Hanwha Finance is returning as a Premier Partner of Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) 2026, extending its relationship with the event for a second consecutive year.
ADGM, which hosts Abu Dhabi Finance Week, announced the renewed partnership during a high-level Abu Dhabi economic delegation to the Republic of Korea. The agreement reflects the growing financial and investment links between Abu Dhabi and South Korea.
The partnership also arrives as both markets deepen cooperation across finance, technology, advanced manufacturing and investment.
Hanwha Finance Extends Its ADFW Partnership
Hanwha Finance is the financial services division of South Korea’s Hanwha Group. Its return as a Premier Partner marks the second consecutive year that the company has taken a major role in Abu Dhabi Finance Week.
The partnership goes beyond event visibility. Abu Dhabi Finance Week has become a meeting point for global investors, financial institutions, policymakers and business leaders looking at new capital flows and cross-border opportunities.
For Hanwha Finance, Abu Dhabi offers direct exposure to one of the Gulf’s fastest-growing financial ecosystems. For Abu Dhabi, the partnership strengthens another connection with South Korea’s corporate and investment sector.
Partnership Announced During Abu Dhabi Delegation to Seoul
The renewed partnership was announced during an Abu Dhabi delegation to South Korea held in September 2026. The delegation brought together government entities, investors, financial institutions and business leaders from both markets.
The wider visit focused on creating practical commercial opportunities rather than simply strengthening diplomatic ties. Discussions covered areas such as financial services, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, energy, agricultural technology and research.
The Hanwha Finance agreement fits naturally into that broader push, particularly as Abu Dhabi looks to expand its relationships with major Asian companies and investors.
UAE-Korea Investment Ties Continue to Expand
The partnership sits within a much larger UAE-South Korea investment relationship. The UAE has already made major investment commitments across strategic sectors of the Korean economy, including renewable energy, semiconductors, hydrogen, nuclear energy and advanced technologies.
Both sides have also worked on sector-focused initiatives covering artificial intelligence, biotechnology, digital content, energy and advanced manufacturing.
Plans for a dedicated industrial zone in Abu Dhabi aimed at Korean manufacturing companies add another layer to the relationship. These developments show that cooperation between the UAE and South Korea is moving well beyond traditional trade.
Abu Dhabi Investment Forum Strengthens Business Links
The partnership announcement also came around the same period as the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum in Seoul, where Korean companies and investors met with representatives from Abu Dhabi’s government, financial and business sectors.
The forum focused on investment opportunities, market entry, capital deployment and expansion into Abu Dhabi. It also gave Korean companies a clearer view of how Abu Dhabi’s business and financial ecosystem is evolving.
The discussions were particularly relevant for companies looking at regional expansion, digital finance and new investment structures across the Middle East.
Digital Finance Becomes a Bigger Part of the Relationship
Financial technology is becoming another important area of cooperation between Abu Dhabi and South Korea. Recent agreements linked to the wider delegation explored digital finance, capital-market connectivity and financial innovation.
Areas such as digital assets, tokenisation, stablecoins and cross-border payments are increasingly part of the conversation.
That makes the Hanwha Finance partnership more significant than a simple event sponsorship. It connects with a wider effort to build stronger financial infrastructure and investment links between both markets.
What the Partnership Means for Abu Dhabi’s Financial Hub
Abu Dhabi has been steadily building its position as an international financial centre. ADGM has attracted more banks, asset managers, investment firms, fintech companies and global businesses looking for a regional base.
Abu Dhabi Finance Week plays an important role in that strategy by bringing together decision-makers who influence capital markets, investment and regulation.
Hanwha Finance’s continued involvement adds another major Asian financial group to that network. It also gives companies operating in ADGM more exposure to potential investment and business opportunities linked to South Korea.
Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2026 Returns in December
Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2026 is scheduled to take place from 7 to 10 December 2026. The event will bring together leaders from finance, investment, government and technology.
This year’s theme, “The Capital Community, Powered by Partnerships,” closely reflects the type of relationship being built between Abu Dhabi and South Korea.
Topics such as capital markets, financial technology, investment, regulation and cross-border business are expected to feature prominently throughout the programme.
A Broader Abu Dhabi-Korea Business Corridor Is Taking Shape
The bigger story extends beyond Abu Dhabi Finance Week itself. Korean companies are showing growing interest in Abu Dhabi, while Abu Dhabi institutions are looking for more opportunities across South Korea.
Finance can help accelerate that movement by improving access to capital, investment platforms and cross-border financial services.
Hanwha Finance’s return to Abu Dhabi Finance Week strengthens another link in that emerging business corridor. It also reflects how Abu Dhabi is using financial partnerships to deepen its connections with major global markets.
Sources
ADGM — Hanwha Finance Announced as Premier Partner for Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2026
https://www.adgm.com/media/announcements/hanwha-finance-announced-as-premier-partner-for-abu-dhabi-finance-week-2026
ADGM — Abu Dhabi Delegation Advances Economic Cooperation with Republic of Korea
https://www.adgm.com/media/announcements/led-by-abu-dhabi-chamber-delegation-from-the-emirate-advances-economic-cooperation-with-republic-of-korea-across-priority-sectors
Abu Dhabi Global Market
https://www.adgm.com/
