ADGM Academy (ADGMA) has announced a strategic partnership with PGIM, the global investment management business of Prudential Financial, Inc., to establish the RealAssetX Abu Dhabi Innovation Center — a state-of-the-art facility focused on driving innovation in sustainable technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and deep tech within the real asset sector.
Scheduled to open in September 2025 at the ADGM Academy offices, the innovation center will serve as a global hub for pioneering research and collaboration.
It aims to tackle key challenges and unlock new opportunities across real estate, infrastructure, smart cities, and related industries.
Read: ADGM reports 33 percent AUM growth in Q1 2025 highlighting strong market confidence
PGIM – ADIO strategic cooperation
The development builds on the strategic alliance between PGIM and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), announced in December 2024, which laid the groundwork for the establishment of the center in the UAE capital.
Areas of focus
The RealAssetX Abu Dhabi Innovation Center will focus on three core areas:
- Climate technologies – Accelerating solutions for decarbonisation and environmental resilience in real assets.
- AI-driven decision-making – Enhancing asset management and investment strategies through advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence.
- Breakthrough applications – Exploring emerging technologies such as blockchain for real estate, smart infrastructure systems, and innovative building materials.
PGIM and ADGMA will jointly oversee the center’s strategic direction and daily operations.
Innovation-driven platform
The initiative will host a robust calendar of innovation-driven activities including research programs, ideation labs, hackathons, startup pitch competitions, and accelerator and incubator support for emerging ventures.
Leadership insights
Alessandro Borgogna, advisor – cluster planning and development at ADIO, said: “Abu Dhabi is driving the next stage of innovation by integrating AI, sustainability, and digital transformation across global industries. RealAssetX Abu Dhabi demonstrates our commitment to strengthening the financial services sector and positioning the emirate as a launchpad for deep tech solutions that deliver value at scale.”
Mansoor Jaffar, CEO at ADGM Academy and Research Center, said: “We are committed to building a vibrant ecosystem that nurtures early-stage ventures and accelerates breakthrough technologies in real assets. Our partnership with PGIM, supported by ADIO, will enable the RealAssetX Center to drive innovation, support sustainable development, and position Abu Dhabi as a global hub for deep tech and smart infrastructure.”
Mohammed Abdulmalek, head of the Middle East at PGIM, commented: “By combining PGIM’s global investment expertise with ADGMA’s commitment to talent and technology, we are creating a platform that will drive sustainable growth, unlock new value, and position the region at the forefront of deep tech and AI-driven transformation.”
The launch of the RealAssetX Innovation Center marks a significant step in reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for financial innovation and sustainable development in the real estate asset space.
