20 years in Abu Dhabi | Episode 1 | From foundations to future

In the opening episode of our Abu Dhabi 20-year podcast series, we take a reflective journey through the city’s remarkable transformation, to it's emergence as a global hub. Throughout the episode we discuss Abu Dhabi’s evolution and it's journey of ambition and innovation.

Abu Dhabi Partner and host Keith Hutchison is joined by Alfred Thornton and Wayne Jones - two of our longest-standing Abu Dhabi partners, who have been instremental to the Abu Dhabi office over the past 20 years - to share their first-hand experiences of the city’s development. Together, they explore how reclaimed land and early infrastructure gave way to iconic landmarks like Marina Mall, Yas Island, and the Emirates Palace. Cultural milestones such as the Louvre and Guggenheim on Saadiyat Island also feature in the conversation, painting a vivid picture of Abu Dhabi’s physical transformation.

The episode then shifts to the city’s changing governance landscape. Listeners will hear how Abu Dhabi moved from ministry-led systems to independent regulators, reshaping sectors like healthcare and finance. The introduction of compulsory health insurance and the rise of ADGM are highlighted as pivotal moments in this journey.

Legal and institutional reform is another key theme. The conversation moves on to how Abu Dhabi’s courts evolved to the modern, efficient institutions that we see today. ADGM’s adoption of a common law framework and the implementation of case management have played a major role in this transformation, offering faster and more sophisticated dispute resolution.

Throughout the episode, personal anecdotes bring the story to life, from Wayne’s visit to the Observation Deck at Etihad Towers to the early days of marine trade and the F1 track’s last-minute preparations. These moments offer a unique lens into the city’s growth and the people who helped shape it.

As the episode concludes, Alfred, Wayne and Keith reflect on what these changes reveal about Abu Dhabi’s journey and what the future might hold. With upcoming episodes set to explore topics like the evolution of dispute resolution and arbitration, the impact of AI and technology, and key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, trade & commodities, transport, real estate and construction, this series promises to offer deep insights into the forces driving Abu Dhabi forward, and the part that Clyde & Co continues to play. 

Stay tuned and subscribe to follow the full series.