Abu Dhabi once again demonstrated its global leadership in climate-focused investment as the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), in collaboration with the Global Climate Finance Centre (GCFC), Hanwha, and the EU–GCC Green Transition project, hosted the 8th Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum (ADSFF).
Held on the final day of Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW), the forum convened international climate-finance experts, policymakers, innovators, and institutional investors. The gathering reinforced the emirate’s growing stature as a leading hub for sustainable finance and a catalyst for the global shift toward net-zero and nature-positive development.
Setting the Tone: Abu Dhabi’s Vision for Climate-Aligned Capital
Opening the forum, Salem Mohammed Al Darei, CEO of ADGM Authority, highlighted Abu Dhabi’s rapid emergence as a powerhouse for sustainable finance. He emphasized the emirate’s role in advancing climate-resilient ecosystems, implementing ambitious policies, and steering capital toward high-impact global solutions.
“Our commitment is clear – Abu Dhabi will continue to serve as the destination where capital finds purpose and purpose finds progress,” he said. He reiterated the emirate’s mission to build bridges between regions and accelerate investments in renewable energy, green technologies, and sustainable innovation across both emerging and established markets.
From Ambition to Action
A key session titled “From Ambition to Action: Financing the Transition to a Green Economy” featured Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President and CEO of Frontier25. She outlined ongoing efforts and future priorities required to fast-track the region’s shift toward a green economy.
A Full Day of Insight and Innovation
Throughout the forum, experts from climate technology, sustainability, finance, and policy came together for keynote speeches, panel discussions, fireside conversations, and strategic dialogues. Topics included:
- Renewable-energy investment
- Biodiversity financing
- AI-powered ESG risk analysis
- Islamic sustainable finance
- Green infrastructure
- Frontier climate technologies
- Digital infrastructure for climate resilience
Under the theme “Aligning Capital with Climate Ambition,” participants explored how markets can accelerate large-scale investment in energy transition and nature-based solutions.
Strengthening Abu Dhabi’s Role as a Global Leader
One of the headline sessions examined how strategic urban planning, progressive policy frameworks, and major climate-aligned projects are cementing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global centre for sustainable investment. Experts discussed the importance of long-term capital, resilience strategies, and cross-border cooperation in shaping the future of green finance.
This momentum continued with a high-level boardroom debate led by the GCFC, featuring CEOs from First Abu Dhabi Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, and HSBC Middle East. The discussion focused on positioning the UAE as a global climate finance hub and unlocking capital for transition projects.
Another impactful session brought insights from Eugenia Unanyants-Jackson, Global Head of ESG at PGIM, and Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings. They explored how impact-driven investments are transforming global health, deep tech, and community development while generating sustainable long-term returns.
Empowering Women in Sustainable Finance
Alongside the main event, the Women in Finance Forum gathered influential female leaders across finance, investment, sustainability, and regulatory sectors. Through sessions such as “Leaders in Motion: Women Driving Financial Innovation,” the forum highlighted the vital role women play in shaping the future of sustainable global markets.
Parallel Forums Expanding the Dialogue
Several concurrent events added depth to the day’s discussions, including:
- The 2nd EU–GCC Finance & Investment for Green Transition Forum
- Google Finance & Technology Summit (GtFT25)
- Islamic Finance Summit
- Abu Dhabi High-Level Roundtable on Climate Investment
- Money Moves: Building Arab Youth Wealth and Confidence
Each gathering united industry specialists focused on accelerating climate-finance solutions and strengthening green-economy collaboration.
Milestones and New Commitments
ADSFF also showcased progress by the UAE Sustainable Finance Working Group, which recently endorsed the Principles for Climate Transition Planning, a major step toward transparent and credible transition strategies aligned with the UAE’s net-zero ambitions.
In addition, new signatories were welcomed to the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Declaration, bringing the total to 180 institutions committed to supporting the UAE’s long-term climate goals.
The fourth day of ADFW also saw notable announcements from major global firms, including J.P. Morgan, ERM, DLA Piper, Arab Bank (Switzerland) Middle East, and iCapital, all confirming expansions or new offices in ADGM. J.P. Morgan is enhancing its Payments business in the UAE, while Arab Bank received in-principle approval for an advisory licence. ERM and DLA Piper also announced significant expansions in the region.
In total, 23 MoUs were signed during the final day of ADFW, with partnerships involving leading global and regional entities such as Tether, Crypto.com, Zodia, Presto, PCP, Warner Bros. Discovery, World Gold Council, and Bain Capital.
