Post by : Bianca
Haleem
His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), chaired the fund's first Board of Directors meeting of 2026 at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi.
The meeting reviewed ADFD's operational performance and examined progress across its financing, investment, and export-related activities. Board members also discussed several strategic agenda items and approved decisions and directives aimed at supporting the fund's continued growth and long-term development objectives.
Sheikh Mansour Highlights ADFD's 55-Year Development Journey
Addressing the meeting, His Highness Sheikh Mansour said the session coincided with ADFD's 55th anniversary, marking an important milestone in the institution's history.
He said the fund's legacy was established by the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose vision placed investment in people and sustainable development at the centre of lasting prosperity.
His Highness said ADFD has strengthened its position as a leading development finance institution with a global mission while reinforcing the UAE's reputation as a trusted international development partner.
He also said the fund's achievements reflect the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whose leadership has promoted a development model that responds to economic changes, addresses emerging global challenges, and builds effective international partnerships.
According to Sheikh Mansour, ADFD also continues to support the competitiveness of UAE exports, further strengthening the country's role in promoting international economic stability and sustainable development.
ADFD Reaffirms Commitment to Sustainable Growth
His Excellency Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, said the fund remains focused on increasing its development impact, expanding strategic partnerships, and supporting the priorities of partner countries to help build stronger and more sustainable economies.
He added that ADFD continues to strengthen the competitiveness of the UAE economy by supporting national industries and exports while helping Emirati companies expand into international markets through innovative financing solutions.
Al Suwaidi said the fund's achievements over the past 55 years have been made possible through the support of the UAE's leadership and the continued guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He noted that this support has reinforced ADFD's position as the UAE's leading development finance institution and an important pillar of the country's development diplomacy.
Looking ahead, he said the fund plans to modernise development finance, introduce new financing mechanisms, and expand impactful partnerships to improve sustainable development outcomes in line with changing global priorities.
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Board Members Attend the 2026 Meeting
The meeting was attended by members of the Board of Directors, including His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State; His Excellency Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of Health and Prevention; His Excellency Saeed bin Mubarak Al Hajeri, Minister of State; Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Head of the International Affairs Office at the Presidential Court; His Excellency Khalifa Ahmed Al Mazrouei, Director-General of Executive Financial Affairs at the Department of Finance – Abu Dhabi; Her Excellency Mira Sultan Al Suwaidi, Member of the Federal National Council's Parliamentary Division and Chair of the Sustainable Development Committee at the Inter-Parliamentary Union; and His Excellency Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of ADFD.
Strategy 2030 and Global Water Platform Presented
Following the board meeting, Sheikh Mansour was briefed on several major initiatives, including Abu Dhabi Fund for Development Strategy 2030.
The strategy is designed to increase the fund's global development impact by advancing sustainable development, supporting the UAE's economic growth agenda, and introducing innovative financing tools and solutions that improve its ability to respond to changing international priorities.
He also received an update on the Abu Dhabi Global Water Platform, a strategic initiative aimed at improving global water security. The programme plans to mobilise a total of US$2 billion in financing from local and international development partners between 2026 and 2030.
Under the initiative, ADFD will contribute US$1 billion, with the programme expected to improve access to sustainable water solutions for around 10 million people worldwide.
Satellite Project to Support Development Monitoring
The briefing also included details of ADFD's dedicated satellite project, the first initiative of its kind by a development finance institution anywhere in the world.
The satellite is scheduled for launch in the fourth quarter of 2026 through a strategic partnership with Orbitworks. It will strengthen the monitoring and implementation of development projects by combining development finance with advanced space technology.
The satellite will form part of the UAE-developed Altair satellite constellation, which consists of 10 satellites assembled in Abu Dhabi.
Commemorative Stamp Marks ADFD's 55th Anniversary
As part of the celebrations marking ADFD's 55th anniversary, Sheikh Mansour witnessed the launch of the fund's first commemorative stamp, recognising its development journey since 1971.
The commemorative stamp honours ADFD's contribution to sustainable development and highlights its role in supporting partner countries while strengthening the UAE's position in international development cooperation.
The winning design, selected through a nationwide competition organised in partnership with Emirates Post, was signed by Sheikh Mansour. He praised the creativity of all participants and congratulated the winners for their contribution to preserving the fund's legacy.
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