Post by : Badri Ariffin

His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister, presided over the inaugural Board of Directors meeting of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) in 2026 held at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi.

During the meeting, ADFD's operational performances were evaluated, and significant decisions aimed at advancing the fund's development objectives were approved by the board members. The meeting also delved into the financing and investment strategies within the fund.

Celebrating 55 Years of ADFD's Impact

Sheikh Mansour underscored the significance of the meeting coinciding with ADFD's 55th anniversary, marking a key moment in the fund's history.

He noted that the fund's legacy, initiated by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, emphasizes investment in people and sustainable development.

According to Sheikh Mansour, ADFD has effectively positioned itself as a premier development finance institution with a worldwide mission, bolstering the UAE's status as a reliable international development ally.

He affirmed the fund's accomplishments echo the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who has actively promoted a development model responsive to economic shifts and global challenges.

Sheikh Mansour added that ADFD plays a pivotal role in enhancing the competitiveness of UAE exports, further solidifying its commitment to international economic stability.

ADFD's Vision for Sustainable Expansion

His Excellency Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, stated the fund's dedication to magnifying its developmental impact while nurturing partnerships to help establish sustainable economies.

He highlighted that ADFD's support for the UAE's industries propels economic competitiveness and enables Emirati businesses to forge into global markets.

Reinforced by the UAE's leadership support, Al Suwaidi emphasized ADFD's prominence as the nation's leading development finance institution.

With an eye on the future, ADFD plans to modernize its development finance through new mechanisms that respond to evolving global needs.

2026 Meeting Attendees

The meeting saw participation from the Board of Directors including notable figures such as His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, and other key leaders.

Revealing Strategy 2030 and Water Initiatives

Subsequent to the meeting, Sheikh Mansour was briefed on significant initiatives including ADFD's Strategy 2030.

This strategy aims to enhance the fund's international impact, support the UAE's economic growth goals, and implement innovative financing solutions.

An update on the Abu Dhabi Global Water Platform was also presented, a $2 billion initiative from 2026 to 2030 that aims to improve global water security.

ADFD is poised to contribute $1 billion to this program, aiming to provide sustainable water access to around 10 million individuals.

Innovative Satellite Project Announced

Further discussions included ADFD's unique satellite project, set for launch in Q4 2026, partnering with Orbitworks to enhance developmental project monitoring.

This satellite will complement the UAE's Altair satellite constellation, consisting of ten satellites developed in Abu Dhabi.

Commemoration of ADFD's Milestone Anniversary

In celebration of ADFD’s 55th anniversary, Sheikh Mansour unveiled the fund's first commemorative stamp, symbolizing its development journey since 1971.

This special stamp celebrates ADFD's contributions to sustainable development while enhancing the UAE’s role in global development efforts.

The selected design emerged from a national competition endorsed by Emirates Post and was personally signed by Sheikh Mansour, commending all participants for their creativity.

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