Sheikh Ahmed attends the inauguration of the Dubai Business Forum in Dubai on Wednesday.

Staff Reporter, Gulf Today

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, attended the inauguration of the Dubai Business Forum, organised by Dubai Chambers at Madinat Jumeirah on 1 and 2 November under the theme ‘Transforming Economic Power: Dubai and the Future of Global Trade’.

Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed said: “Under the guidance and visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai is steadily advancing to consolidate its position as the capital of the global economy and a leading destination for foreign direct investment. These efforts contribute to the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) of attracting FDIs exceeding Dhs650 billion over 10 years and making the emirate one of the world’s top three economic cities and top four financial hubs.

“This impressive gathering of 2,000 decision makers, CEOs, investors and businesses from across the globe demonstrates the appeal of Dubai’s competitive business environment, as well as strong investor confidence in the emirate’s economic model.

“We continue our efforts to ensure the availability of various investment options across all sectors, allowing foreign investors to conduct business easily. To this end, we implement an advanced and diverse economic agenda, supported by a flexible legislative environment that attracts investors and protects their rights, further establishing Dubai’s status as one of the world’s safest and most stable investment destinations. Dubai welcomes investments of all kinds, and we will continue to develop our financial and economic ecosystems as our way of bringing the world together,” he added.

The opening ceremony was attended by Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy; Abdul Aziz Abdulla Al Ghurair, Chairman of Dubai Chambers; His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority; Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World;  Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism; Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers;  Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation; Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing;  Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation, and Hamed Ali, CEO of the Dubai Financial Market and CEO of Nasdaq Dubai.

The forum brings together more than 2,000 participants, with 42% of participants travelling from outside the UAE – underlining the event’s significance as an important global platform for cross-border dialogue. Additionally, multinational companies represent 46% of total participation, while fast-growing startups represent 35% and SMEs make up 19% of total participation. Over the course of two days, the landmark event will feature a total of 24 panel discussions and speeches with the participation of more than 33 local and international speakers.

In his opening remarks, Al Ghurair said: “The Dubai Business Forum reflects the emirate’s growing position as a leading destination for investors and a pivotal hub within the global economic system. Dubai is hosting business leaders, major investors, and delegates from companies of all types and sizes from around the world, underlining the strength of its economy and the diversity of its business community.

“When organising the Dubai Business Forum, we were keen to align its objectives with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and the strategic priorities of Dubai Chambers to keep pace with the vision of our leadership.

 We look forward to the forum serving as an exceptional platform to enhance trade relations, establish economic partnerships, and unlock investment opportunities,” he added.

Al Ghurair highlighted how Dubai’s competitive advantages and leading logistics capabilities have established the emirate as a global hub for trade and investment. He emphasised the importance of investing in advanced infrastructure to boost the emirate’s position at the heart of the global trade system, in addition to attracting MNCs, SMEs, and startups, stimulating foreign direct investment, and leveraging opportunities in emerging markets.

“Despite global challenges, Dubai’s economy has succeeded in maintaining its position as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. The emirate’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa enables convenient access to global markets and investment opportunities across diverse economic sectors,” he added.

Bringing together change makers, government officials, business leaders, investors, and economists from around the world, the Dubai Business Forum is uniquely positioned to transform business for the future and shape the future of international trade and the global economy for decades to come.

The event will feature two days of high-level plenary sessions and keynote addresses together with ‘The Future Theatre,’ a key element of the forum that creates a curated platform to engage in meaningful conversations with internationally renowned speakers.