Abu Dhabi has launched a new financial cluster to accelerate growth in fintech, insurance, digital assets, and alternative investments, following approval from Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

Announced during Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2025, the FinTech, Insurance, Digital and Alternative Assets (FIDA) cluster is led by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO). The initiative is designed to strengthen the emirate’s position as a global hub for advanced financial services.

Official projections estimate that FIDA could add $15.25 billion to Abu Dhabi’s GDP by 2045, create more than 8,000 high-skilled jobs, and attract at least $4.63 billion in investment, supporting the UAE’s long-term economic diversification goals.

The cluster aims to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s competitiveness in fintech, investment, and the digital economy by developing institutional-grade digital asset infrastructure, advanced fintech platforms, and globally aligned regulatory frameworks. It also focuses on mobilising sustainable finance, supporting net-zero ambitions, and expanding ESG-focused investment products.

FIDA will provide tailored financial infrastructure for strategic Abu Dhabi clusters, including AGWA, SAVI, and HELM, helping companies access financing, manage risk, and scale. It will also expand access to alternative lending, venture debt, and growth capital for SMEs, which account for 42% of the emirate’s non-oil GDP.

The initiative is set to expand private equity, venture capital, and alternative asset platforms, strengthen insurance and reinsurance capacity, and introduce new savings and retirement planning products. It brings together public and private partners across regulation, financing, infrastructure, innovation, and talent development, with oversight from the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank of the UAE, ADGM, and the Securities and Commodities Authority.

Financial backing will come from the Khalifa Fund, sovereign wealth funds, and family offices, while infrastructure support will be provided by Al Etihad Payments, the Abu Dhabi Pension Fund, GPSSA, Etihad Credit Insurance, and the Etihad Credit Bureau. Innovation and R&D efforts will be driven by Hub71, UAE University, Khalifa University, the Emirates Institute of Finance, and ADGM Academy.

Backed by more than $1.8 trillion in sovereign wealth and strong regulatory frameworks, Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its position as a leading financial centre, offering companies within the FIDA cluster treaty-backed access to major markets across Europe, North America, and Asia.