2021 Review

Prudent Global Growth

Our Mission

ADIA’s mission is to sustain the long-term prosperity of Abu Dhabi by prudently growing capital through a disciplined investment process and committed people who reflect ADIA’s cultural values.

IN MEMORIAM

SHEIKH KHALIFA BIN ZAYED AL NAHYAN

1948-2022

The late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan dedicated his life to the service of his nation and his people.

As President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi from 2004, he pledged to safeguard the achievements of his father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and to build upon his legacy. He did so with an unwavering commitment to the welfare of his people, leading the UAE to become the modern and dynamic country it is today.

On the international stage Sheikh Khalifa was known for his pursuit of peace between countries, understanding between cultures and harmony between faiths.

As ADIA’s founding Chairman, Sheikh Khalifa oversaw its growth and evolution over the course of the past 46 years. His calm and far-sighted leadership guided ADIA with a steady hand, and ensured the institution remained singularly focused on its mission to sustain the long-term prosperity of Abu Dhabi.

The loss of Sheikh Khalifa has been deeply felt and widely mourned, reflecting the sense of gratitude felt by the people of the UAE for his lifetime of service to the nation, and the esteem in which he was held around the world.

HIS HIGHNESS

SHEIKH MOHAMED BIN ZAYED AL NAHYAN

PRESIDENT OF THE UAE AND RULER OF ABU DHABI

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was elected as President of the UAE on 14 May 2022, succeeding his brother, the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to become the country’s third head of state since its formation in 1971. Before that, Sheikh Mohamed served for 18 years as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, working under the leadership of Sheikh Khalifa to guide the UAE through a period of rapid development and transformation.

Sheikh Mohamed has long emphasised the importance of stability, openness and tolerance as guiding principles for the UAE, applied across all aspects of the country’s development. And throughout his life of public service, he has remained focused on building a prosperous nation for future generations.

As the UAE reflects on its first 50 years of nationhood – and all that has been achieved in that time – it also looks forward with confidence to its next phase of growth and progress under the leadership of Sheikh Mohamed.

Letter from
Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Historians will look back at 2021 as a year in which the global economy and equity markets delivered a recovery after the pandemic-driven lows of the previous year. A closer inspection, however, reveals a more complex picture, involving structural and societal shifts that will likely play out for years to come.

Long term strategy portfolio
by region*

map image

North America

45%Min
60%Max

Europe

15%Min
30%Max

EMERGING MARKETS

10%Min
20%Max

DEVELOPED ASIA

5%Min
10%Max

* In 2021, the following changes were made to allocation bands: North America increased (from 35%-50% to 45%-60%), while bands were reduced for Europe (from 20%-35% to 15%-30%), Emerging Markets (from 15%-25% to 10%-20%) and Developed Asia (from 5%-15% to 5%-10%). As a matter of practice, ADIA does not invest in the UAE.

Portfolio by asset class
Long-term strategy portfolio*

Developed Equities
0% 0%
Emerging Market Equities
0% 0%
Small Cap Equities
0% 0%
Government Bonds
0% 0%
Credit
0% 0%
Alternatives**
0% 0%
Real Estate
0% 0%
Private Equity
0% 0%
Infrastructure
0% 0%
Cash
0% 0%
  • Minimum
  • Maximum

* The above denotes long-term strategy portfolio ranges within which allocations can fluctuate; hence they do not total 100%. In 2021, allocation ranges were increased for Private Equity (from 5%-10% to 7%-12%) and reduced for Emerging Market Equities (from 10%-20% to 7%-15%), Government Bonds (from 10% 20% to 7%-15%) and Credit (from 5%-10% to 2%-7%).
** Alternatives comprises hedge funds and emerging opportunities.

Operational Review

Against a complex global backdrop, ADIA made strong progress during 2021 in implementing the organisational priorities that will underpin its continued success.

Investments

ADIA has a highly diversified portfolio that spans geographies, asset classes and asset types, with the objective of generating consistent, long-term returns throughout market cycles.

Equities

Fixed
Income

Financial
Alternatives

Private
Equity

Real
Estate

Infrastructure

Governance

ADIA has robust governance standards with clearly defined roles and responsibilities that ensure accountability.

Board of Directors

Investment Committee

2021 Review

Download the full 2021 Review PDF. It contains the annual overview of all our activities and performance, including our Managing Director’s Letter, Operational Review and more detailed breakdowns by asset class.