The UAE’s excellent handling of the pandemic and the implementation of key business accelerators are being seen by economic experts as strategic factors in the continued growth of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the country.

Looking to create more interest in investing not only in the UAE but also across the globe, the 2022 edition of the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM), which will be held from 29th to 31st March, 2022 at the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo 2020 Dubai, affirms its role as a key global player in the move to gain international economic growth.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the Annual Investment Meeting is an initiative of the UAE Ministry of Economy designed to provide a framework for global exchange on the key principles underpinning international investment to achieve smart and inclusive global growth.

AIM’s theme for this year is ‘Investments in sustainable innovation for a thriving future’. The exciting three day event is jam packed with workshops, lectures and networking events that are focused on bolstering and improving sustainable investments via six set pillars-FDI, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Foreign Portfolio Investments (FPI), Startups, Future Cities and the Projects of the 50, which is a series of developmental and economic undertakings designed to accelerate the country’s further development and consolidate its position as a highly preferred destination for talents and investors.

The mentioned pillars are expected to help achieve a six-pronged goal-enable the entry of key business opportunities from different parts of the globe; empower SMEs and give due recognition to their contributions to the global economy; encourage investors to diversify their portfolio, establish new contacts and get a better understanding of local investment flows; assist investors in acquiring venture capital and seed funding; encourage governments and investors to rally their support for innovation-based, smart city solutions and driving in more support and assistance for the 50 Projects initiative. These six pillars are expected to provide strong value points for the participants-making attendance a must for stakeholders of the world’s investment landscape. Under the pillar aimed towards attracting more FDI into the country, the activities prepared are focused on enabling the entry of more business opportunities coming from various parts of the world.

The show will also be introducing an Investors’ Hub initiative where representatives of top investment houses, investment corporations, development banks, sovereign wealth funds, and portfolio investors can interact with official government envoys to forge investment partnerships and collaborations globally. Other related activities under this pillar include B2B, G2B, and G2G meetings, a special gala dinner, high-level networking lunch, and an Investment Awards initiative that will recognise the best FDI projects in each region of the world.

Meanwhile, for the pillar aimed to discover new SME sources, the activities to be offered at AIM 2022 look to empower SMEs and give due recognition to their contributions to the global economy. One of the key highlights under this pillar is the roll-out of an initiative called the ‘Made in Series,’ which will give SMEs the opportunity to showcase their products and services across an international platform.

The third pillar, which is aimed towards improving Foreign Portfolio Investment, will encourage investors to diversify their portfolio, establish new contacts and get a better understanding of local investment flows. In line with the fourth pillar, the move to support the early stages of a startup will be highlighted by activities aimed to assist investors in acquiring venture capital and seed funding.

WAM