1. Blackrock 

BlackRock Vice Chairman Philipp Hildebrand said during a panel discussion that the new political fragmentation of the world is a megatrend, just like AI, demographic developments, and the primacy of the defense industry. «These megatrends mean that old economic cycles are outdated and no longer sustainable, because as investment bankers we have to recalibrate our priorities,» said the former president of the Swiss National Bank (SNB).

Philipp Hildebrand, Vice Chairman of the world's biggest asset manager, BlackRock (13.5 billion dollars of assets under management in Q3 2025). (Image: Gérard Al-Fil)

2. CSC Global

CSS («The Business behind Business») offers companies worldwide a range of services related to compliance, administration, legal matters, taxes, and digital brand protection. Its Managing Director, Niels Christian Wedell-Wedellsborg, said at the ADFW: «We expect capital flows into the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to continue rising in 2026. The global financial markets will experience only partial instability after their boom years. But we do not expect this to affect the UAE economy».

Niels Christian Wedell-Wedellsborg, Managing Director, CSC. (Image: Gérard Al-Fil)

3. The sovereign wealth fund Mubadala and real estate developer Aldar (both Abu Dhabi) 

Mubadala Investment Company, an Abu Dhabi sovereign investor, and Aldar have launched a landmark joint venture to expand Al Maryah Island, unlocking the next phase of growth in the international financial district and further enhancing Abu Dhabi’s global position as the «Capital of Capital».  The project will comprise 1.5 million sqm of new office, residential, retail, and hospitality space — seamlessly integrating commerce, community, and lifestyle, and further elevating Al Maryah Island’s distinctive blend of international business and luxury living.

From left.: Bakheet Al Katheeri, CEO, UAE Investments, Mubadala; Salem Al Darei, CEO, ADGM Authority; Talal Al Dhiyebi, Group CEO, Aldar. (Image: provided)

 4. Bill Gates leads initiative for philanthropy 

Bill Gates, the co-founder of software giant Microsoft announced at the ADFW that his Gates Foundation is committing 1.2 billion US dollars as part of a global donation package totalling 1.9 billion US dollars to fight the neurological disease polio.

Bill Gates at the Abu Dhabi Finance Week. (Image: Ivan Schultheiss)