhabi has been positioning itself as an alternative to traditional financial centers, particularly for businesses looking to access Middle Eastern and Asian markets.

For investors and financial institutions, Abu Dhabi offers regulatory frameworks designed to compete with Singapore and Hong Kong. The emirate has been building its reputation in areas like fintech, digital assets, and sustainable finance.

The media forum represents ADGM's broader strategy to build international credibility through transparency and direct engagement with global financial press. As regional competition intensifies between Dubai, Riyadh, and other Gulf financial centers, such outreach helps establish Abu Dhabi's distinct positioning in the global financial ecosystem.