Investopia 2025 charts the contours of global investment in the new economy

Key Highlights of the Conference Discussions:

• Modern global trends in investing in new economy sectors, digital transformation, advanced technologies, and banking and financial services.
• The importance of innovating new visions for philanthropy and impact investing, as well as boosting the social impact of charitable initiatives to adopt sustainable investment models.
• Economic policies and trends affecting the global financial sector, and their impact on inflation, interest rates, and changes in monetary policies.
• Focusing on the role of technology and innovation in urban projects to achieve economic development—with a review of Abu Dhabi Urban Plan 2040 as a model for urban development.
• Mechanisms for managing economic risks and adapting to them in order to build resilient economies capable of facing future challenges.
• Stimulating international cooperation to devise solutions for safeguarding investments in precious metals, as well as the necessity to diversify investment portfolios to mitigate risks.

The first day of the fourth edition of Investopia featured 12 major panel discussions under the “Investopia Dialogues” theme, with the participation of more than 27 speakers including leaders, ministers, decision-makers, investors, experts, and academics from various economic and development fields.

The events also included 11 roundtable meetings under the “Investopia Communities” theme, attended by a wide array of government representatives, private sector leaders, and entrepreneurs, amid the participation of over 3,000 attendees from around the world at Investopia 2025.

This year’s edition of Investopia is graciously sponsored by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy President of the State, Deputy Prime Minister, and Head of the President’s Court.

The first-day events were inaugurated by Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Investopia President, in an opening speech that addressed the future of investment in new economy sectors in the UAE and global markets, the importance of financing to develop sustainable and circular economic models, as well as enhancing economic openness, building partnerships, and strengthening economic resilience in line with continuous global economic developments.

The panel discussions covered a variety of vital topics—most notably investment opportunities in new economy sectors, particularly artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

Other topics included the circular economy and wealth management, impact investing in the philanthropic sector, the global economic shifts amid ongoing geopolitical challenges, and strategies to boost growth and competitiveness in the financial services sector.

Economic Transformations and Investment in the New Economy

The first panel session, titled “Global Trends Shaping the New Economy,” featured speakers such as Erik Robertsen, Head of Global Research and Chief Strategy Officer at Standard Chartered; Dr. François Bourguignon, Honorary President of the Paris School of Economics; and Mark Antaki, Deputy Head of Strategy and Risk at Mubadala.

The session discussed the impact of artificial intelligence on global economic and investment trends, as well as the effects of economic and geopolitical transformations.

Participants emphasized the importance of technology and sustainability in shaping the future of the new economy, stressing that digital transformation is key to creating unique investment opportunities in the financial services sector—especially with the rapid evolution of blockchain, digital payments, and cryptocurrencies.

New Visions for Philanthropy and Impact Investing

In another session entitled “Capital for Good… The Future of Philanthropy,” the focus was on approaching charitable work more strategically and practically.

The discussion highlighted the need for measured and sustainable change rather than temporary fixes by employing innovative management techniques supported by technology and data analytics.

Speakers in this session included  Badr Jaafar, CEO of Al Hilal for Projects—the UAE’s Special Envoy for Business and Philanthropy; Tsetsi Maseiwa, CEO and Co-founder of Higher Life Foundation; Baroness Ariane de Rothschild, CEO of Edmond de Rothschild Group; and Alfonso Garcia Mora, Vice President of the International Finance Corporation for Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

They discussed the importance of public–private partnerships to enhance the social impact of charitable initiatives, the challenges in measuring the effectiveness of philanthropic and investment projects, and the necessity of clear performance metrics to ensure tangible, measurable outcomes.

The speakers underlined the role of impact investing in achieving social change and the importance of adopting sustainable investment models that blend financial returns with positive social impact, in addition to supporting entrepreneurship and social initiatives as a means to drive sustainable development.

Enhancing Competitiveness in the Financial Services Sector

The third session, “Boosting Growth in the Financial Services Sector,” featured a keynote by  Emma Reynolds, Member of Parliament and Minister of Economy at the UK Treasury.

She highlighted the key trends and policies affecting the global evolution of the financial sector, with a particular focus on the United Kingdom’s role in supporting financial markets and entrepreneurship.

The session reviewed major economic transformations—such as inflation, rising interest rates, and changes in monetary policies—and explored how to strengthen financial and investment partnerships between the United Kingdom and the UAE to support sustainable growth in international markets.

During her speech, Emma Reynolds stressed that the financial sector is a fundamental pillar of the UK economy and reaffirmed the commitment of the new Labour government to maintaining London’s status as a leading global business hub. She also emphasized the deep historical ties and close cooperation between the United Kingdom and the UAE, expressing confidence that this partnership will continue to flourish and grow in the future.

Diversifying Investment Portfolios and Potential Risks

In the session “Geopolitics and Investment… Unstable Pathways,” speakers such as Roberto Hornwig, CEO for Europe, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East at Standard Chartered; Naguib Sawiris, Chairman and CEO of ORA Developers; and Burak Dali Oglu, Head of the Investment Office at the Turkish Presidency, highlighted how private banks and major investors assess geopolitical risks.

