Dubai Business Forum

Registration & Networking

Welcome by Master of Ceremony

Future-Forward: Innovation and Growth through Dubai-UK Economic Opportunities

Dive into the future of Dubai-UK commercial prospects and possibilities in this visionary TED-Style from Matthew Griffin, futurist and advisor to global businesses. Exploring the latest trends in AI, digital transformation, and sustainable development, Matthew unpacks how businesses can capitalise on these emerging sectors. Discover how Dubai’s ambitious economic agenda, coupled with the UK’s innovative prowess, can unlock unprecedented opportunities for businesses, gain insights into the challenges and solutions facing businesses and how often, together is better.

Healthy People, Healthy Economies

Both the UK and Dubai prioritize high-quality healthcare and dynamic life sciences industries, with focuses on precision medicine, technology-driven healthcare, and leadership in R&D. Dubai’s healthcare market is projected to reach $6.6 billion by 2025, fueled by population growth, medical tourism, and technological advancements. With over 20 free zones, including the region’s largest integrated healthcare free zone, the Emirate actively fosters investment and collaboration in healthcare and life sciences, encouraging partnerships and innovation. In this session, hear how these initiatives position the Emirate as an attractive destination for UK companies looking to expand and grow.

The Green Frontier: Cultivating Collaboration

In this discussion we consider the business opportunities presented by the green economy and Dubai’s ambitious sustainability goals. Join our speakers as they delve into significant potential for joint R&D, and with Dubai’s public and private entities to accelerate the development and deployment of cutting-edge solutions that address pressing global challenges such as climate change and energy security. By leveraging Dubai’s strategic location, commercial incentives, supportive ecosystem, funding opportunities and forward-thinking policies, we discuss fostering sustainable economic growth and the opportunities for UK businesses expanding in the future-looking Emirate.

AI and Advanced Tech: From Idea to Impact

Join experts from both the UK and Dubai in this discussion about the latest advancements, opportunities, and challenges in AI and advanced digital technologies. With Dubai targeting a 40% contribution to GDP from AI by 2031, both markets can benefit from exploring synergies, talent strategies, R&D initiatives, commercial opportunities, ethical considerations, and future trends. Discover Dubai’s leading AI initiatives, such as the AI Lab and specialized business toolkits, to understand how businesses can capitalize on these resources and drive growth through collaboration and knowledge sharing. Hear from key players in the AI arena and unlock the potential of AI to create new business opportunities and drive economic prosperity.

Opportunities in an Innovative, Robust and Sophisticated Financial Sector

Dubai is home to around 1100 FinTech companies, which represents a 30%+ increase from the previous year. Additionally, investments in fintech in Dubai have soared to $3.4 billion and are projected to reach $949 billion by 2030, making it one of the premier fintech hubs globally. Dubai offers a supportive regulatory framework, favorable tax policies, and a drive for innovation to attract foreign direct investment in financial services. With access to cutting-edge technologies, Dubai’s thriving financial market presents an ideal environment for global financial institutions to expand and grow. How can UK financial institutions capitalize on Dubai’s expanding and diversifying financial sector to drive growth and success?

Dubai’s Real Estate Resilience: A Powerhouse of Growth and Opportunity

Construction and building activities account for over 10% of the UAE’s total GDP, a figure set to grow following the recent launch of the Real Estate Strategy 2033. With the objective of increasing real estate transactions by 70% and multiplying the value of real estate portfolios by 20 times to AED20bn ($5.4bn), the Real Estate Strategy 2033 aims to contribute AED73bn ($20bn) to the emirate’s GDP. The Emirate’s population growth along with the focus on tourism and hospitality have further fueled the demand for new infrastructure, including hotels, resorts, and residential properties. This presents a wealth of opportunities for UK construction, real estate and hospitality companies seeking new horizons or to further deepen their activities in Dubai.

Inside Dubai: A UK Business Perspective

In this high-level conversation our distinguished speaker will share their own experience as a UK company doing business in Dubai. From reasons behind setting up in the Emirate to the practical ins and outs, help at hand, triumphs and any stumbling blocks. Hear how the ecosystem and initiatives are evolving and how UK business leaders can take advantage of all Dubai has to offer entrepreneurs and innovators. There’s nothing like a first-hand account to demonstrate the true value of business collaboration between our two markets.

Enabling Growth: Dubai Chambers Global Markets

Learn about Dubai Chambers’ strategic initiative launched to support its members in expanding their business into international markets. The Global Markets team facilitates business matchmaking and partnerships, helping companies build relationships with key stakeholders, exponentially unlocking growth potential.

Enabling Growth: Dubai Expo City

The transformed site of Expo 2020 Dubai has been repurposed into a vibrant, sustainable, and future-oriented community, home to innovative companies envisioning and bringing the future to life. Join leaders to explore how this free zone can catapult your company’s growth in a cultivating environment.

Enabling Growth: DIEZ (Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority)

Discover Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority and its component entities and find out how this unified platform serves businesses looking to set up operations in Dubai and thrive in the region. In this session you’ll find out all about:

• Dubai Airport Free Zone
• Dubai Silicon Oasis
• Dubai Commercity
• Oraseya Capital

Enabling Growth: TECOM Group

This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of TECOM Group and its role in Dubai’s economy. We will explore why Dubai is an attractive business destination for UK companies, highlighting successful examples of UK enterprises within the TECOM Group ecosystem.