Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI), stated that Abu Dhabi is securing its economic future through a multi-faceted strategy focused on strengthening global relationships, building a competitive environment, and empowering its private sector.
Speaking at the Abu Dhabi-London Business Connect forum in London, Al Zaabi promoted the emirate as a premier global hub for talent, investment, and high-value companies. He noted that decades of work have created a robust ecosystem that allows businesses to grow and contribute to local communities.
The London forum was used to highlight diverse investment opportunities and deepen trade and economic cooperation with the United Kingdom. Al Zaabi emphasized that the Chamber’s three-year roadmap is specifically designed to foster a dynamic business environment, drive innovation and entrepreneurship, and connect local companies to global markets through trade agreements with over 25 countries.
He stressed that the emirate provides all the necessary capabilities for companies to thrive, noting that over 40 local private and family businesses attended the forum to explore joint ventures and market opportunities in the UK.
Economic Success and Future Focus
Al Zaabi cited impressive economic data as proof of its successful diversification policy: Abu Dhabi has seen 17 consecutive quarters of GDP growth, with non-oil sectors expanding by approximately in recent years and now contributing over half of the total GDP. Furthermore, non-oil foreign trade with the UK has increased by
over the last five years, contributing to a
jump in non-oil foreign trade during the first half of 2025.
He concluded by inviting investors to not just invest in Abu Dhabi, but to invest with Abu Dhabi, as the emirate builds world-class hubs in sectors like finance, AI, renewable energy, and life sciences. The goal is to be a gateway where capital is used for projects that make a “tangible difference” to prosperity and quality of life.
The ADCCI remains key to this strategy by boosting the private sector’s global competitiveness and helping to shape economic policies. The forum itself saw participation from numerous influential Abu Dhabi entities, including ADIO, Mubadala, ADGM, and ADDED.
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