They discussed the formation of specialized teams and the engagement of experts from governments and public administrations to guide their investment strategies, as well as methods to diversify investment portfolios to reduce exposure to risks arising from political unrest, future scenarios, and their impacts on the global economy.

Naguib Sawiris remarked, “In today’s changing geopolitical landscape, there is a pressing need for flexible investment strategies that can meet these challenges.

Egypt has significant economic potential, especially with the recovery of tourism and improved exports—recent exports have reached around $1.5 billion, which supports currency stability.

As investors seek stable economic environments, the UAE stands out as an ideal destination that encourages investors to relocate and benefit from its opportunities.

This is reflected in the migration of approximately 1,500 Egyptian companies to Abu Dhabi in the last phase, taking advantage of the supportive investment environment and economic stability offered by the UAE.”

Burak Dali Oglu added, “Despite global challenges and an 8% decline in global foreign direct investment flows, Turkey recorded a 5.6% increase in FDI in 2024 compared to the previous year, reflecting the positive impact of comprehensive reform agendas and Turkey’s new economic vision.

These structural reforms continue to enhance Turkey’s position as a flexible and attractive investment destination and cement its role as a global hub where opportunities converge and investments flourish.

” He also emphasized that collaboration with partners in the Gulf Cooperation Council remains a cornerstone of their strategy to create synergy between Turkey and the GCC countries by deepening cooperation in key sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and technology.

The Future of Healthcare in the UAE

The fifth session, “The Future of Healthcare… The UAE’s Path Forward,” explored the global expansion strategies of healthcare companies and the UAE’s role in promoting innovation in this sector.

The discussion focused on digital transformation in medical services, investments in health technology, and the use of artificial intelligence to improve healthcare quality. The session featured insights from Shaista Asif, CEO of PureHealth Group.

Global Capital Trends and Strategies Amid Current Changes

The session “New Capital… Exploring Trends, Flows, and Opportunities” brought together investment experts from around the world, including David Livingstone, Head of Customer Service at Citigroup; Alexander von Zur Mohlen, CEO for Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Germany at Deutsche Bank; and Martin Trico, Head of Investment Banking at First Abu Dhabi Bank.

The session examined factors influencing investment decisions, such as economic changes, technological developments, and geopolitical shifts, and discussed how to direct investments toward emerging sectors like renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and industries driven by innovation.

Abu Dhabi’s Vision for Sustainable Urban Innovation

Continuing Investopia’s showcase of the best development experiences, the seventh session, “Building Tomorrow… Abu Dhabi’s Vision for Urban Innovation,” was hosted by Mohammed Ali Al Sharfa, Head of the Municipalities and Transport Department in Abu Dhabi.

He presented a range of development strategies adopted by the Emirate to drive comprehensive and sustainable economic and social development.

Among the highlights is the Abu Dhabi Urban Plan 2040, which aims to double the population and GDP, while focusing on enhancing quality of life, attracting investments, adopting smart and sustainable infrastructure solutions, and strengthening the role of technology and innovation in urban projects.

Al Sharfa noted that thanks to the support and guidance of its visionary leadership, Abu Dhabi is experiencing continuous progress across various economic and social sectors, with an emphasis on environmental sustainability and social prosperity.

He underscored the significant role played by the private sector in developing Abu Dhabi, making it a preferred destination for work, living, and prosperity—especially as the Emirate recently earned the title of “Best City to Live In.”

He further stressed that advanced technology and smart data are key drivers of development in the Emirate, with current efforts focused on doubling the population by 2040 and upgrading infrastructure to the highest standards, particularly in transportation.

Enhancing the shift toward smart mobility was also highlighted, with a call to companies to actively participate in this developmental trend and capitalize on its economic and investment opportunities.

He added that over the past seven years, the UAE has focused on advanced and digital sectors such as vertical farming, robotics, and artificial intelligence, and Abu Dhabi is poised to serve as a strong launching pad for companies looking to expand regionally and globally in these vital areas.

A New Chapter in Investment and Innovation

In the session “The Middle East… A New Chapter,”  Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Qarqash, Diplomatic Advisor to His Highness the President, and  Eng. Hassan El-Khatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade of the Arab Republic of Egypt, discussed regional economic transformations and the role of technology and innovation in supporting emerging markets.

The speakers highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships between governments and the private sector to enhance economic integration and attract long-term investments.

Hassan El-Khatib stated, “The Egyptian economy has undergone significant transformations over the past decade, experiencing fluctuations before stabilizing in 2014.

” He noted that the Egyptian government has invested $350 billion in infrastructure projects to boost development, in addition to supporting the private sector by lowering taxes and launching flexible legislations to stimulate investment.

