STEP Arabia Conference 2025 gathers private-wealth advisers, family-business principals, trustees, and cross-border tax specialists for a focused, two-day programme in the UAE capital. According to information compiled by Few.ae editor, the schedule begins with an opening reception at 18:00 on Sunday, 9 November, followed by a full conference day on Monday, 10 November, concluding at 17:00. The format combines keynotes, technical panels, and networking designed to translate global developments in estate planning, family governance, philanthropy, and transparency rules into practical regional takeaways.
Where it’s hosted and why the venue matters
The programme takes place at the ADGM Authorities Building on Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi—part of Abu Dhabi Global Market’s financial district. The Authorities Building anchors ADGM Square, with direct access to shaded plazas, café lines, and adjacent towers that house law firms, financial institutions, and professional-services groups. Inside, delegates can expect modern conference suites with reliable AV, adaptable breakout rooms for workshops and sponsor roundtables, and concierge-style registration areas that keep flows smooth at peak times. For out-of-town attendees, the location is steps from two five-star properties—Rosewood Abu Dhabi and Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island—making side meetings or client lunches an easy walk from the halls.
How to get there and arrive on time
ADGM sits roughly 20 minutes by car from central Abu Dhabi and about 15–25 minutes from Zayed International Airport, depending on traffic. The simplest route is taxi or ride-hailing to the ADGM Square/Authorities Building drop-offs on Al Maryah Island. If you’re driving, follow signs to Al Maryah Island and use the connected multi-storey car parks; pedestrian bridges and air-conditioned corridors link parking to the conference entrances. Public transport options serve the Capital Centre and island precincts, but for tight schedules the taxi approach is most predictable. Allow a little extra time on Sunday evening to navigate weekend traffic and security/ID checks at the building entrances.
Who’s on the programme and what to expect
Speakers typically include STEP regional leaders, senior lawyers from onshore and offshore jurisdictions, trustees, private bankers, and family-office executives sharing case-based insights. Expect discussions on cross-border structuring and residence issues, tax-reporting and transparency regimes, Sharia-compliant succession pathways, second-generation governance, philanthropic frameworks, and evolving regulatory expectations for service providers. Sponsors and partners use the reception to frame the next day’s agenda, while Monday’s sessions often blend plenary keynotes with breakout tracks, giving technical specialists and generalist advisers room to dive deep without losing the broader strategic arc.
The flow of 9–10 November
The 18:00 Sunday reception is your first networking window: collect badges, map the meeting points near the main foyer, and confirm any one-to-ones. Monday morning typically opens with registration and coffee before the first plenary; panels then run through late afternoon with short breaks for bilateral catch-ups. The 17:00 finish leaves room for post-conference meetings on the island or transfers to evening commitments elsewhere in the city. If you’re hosting clients, book tables in advance at one of the adjacent hotels or The Galleria dining cluster to avoid last-minute scrambles.
Venue comfort and practical details
ADGM’s indoor concourses and plaza layout make navigation straightforward; wayfinding screens and floor staff usually guide delegates between halls and breakouts. Climate control is robust, and the food-and-beverage points sit within steps of the meeting rooms for short refuelling windows. Business attire is the norm, and it’s smart to carry a light layer for air-conditioned rooms. Bring a government ID for building access and plenty of business cards—networking is embedded into both the reception and coffee breaks.
Weather outlook and what to wear
Early-to-mid November in Abu Dhabi brings warm, dry days and comfortable evenings. Seasonal averages hover around 30–32°C in the afternoon, easing to the low-to-mid-20s°C after sunset. You’ll be indoors for most of the event, but breathable fabrics are helpful for brief outdoor transfers between drop-off points, lobbies, and dining venues.
Travel timing tips from Dubai and the airport
From Dubai, plan about 75–90 minutes by car via E11/E10 to reach Al Maryah Island; if you’re stacking meetings around the conference, consider overnighting on the island to cut transit time. From Zayed International Airport, booking a ride-hail on touchdown typically syncs well with luggage delivery and gets you to ADGM within 20–25 minutes. For departures, schedule your car 10–15 minutes before the last session ends to meet the 17:00 finish without delay.
then "Add to Home Screen"