ADFW

At @ADFinanceWeek 2025, we spoke with Mohammed Abdulmalek, Chairman and Head of Middle East at @pgim , about the evolving role of Abu Dhabi in the global investment and innovation ecosystem. He highlighted how partnerships like RealAssetX within ADGM Academy Tech Centre bring a strong sense of credibility and local grounding, enabling firms to engage more meaningfully with the market from day one. Abdulmalek also described Abu Dhabi as a city that naturally brings together different worlds and perspectives, creating an environment where ideas can move in both directions: developed locally and shared globally, while also bringing international innovation into the region to be built and scaled.

Bridging Knowledge & Building the Nation brought together ADGM Academy’s community to set the course for what comes next: a talent ecosystem ready for the UAE’s next economic chapter.​ Under the leadership of H.E. Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, the Academy reaffirmed its commitment to advancing employability, future skills and national competitiveness, equipping Emiratis to lead in sectors that will define the coming decade, from AI and digital finance to quantum technologies and new economic frontiers.​ ADGM Academy’s role now centres on shaping the talent that will carry the UAE into its next phase, innovators who understand the world they inherit, and leaders prepared to design the one that lies ahead.

In His Excellency Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei’s opening remarks at “Bridging Knowledge & Building the Nation,” the Chairman of ADGM Academy reflected on seven years of growth, impact and national contribution.​ He emphasised that the Academy’s mission is about empowering Emiratis to lead in strategic sectors, embrace emerging technologies, and build capabilities that align with Abu Dhabi’s long-term economic vision. ​ The Chairman also highlighted the Academy’s commitment to the future: preparing Emiratis for industries of tomorrow, fostering family-based entrepreneurship, and ensuring that every empowered individual strengthens both their family and the nation.​ Above all, his message spotlighted a shared responsibility: for government, industry and community to work together to cultivate leaders and secure a resilient, knowledge-driven future for the UAE.