Abu Dhabi Finance Week to make half of 2026 sessions private to drive deals

Abu Dhabi Finance Week plans to hold half of its sessions privately in 2026 to foster more open discussions among global financial leaders, with the aim of generating meaningful business outcomes. The event, scheduled from December 7 to 10, is expected to attract over 40,000 attendees, comprising 8,000 senior executives. Chris Hughes, editor-in-chief of ADFW, highlighted that private meetings allow for more candid exchanges than public settings, potentially influencing investment decisions and corporate strategies.

Attendees and speakers are reported to be seated face-to-face rather than shoulder-to-shoulder, promoting dialogue. ADFW recorded 82 memorandums of understanding and partnerships in 2025, nearly double the 44 agreements in 2024, involving major financial institutions such as BlackRock, Franklin Templeton, Mubadala, Mastercard, and Swiss Re.

Private meetings could enable investors, regulators, and executives to discuss sensitive issues, identify investment opportunities, and advance transactions without public scrutiny. The emphasis on private engagement reflects the growing importance of Abu Dhabi as a financial hub, attracting international financial institutions.

Fourteen global financial firms managing over $5 trillion announced plans to establish a presence in Abu Dhabi during the first half of 2026. Despite regional tensions, such as the ongoing Iran war and the postponement of Saudi Arabia's Future Investment Initiative, Hughes expressed confidence in Abu Dhabi's security and readiness to welcome international delegates in December.