ADIO And PGIM Collaborate To Establish RealAssetX Innovation Centre In Abu Dhabi

The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) has partnered with PGIM, Prudential Financial Inc.'s global asset management arm, to set up a new innovation centre in Abu Dhabi. This collaboration was announced during Abu Dhabi Finance Week by Badr Al-Olama from ADIO and Raimondo Amabile from PGIM Real Estate. The partnership aims to enhance RealAssetX, an initiative focused on advancing the real asset industry.

RealAssetX, launched by PGIM Real Estate in 2023, is dedicated to researching and investing in technology for the real asset sector. The new centre in Abu Dhabi will feature a cutting-edge research lab developed with local universities and Hub71. This facility will serve as a hub for knowledge exchange and innovation, leveraging partnerships with institutions like the University of Chicago and University College London.

PGIM is renowned for its expertise across various investment strategies, including fixed income, equities, real estate, and private credit. The company manages substantial funds across the Middle East and aims to develop solutions for a sustainable financial services system. Through this partnership, ADIO will connect Abu Dhabi's institutions with PGIM's global network to foster innovative advancements.

The collaboration will facilitate PGIM’s work with Abu Dhabi’s private and public entities, such as universities and venture capital networks. They aim to advance research in sustainability, AI, and deep tech within the real asset industry. RealAssetX will also invite institutions aligned with PGIM’s vision to join its network, strengthening Abu Dhabi's position as a leading technology hub.

ADIO and PGIM are considering creating an investment framework worth up to USD 250 million. This fund would support RealAssetX in investing in early and later-stage tech companies both regionally and globally. The goal is to transform research into market-leading solutions that benefit founders, investors, and the local economy.

Empowering Local Talent

Badr Al-Olama stated: "Our partnership with PGIM is a testament to Abu Dhabi’s commitment to building an innovation-driven, knowledge-based economy." He emphasised that RealAssetX Abu Dhabi will merge local talent with global expertise to keep Abu Dhabi at the forefront of financial innovation.

Raimondo Amabile added: "Partnering with ADIO will deliver innovative solutions in one of the world’s most dynamic markets." He highlighted that collaborating with regional universities and tech firms strengthens RealAssetX’s ecosystem by developing new technologies that drive transformation in the real asset industry.

Through this strategic alliance, ADIO and PGIM will focus on developing local talent by collaborating with universities for best practice transfers and creating internship opportunities. This initiative aligns with ADIO’s "Invest with Abu Dhabi" approach, offering global investors a chance to engage with a forward-thinking ecosystem.

This partnership underscores Abu Dhabi's dedication to fostering an innovation-driven economy while empowering local talent through global collaborations. By establishing RealAssetX in Abu Dhabi, both parties aim to create an environment where innovation can thrive locally while drawing insights from around the world.

With inputs from WAM