The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and Mastercard have entered into a landmark partnership to launch the Digital Partnership Programme in Abu Dhabi. This three-year collaboration aims to accelerate Abu Dhabi’s economic growth by digitizing financial systems, supporting the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain.
The signing of the agreement took place during the Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW), held from December 9 to 12, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. This collaboration is part of Mastercard’s Digital Country Partnership (DCP) programme, designed to enable governments, businesses, and citizens to collaborate and meet critical economic and social goals.
The Abu Dhabi Digital Partnership Programme will bring advanced financial technologies to the forefront, digitizing government payment systems, promoting SME growth, and supporting fintech companies through Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem. The partnership also includes the development of innovative AI and blockchain solutions at Mastercard’s Advanced AI Centre of Excellence, specifically aimed at empowering sectors like gaming and other high-growth industries in the emirate.
As part of the agreement, ADIO and Mastercard will work together to identify business opportunities within Mastercard’s portfolio to serve both regional and global markets. This collaboration will co-develop financial solutions that leverage Abu Dhabi’s advanced financial infrastructure and business ecosystem to drive sustainable economic outcomes.
ADIO and Mastercard will also support payment digitalization in collaboration with key stakeholders in Abu Dhabi, offering tailored financial products such as prepaid cards to the unbanked, enabling pension payments, and further enhancing the services for local communities. Additionally, prepaid travel cards tailored to Abu Dhabi’s growing traveler and expatriate population will be introduced through this partnership.
The integration of Mastercard’s priceless.com platform will enable Abu Dhabi to access dedicated marketing channels, a custom landing page, and global network connections, promoting attractions such as hotels, museums, and entertainment events.
His Excellency Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, highlighted the importance of the collaboration, stating, “Fostering a digitally connected economy is essential to Abu Dhabi’s economic transformation. This partnership with Mastercard will empower SMEs, attract global talent, and boost our tourism sector. It marks a significant step in the emirate’s digital transformation.”
Dr. Dimitrios Dosis, President of Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa at Mastercard, emphasized the partnership’s impact, saying, “We are proud to collaborate with ADIO in shaping Abu Dhabi’s future as a global hub for innovation and growth. By deploying transformative technologies like AI and fintech, we aim to unlock new opportunities for businesses and communities.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) plays a critical role in accelerating Abu Dhabi’s growth and enabling economic transformation. ADIO supports both local and international investors, shaping industries that will define the future of technology, resources, and public-private partnerships, with a focus on community well-being.
Mastercard, a global leader in digital payments, empowers people in over 200 countries by providing secure, simple, and smart payment solutions, contributing to building a sustainable economy where everyone can thrive.
