ADFW 2026 Unveils First Speakers, Announces New Abu Dhabi Real Estate Summit
Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) 2026 has announced its initial lineup of over 200 speakers, including global financial leaders and UAE officials, with plans to host an inaugural Abu Dhabi Real Estate Summit.
Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) 2026, hosted by ADGM and held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has revealed the first wave of speakers for its fifth edition. The event is scheduled to take place from 7 to 10 December 2026 with the theme ‘The Capital Community, Powered by Partnerships.’
The initial speaker list comprises over 200 confirmed international figures, including senior UAE and Abu Dhabi government leaders, global CEOs, chairpersons, founders, and institutional investors from major entities such as Allianz SE, DBS Group, Franklin Templeton, and Temasek Holdings. This early commitment from financial leaders underscores growing confidence in Abu Dhabi as a prime destination for capital, investment, and long-term partnerships.
Expanded Programme and New Initiatives
Building on the success of previous editions, ADFW 2026 will introduce an expanded programme designed to enhance engagement and deliver more focused outcomes. Key new additions include:
- The inaugural Abu Dhabi Real Estate Summit
- The AIMA Global Hedge Fund Leaders Platform
- The Hub71 Startups Campus
- A Healthcare and BioTech Forum
The event is expected to feature more than 70 thematic events with over 800 speakers, structured around four main thematic days covering Abu Dhabi’s economic strategy, global markets, asset management, fintech, digital assets, sustainable finance, and Islamic finance.
Abu Dhabi's Role in Global Finance
Launched in 2022, ADFW has become the largest financial gathering in the Middle East and Africa, convening investors, business leaders, policymakers, and financial institutions to shape the future of global finance and investment. Held in Abu Dhabi, often referred to as the ‘Capital of Capital,’ the event reinforces the emirate's emergence as a significant centre for finance, investment, and capital allocation, playing an increasingly influential role in global investment flows and economic growth.
Questions, answered
- When will Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) 2026 take place?
- ADFW 2026 is scheduled to be held from **7 to 10 December 2026** in Abu Dhabi, hosted by ADGM.
- What is the theme for ADFW 2026?
- The theme for ADFW 2026 is **‘The Capital Community, Powered by Partnerships,’** reflecting its focus on collaboration and investment.
- Which new real estate-focused event will be introduced at ADFW 2026?
- ADFW 2026 will feature the inaugural **Abu Dhabi Real Estate Summit**, alongside other new platforms such as the AIMA Global Hedge Fund Leaders Platform and The Hub71 Startups Campus.
- Who are some of the key UAE government and Abu Dhabi representatives speaking at ADFW 2026?
- Notable speakers include **H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi**, Chairman of ADGM, and **H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi**, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, among other senior officials.
- How many speakers and events are expected at ADFW 2026?
- ADFW 2026 anticipates hosting **over 70 thematic events** and expects to feature **more than 800 speakers** from various sectors.
This brief was summarised and rewritten by Gaia Living from public reporting. Figures and details reflect the original sources.