- Emirati Hands Shaping Global Prosperity traces ADFD’s evolution and its expanding role in development finance, investment and international cooperation
- Published during Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, the six-chapter publication explores ADFD’s international partnerships, sectoral priorities, national economic role and future direction
- Copies to be distributed to university and academic libraries as a research and knowledge resource
Abu Dhabi, UAE, September 2026: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), in collaboration with TRENDS Research & Advisory, unveiled Abu Dhabi Fund for Development: Emirati Hands Shaping Global Prosperity at the ongoing Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. The book examines ADFD’s contribution to global development since its establishment in 1971, and traces the evolution of its role across development finance, investment and international economic cooperation.
The publication also explores how ADFD has adapted its mandate, financing instruments and partnerships in response to changing development priorities, from financing infrastructure and vital sectors to supporting sustainable investment, the UAE economy and the international expansion of UAE exports.
From Development Finance to Global Partnership:
H.E. Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, said: “This book documents a 55-year national development journey that began with the establishment of ADFD, translating the UAE’s vision and enduring commitment to development and international cooperation into strategic projects, impactful initiatives and long-term partnerships. Through its initiatives, the Fund has contributed to strengthening economies, improving quality of life and advancing sustainable development across partner countries.”
He added: “This publication captures the partnerships and institutional development that have shaped ADFD’s work, while offering a perspective on how development finance can continue to respond to a changing global landscape. We hope it serves as a valuable reference for understanding the UAE’s enduring contribution to global development and the evolving role development finance institutions can play in advancing sustainable growth, strengthening international partnerships and addressing emerging global priorities.”
A Research Perspective on Development Finance:
Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, Chairman of TRENDS Group, said the publication places ADFD’s experience within the broader evolution of development finance. “ADFD provides a valuable case study of how a development finance institution can evolve its model over time, combining financing, investment and international cooperation to respond to changing economic and development priorities. The book examines this evolution through a research-based lens, drawing lessons that remain relevant to the future of development finance.”
Dr. Al Ali added: “The publication brings together historical context, institutional analysis and a forward-looking perspective, making it a useful reference for researchers, academics and students exploring development, economics, investment and international relations.”
Six Chapters Tracing ADFD’s Evolution and Impact:
The book is structured across six chapters, covering the UAE’s development vision, ADFD’s institutional evolution and its expanding role in international development finance. The opening chapters examine the foundations of the UAE’s approach to development and trace ADFD’s transformation from a national institution established in 1971 into an international development finance institution.
The publication then analyses the geographic scope of ADFD’s operations, its sectoral priorities and the partnerships underpinning its international reach. It also reviews the institution’s financing instruments and selected projects, assessing their economic, social and broader development impact.
The fifth chapter then examines ADFD’s role in sustainable investment, its contribution to the UAE economy and its support for the international competitiveness of UAE exports. The final chapter considers the future of development finance, including the implications of technology, innovation and emerging financing approaches for ADFD’s role and the UAE’s contribution to international development.
Extending Access to Knowledge:
Copies of the book will be distributed to university and academic libraries, providing students, researchers and academics with access to ADFD’s experience and insights into development finance, sustainable investment and international economic cooperation.
The publication supports efforts to preserve the UAE’s development knowledge and make it accessible to future generations, while contributing to wider academic and research dialogue on the changing role of development finance institutions.
