A Global Gathering of Policymakers, Investors, and Business Leaders Set to Drive Economic Transformation in the UAE’s Capital
Abu Dhabi, celebrated as the world’s richest city and a leading center for economic opportunity, is gearing up for the launch of its first-ever Abu Dhabi Business Week (ADBW), to be held from December 4 to 6 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). This inaugural event, themed “Deliver Value. Create Impact,” will bring together over 150 speakers and 8,000 attendees, including policymakers, international investors, and top business executives, all focused on advancing sustainable economic development and reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s status as a global business hub.
As a city home to an impressive $1.7 trillion in sovereign wealth fund assets and the GCC’s strongest sovereign credit rating, Abu Dhabi provides an attractive landscape for investors. The emirate’s business-friendly policies and initiatives have earned it the top ranking for ease of doing business in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, making it a prime destination for entrepreneurs and large enterprises alike.
The three-day event will feature 10 specialized sessions, including the Abu Dhabi Business Forum, which will address key issues shaping the future of business in Abu Dhabi. Topics of focus include global investment trends, business clusters, regulatory frameworks, and public-private partnerships. Other sessions will cover innovation, women’s empowerment, youth entrepreneurship, and the essential role of family businesses in the UAE’s economic landscape.
Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI), highlighted the importance of ADBW in promoting Abu Dhabi’s multidimensional sustainable development strategies. “Supported by our focus on new, high-growth sectors, Abu Dhabi’s business-friendly ecosystem offers promising opportunities for investors, businesses, and talents to thrive and expand on a global scale,” said Al Zaabi. He noted that the non-oil sector now comprises over 55% of Abu Dhabi’s GDP, growing by 6.6% in the second quarter of 2024. Over the past decade, economic licenses issued in the emirate have surged by 196%, underscoring the city’s commitment to nurturing a supportive economic environment.
ADBW will facilitate opportunities for participants to explore new markets, form strategic partnerships, and gain insights into the policies and trends that are driving Abu Dhabi’s rapid economic transformation. The event will be held under the patronage of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. It is being hosted by the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO).
As the “Capital of Capital,” Abu Dhabi is keen to strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors, supporting growth and diversification across its economy. ADBW is poised to be a powerful platform for promoting sustainable economic development, furthering Abu Dhabi’s vision to lead in global business and innovation.
