On August 6th, 2025, Abubaker Al Khoori, Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Capital Group (ADCG), led a distinguished delegation on a visit to the Shanghai Advanced Institute of Finance (SAIF) at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) for extensive discussions on advancing multiple areas of in-depth cooperation.
The delegation was received by Haitao Yin, Director of the Office of International Affairs at SJTU, and Professor Shijun Cheng, Executive Dean of SAIF. The visiting delegation comprised senior executives and strategic partners, including Hashem Al Kaabi, Chief of Al Ain Region at Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO); Saeed Kathiri, Head of China Partnerships in the Clusters Business Unit at ADIO — along with several ADCG partners, including: Magomed Musaev, Strategic Investor at Chiltern Street Capital (UK); Suwaidan Al-Dhaheri, CEO of IMKAN Properties (Abu Dhabi); and Weiyi Mei, CEO of Sycamore Fund (Hong Kong) and Member of the SAIF International Expert Committee for Program Development.
Representing SAIF and SJTU, the meeting included Deputy Deans Hong Yan and Feng Li, Associate Dean Yong Zhang, and Junchi Yan, Assistant to the Dean of the School of Artificial Intelligence at SJTU.
Haitao Yin welcomed the delegation by outlining SJTU's academic strengths and global initiatives, emphasizing that strategic collaboration with Middle Eastern institutions is pivotal to SJTU's internationalization strategy. Citing the newly launched joint PhD program with Khalifa University, he proposed exploring diversified cooperation models that could benefit both institutions.
Shijun Cheng highlighted SAIF's excellence in faculty development, talent cultivation, and research output, alongside the institute's recent strategic priorities. He stated that SAIF's Middle East engagement aligns seamlessly with China's Belt and Road Initiative and SJTU's global development framework, expressing commitment to advance collaborative academic programs, joint research initiatives, and international forums.
Junchi Yan provided comprehensive updates on the School of Artificial Intelligence at SJTU, stating that it will work closely with both SJTU and SAIF to advance research collaborations with institutions throughout the Middle East region.
Abubaker Al Khoori responded positively to the prospect of collaborating with SJTU and SAIF, expressing anticipation for substantive progress in the partnership. He emphasized that amid current global complexities, SJTU and SAIF should leverage their respective strengths to strategically advance teaching and research capabilities in the UAE, particularly in areas concerning the global financial system and AI applications in finance. He underscored that deepened cooperation with Chinese institutions would further catalyze industry exchanges and create mutual benefits between China and the UAE.
Abu Dhabi Capital Group (ADCG) ranks among the MENA region's largest institutional investment groups. Through extensive partnerships, it generates transformative value across diversified portfolios spanning multiple asset classes, industries, and geographies. The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), established by the Abu Dhabi Government in 2019, drives economic diversification and sustainable growth. As an investment enabler, it attracts and empowers businesses through financial incentives, regulatory guidance, and strategic leadership.
