Abu Dhabi has launched the FinTech, Insurance, Digital and Alternative Assets (FIDA) cluster, an initiative spearheaded by Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and Abu Dhabi Investment Office. FIDA aims to advance the next generation of innovative financial and investment solutions.
The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, approved the launch, according to a government statement. He affirmed that FIDA represents a strategic step towards building an integrated global financial ecosystem that harnesses capital, innovation, advanced technologies and AI solutions.
Insurance sector
The cluster will strengthen Abu Dhabi’s insurance and reinsurance capacity, supporting the emirate’s growing economy and establishing it as a hub for sophisticated risk management solutions. It will further enable the development of investor-protected savings products for UAE nationals and expatriates, create long-term savings solutions and establish world-class retirement planning frameworks.
Through integrated programme pillars designed to create a comprehensive financial ecosystem, the FIDA cluster aims to develop institutional-grade digital asset infrastructure and advanced FinTech platforms that meet international standards, while establishing frameworks that other jurisdictions can leverage as a global benchmark.
The strategy also includes the channelling of sustainable finance into Abu Dhabi’s priority sectors, supporting net-zero commitments and developing green finance instruments that attract investors focused on ESG factors.
Supervision
FIDA brings together a comprehensive partner ecosystem that spans regulation, financing, infrastructure, innovation and talent development. Regulatory oversight is led by the Ministry of Finance, Central Bank of the UAE, ADGM and the Securities and Commodities Authority, which will collaborate to ensure cohesive and future-ready financial governance.
Funding
Financing and funding partners include the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development alongside several sovereign wealth funds and family offices, creating seamless access to co-investment and capital across Abu Dhabi’s finance ecosystem.
Infrastructure
Providing the physical and digital infrastructure, Abu Dhabi Pension Fund, Al Etihad Payments, Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, General Pension and Social Security Authority, Etihad Credit Insurance and Etihad Credit Bureau will deliver advanced payments, pensions, credit and insurance infrastructure.
Economic contribution
Announced at Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2025, FIDA aims to expand Abu Dhabi’s financial sector into high-growth areas that serve the evolving needs of the emirate, the region and beyond.
By 2045, the cluster is projected to contribute an additional AED56bn ($15.3bn) to Abu Dhabi’s gross domestic product, generate 8,000 new skilled jobs and attract at least AED17bn in investment, aligned with the emirate’s wider economic diversification agenda.