With current inflation rates declining, it is expected that they will return to normal levels by 2026, as ongoing efforts continue to improve the investment climate—particularly through digital transformation and learning from the UAE’s experience in this area.

Empowering Artificial Intelligence and Enhancing Sustainability

The ninth session, “2Point Zero… As an AI Enabler,” addressed the importance of artificial intelligence in business sustainability.

Hosted by Mariam bint Mohammed Al Muhairi, CEO of 2Point Zero Group, the session highlighted AI’s role in developing sustainable energy solutions, digital transformation strategies in vital sectors, and the importance of global partnerships in fostering innovation.

Mariam Al Muhairi stated, “2Point Zero is a leading model in supporting the UAE’s new economy by adopting sustainable solutions that reduce carbon emissions and drive the shift toward a green economy.

The company aims to list on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange by year’s end, reflecting its ambition for growth and expansion.

” She emphasized that the company’s achievements and future aspirations are largely due to the supportive environment provided by the UAE—both in terms of visionary leadership and robust investment-stimulating policies.

She further underlined the importance of building partnerships to realize 2Point Zero’s vision, saying, “No one can go it alone.

” The company’s investments span six major sectors, including finance and digital technology, and its ambitious plans include developing large data centers with operational capacities of up to 100 megawatts.

Al Muhairi also noted that Abu Dhabi is strengthening its position as a global hub for digital investment, hosting the largest Bitcoin mining facility with a capacity of 250 megawatts.

The Future of Real Estate: A Catalyst for Global Growth and Investment

In the session “From Real Estate to Globalization,” Sara Chow, CEO of the National CSR Fund “Majra,” and Hussain Sajwani, CEO of DAMAC Properties, discussed the future of the UAE real estate market and the impact of economic developments on the sector.

The discussion touched on balanced urban expansion, the move toward sustainable projects, and the role of smart technology in enhancing the real estate sector.

Hussain Sajwani emphasized the importance of sustainability, noting that it is not exclusive to the business community and that environmental care is a collective responsibility requiring the joint efforts of everyone—from the smallest family member upward.

In this context, Sajwani praised DAMAC Lagoons for earning the platinum “LEED” certification, marking it as the first major residential community in the UAE to receive this prestigious environmental sustainability award.

Safeguarding Investments in Precious Metals

The session “Safeguarding Investments in Precious Metals: Potential Risks” explored the critical importance of protecting investments in precious metals due to their vital role in bolstering economic growth.

The discussion examined how shared expertise can help develop strategies and action plans that support the protection of investments in this sector.

The session was attended by Hamad Abdullah Al Hammadi, Deputy CEO of ADQ, and Philip Klig, Managing Partner at Orion Abu Dhabi.

Hamad Al Hammadi explained, “The mining sector is one of the strategic pillars for securing global supply chains, especially given the challenges associated with the concentration of key metal production in a limited number of countries.

In this context, ADQ’s investment of $1.2 billion in partnership with Orion Abu Dhabi reinforces our role in securing vital raw materials for national industries, such as Emirates Steel and Emirates Global Aluminium, as well as supporting financial and investment partnerships in emerging markets.

We are working to develop an integrated system that ensures the sustainability of strategic resources and enhances the competitiveness of our national economy in key sectors, especially those related to the electrical transformation and future industries.”

Roundtable Meetings

The first day of Investopia 2025 also featured 11 roundtable meetings attended by a large group of ministers and prominent government officials at the regional and international levels, along with representatives from global companies and major investment funds operating in the fields of the new economy, technology, clean energy, the circular economy, venture capital, corporate social responsibility, financial and banking services, and digital health.

Developing Policies for the Circular Economy

These meetings addressed a variety of economic topics, including the enhancement of international dialogue to generate new ideas and projects that support innovative circular economy strategies.

They also emphasized forming new partnerships that strengthen economic and investment ties between the region and major global and regional markets, reaffirming the UAE’s central role as a global economic and investment hub connecting the East and the West.

Opportunities and Challenges of Artificial Intelligence

The discussions also tackled how to effectively harness and manage wealth, how to rely on climate technologies and advanced techniques to face climate change, and the role of impact investing in facilitating partnerships among investors, business leaders, and governments, while identifying new investment opportunities and promoting sustainable global economic growth.

The meetings examined various opportunities and challenges posed by artificial intelligence, as well as boosting investments in high-growth startups and enabling the global venture capital environment.

The “100 Companies of the Future” Initiative

At the close of the first day’s main program under the “Investopia Dialogues” theme, the annual forum for the “100 Companies of the Future” initiative was held.

This event announced the hundred companies selected for the current year and launched the initiative’s annual report, in the presence of  Alya bint Abdullah Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, and  Ahoud bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and Future.

The session focused on the vital role of the “100 Companies of the Future” initiative in accelerating high-potential companies across all future economy sectors, enhancing the UAE’s position as a global commercial hub for entrepreneurial projects, and addressing important topics such as artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and technology-driven entrepreneurship and innovation.