Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2024 Your Complete Day-by-Day Guide to Key Events & Insights

Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) 2024 is set to be the most influential finance event of the year, bringing together the world’s leading finance professionals, investors, policymakers, and industry executives. In only three years, ADFW has established itself as a global platform for financial innovation, knowledge-sharing, and investment opportunities.

Taking place from December 9 to 12, 2024, ADFW will feature a series of engaging forums, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and thought-provoking sessions. The event coincides with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, making Abu Dhabi a global hotspot for both business and luxury tourism.

ADFW 2024 promises to deliver more than just industry insights. Attendees will have access to exclusive galas, yacht parties, and executive dinners, offering unparalleled networking opportunities. With high-profile speakers, in-depth discussions on key financial topics, and world-class hospitality, Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2024 is set to be bigger and better than ever.

Related: Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2024: 50 Events Coming in 100 Days

Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2024

Unlike typical finance conferences, Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2024 blends business, leisure, and luxury. Here’s what makes it special:

• Global Prestige: In just three years, ADFW has grown into one of the world’s most influential financial events, attracting key players in asset management, investment, and fintech.
• Top Speakers: Industry heavyweights such as Ray Dalio (Bridgewater Associates), Robert Smith (Vista Equity Partners), and Sam Altman (OpenAI) are set to take the stage.
• Networking Excellence: From yacht parties to executive dinners, attendees will have the chance to network with investors, policymakers, and C-suite executives.
• Cutting-Edge Topics: ADFW 2024 will cover emerging themes like blockchain, Islamic finance, artificial intelligence (AI), and sustainable finance.

Day 1 | December 9, 2024: The Grand Kickoff

The first day of Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2024 kicks off with powerful keynotes, grand announcements, and exclusive forums.

The week begins with a prestigious Opening Ceremony at Capital Square, where H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, delivers a keynote speech. Attendees include government officials, CEOs, investors, and global financial thought leaders.

The theme for this year is “Capital of Capital,” reflecting Abu Dhabi’s goal of becoming a leading global financial hub.

Abu Dhabi Economic Forum (ADEF)

The first forum of ADFW 2024 is the Abu Dhabi Economic Forum (ADEF), which brings together policymakers, CEOs, and executives to discuss Abu Dhabi’s role as a Falcon Economy. This concept, introduced in 2022, highlights Abu Dhabi’s economic resilience and ability to adapt to global financial trends.

Key speakers include:

1. H.E. Badr Al Olama, Director General of Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO)
2. Hana Al Rostamani, Group CEO of First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)
3. Talal Al Dhiyebi, CEO of Aldar Group

These speakers will discuss Abu Dhabi’s real estate sector, capital markets, and infrastructure development, all of which are essential to its long-term economic goals.

ADGM Gala Dinner

The day concludes with the iconic ADGM Gala Dinner at Qasr Al Watan, one of the most stunning locations in Abu Dhabi. This exclusive dinner offers a relaxed setting for attendees to network with global leaders, policymakers, and executives.

Day 2 | December 10, 2024: Asset Management & Capital Markets

Day 2 shifts its focus to capital markets, asset allocation, and global investment strategies.

This flagship forum spotlights key areas like:

• Real estate development
• Institutional investment strategies
• Emerging market opportunities

Key speakers include:

1. Ray Dalio, Founder & CIO Mentor of Bridgewater Associates
2. Robert Smith, CEO of Vista Equity Partners
3. Aron Landy, CEO of Brevan Howard

These industry icons will discuss future investment strategies and shifts in global capital allocation.

UAE-China Investment Summit

This summit celebrates 40 years of UAE-China diplomatic relations and aims to foster new trade and investment opportunities between the two nations.

Notable speakers include:

• Lei Zhang, Founder of Hillhouse Investment
• Nasser Saidi, President of Nasser Saidi & Associates

International Family Office Congress

This exclusive event caters to family offices and high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs). Key discussions will focus on wealth transfer, estate planning, and impact investing.

Day 3 | December 11, 2024: Fintech, Blockchain & AI

Day 3 is dedicated to exploring technology’s impact on finance, with sessions on fintech, blockchain, and AI.

Fintech Abu Dhabi

The largest fintech festival in MENA, Fintech Abu Dhabi brings together startups, venture capitalists, and financial institutions to explore topics like:

1. Digital payments
2. Embedded finance
3. Crypto innovation

Prominent speakers include:

• Raman Bhatia, CEO of Starling Bank
• Rishi Khosla, CEO of OakNorth

Blockchain Abu Dhabi

With the rise of Web 3.0 and DeFi (Decentralized Finance), this event explores how blockchain is transforming traditional finance. Key discussions will revolve around the tokenization of assets, crypto regulations, and blockchain adoption.

Featured speakers include:

1. Jeremy Allaire, CEO of Circle
2. Richard Teng, CEO of Binance

As AI continues to disrupt financial services, this forum explores how AI is being used in risk management, fraud detection, and machine learning algorithms for investment strategies.

Prominent speakers include:

• Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI
• Carme Artigas, Co-chair of the United Nations AI Advisory Board

Day 4 | December 12, 2024: Sustainable Finance & Islamic Finance

The final day of ADFW 2024 explores sustainable finance, Islamic finance, and ethical banking.

Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum (ADSFF)

As Abu Dhabi positions itself as a leader in sustainable finance, this forum explores ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) frameworks, climate finance, and green investment strategies.

Speakers include:

1. Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan
2. H.E. Majid Al Suwaidi, CEO at Alterra

Islamic Finance Summit (IFS)

This inaugural summit explores the future of Shariah-compliant financial products. With the Islamic finance market projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.2% from 2024 to 2029, this summit will spotlight Abu Dhabi’s growing influence in this sector.

Notable speakers include:

• Junaid Wahedna, Founder of Wahed Invest
• Dr. Adnan Chilwan, CEO of Dubai Islamic Bank

How to Register for ADFW 2024

Registration for Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2024 can be done online via the official ADFW website. Attendees can choose from different access levels, from general admission to VIP passes, which grant entry to luxury yacht parties, gala dinners, and executive speaker sessions.

With over 10 flagship forums, exclusive dinners, and networking events, ADFW 2024 offers unparalleled access to thought leaders in global finance. It’s a rare opportunity to meet executives from firms like Bridgewater Associates, Brevan Howard, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), and Binance.

Whether you’re a hedge fund manager, fintech entrepreneur, family office executive, or policy advisor, this event is essential for anyone serious about shaping the future of finance.

From fintech to sustainable finance, Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2024 is where the world’s biggest financial ideas come to life. The event blends business, luxury, and networking like no other. Secure your spot today and be part of a week that defines the future of global finance.