UAE to cement status as capital of future-focused digital finance

ABU DHABI: The third edition of the Economy Middle East Summit 2026 opened in Abu Dhabi in partnership with ADGM, with the participation of ministers, decision-makers, government officials, and leaders of financial institutions and global companies.

Building on the momentum of previous editions, the Economy Middle East Summit 2026 will drive impactful discussions across key sectors, including Economics, Investment and Trade, Banking and Finance, Digital assets, AI & Technology, Energy, Real Estate and Mobility.

Held under the theme "The Economy of Tomorrow: The UAE Emerges Stronger" at Rosewood Abu Dhabi hotel, the summit brings together more than 1,500 participants, alongside regional and international media representatives, and over 30 senior officials, experts and business leaders.

The summit focuses on the UAE’s economic resilience amid global uncertainty and sustaining the momentum of the UAE Vision 2031, in addition to discussing the role of sovereign wealth funds and private capital in supporting economic growth, and reviewing developments related to the digital economy, sustainable finance and financial market development.

The event also discusses the role of credible media in promoting economic awareness and combating misinformation in a rapidly changing world, as well as its role in connecting economies and countries and contributing to the development of economic and financial culture.

Meanwhile Abdalla ElEbiary, Managing Director with Alvarez & Marsal's Sovereign Advisory Services in Dubai, said that the UAE economy has demonstrated strong resilience and solidity in addressing global geopolitical challenges and fluctuations, with growth expected to remain robust in the coming years, supported by sectors driving the new economy.

In statements to the Emirates News Agency on the sidelines of the Economy Middle East Summit 2026 in Abu Dhabi, ElEbiary said Alvarez & Marsal’s participation in the summit reflects its commitment to supporting clients during times of crises and global volatility to better understand their aspirations and challenges and provide enhanced support.

He said the UAE economy continues to record solid growth across sectors, underscoring the strength of its economic foundations, and expressed confidence that the momentum seen over the past five years will continue.

ElEbiary said the coming phase will witness the emergence of new sectors leading economic growth, noting that the focus is no longer limited to traditional infrastructure, but has shifted towards digital infrastructure, alongside artificial intelligence, transformation and sustainability sectors.

He added that the UAE’s new economy is primarily based on these future-focused sectors, while other sectors such as tourism and related services continue to grow, reflecting the diversity of the UAE economy and regional economies in general.

Meanwhile in December 2025, Forbes Middle East has announced that it will host the Top Advisors & Investors Summit on 10 & 11 February 2026 in Abu Dhabi, in partnership with Beltone Holding.

The two-day event will bring together leading investors, wealth managers, financial executives, policymakers, and fintech innovators who are shaping the future of the region’s investment landscape.

Announced during the BRIDGE Summit today, the new forum comes at a time of profound transformation in the global and regional financial sectors. Rapid advancements in financial technologies and artificial intelligence, shifting economic conditions, the rise of sustainable finance, and growing private capital are redefining how assets are managed and long-term portfolios are built.

Kholoud Al Omian, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Middle East, said: “Forbes remains committed to playing an influential role across key economic sectors. This summit further reinforces our dedication to connecting major investors with the future landscape, through discussions that address the trends and strategies set to shape the region’s economy over the next decade.”

She added: “Abu Dhabi has positioned itself as one of the world’s most stable and dynamic investment hubs. Hosting the summit in the UAE capital underscores its strong regulatory foundations and its pivotal role in economic diversification, technology, clean energy, infrastructure, and innovation. These strengths make Abu Dhabi the ideal environment for forward-looking conversations on the future of wealth and capital management.”

The summit’s agenda will feature high-level dialogues and panel discussions led by regional and international experts. Key themes will include long-term investment roadmaps, sustainable growth pathways, portfolio construction trends, smart asset management, and strategies to deepen confidence and participation in regional financial markets.

The programme will also examine the evolution of fintech, the growing impact of artificial intelligence on wealth management, and funding mechanisms to support SME growth.

Participants will include senior banking leaders, investment funds, asset managers, venture capital and private equity firms, regulatory authorities, and fintech companies.

WAM