Abu Dhabi has significantly strengthened its global brand over the past decade, particularly in finance, emerging as one of the world’s most influential investment hubs, according to a senior UAE official speaking on Monday.
“Most people today, versus 10 years ago, know Abu Dhabi a lot more than they used to,” said Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, the UAE’s Minister for Investment and managing director and group chief executive of ADQ. “Abu Dhabi, especially in the financial world, has become a stronger brand.”
Alsuwaidi made the remarks during a high-profile fireside chat with David Rubenstein, co-founder and co-chairman of global investment firm Carlyle Group, on the sidelines of Abu Dhabi Finance Week. The discussion focused on the emirate’s rapid economic transformation and its growing role in global capital markets.
Abu Dhabi has recently been described as the “capital of the capital,” surpassing Oslo as the world’s wealthiest city. The emirate’s sovereign wealth funds collectively manage an estimated $1.7 trillion in assets, placing it at the heart of global investment flows.
Key players include the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), Mubadala Investment Company, ADQ, and other state-backed investment vehicles that span sectors ranging from technology and energy to healthcare, logistics, and advanced manufacturing.
ADQ, established in 2018, has played a central role in this transformation. The sovereign fund focuses on building critical infrastructure and strengthening strategic supply chains that underpin Abu Dhabi’s long-term economic resilience.
Its portfolio includes assets in aviation, utilities, healthcare, food security, pharmaceuticals, and industrial supply chains. Through these investments, ADQ aims to support sustainable growth while reinforcing the emirate’s position as a global investment destination.
During the interview, Alsuwaidi said many foreign visitors arrive in Abu Dhabi drawn by its economic momentum, but leave impressed by its scale and pace of development. “When foreigners come to Abu Dhabi, they are attracted by the growth and progress,” he said, adding that many “didn’t expect to see the shiny buildings.”
Beyond physical infrastructure, Alsuwaidi stressed that Abu Dhabi’s appeal lies in its quality of life and policy environment. He described the emirate as having the most progressive economy and society in the Middle East, a combination that continues to attract global investors and multinational companies.
High-quality transport networks, advanced digital infrastructure, political stability, and a clear long-term economic vision were all cited as factors behind Abu Dhabi’s rising global profile. These strengths, he said, create confidence among investors looking for predictable and well-regulated markets.
Alsuwaidi also emphasized that investment opportunities are spread across the UAE, not limited to a single emirate. “Each emirate offers equal investment opportunities,” he said, pointing to the federation’s integrated economic framework and diversified growth strategy.
At the close of the fireside chat, Alsuwaidi turned the conversation to Rubenstein, asking how the seasoned investor viewed the UAE’s transformation over the years.
Rubenstein responded with a remark that drew widespread applause from the audience. Drawing a comparison to a famous quote in music history, he said: “About 30 years ago, a very famous music critic was watching somebody perform music, and he said, ‘I’ve just seen the future of music, and its name is Bruce Springsteen.’”
“Today,” Rubenstein added, “I’ve seen the future of capitalism, and its name is Abu Dhabi.”
The comment captured the growing sentiment among international financiers that Abu Dhabi is no longer just a regional powerhouse, but a central player shaping the future of global capital, investment strategy, and economic governance.