Dubai Business Forum

Overview of session:

In the ever-evolving landscape of global economies, the concept of globalization has undergone significant transformations in response to recent events that have heavily impacted international markets.

This keynote highlights Dubai's imperative role in creating the essential balance that reinforces both globalization and regionalization. Dubai is playing a crucial role in creating an essential balance that addresses the global economy but also enhances regional trade partnerships and domestic economic growth, how will those strong regional ties pave the way to success in the global shift towards regionalization?

Taking place across the programme on both the Arena stage and within The Deals Hub in the Home of Dubai Chambers, these are dedicated spaces where business leaders, stakeholders and major investors will forge and announce major deals, MOUs, launches, business initiatives, partnerships, investments and commercial alliances.

Overview of session:​

The ‘D33’ agenda aims to enhance Dubai’s position as a fast growing and attractive business hub with world-class quality of life for both citizens and residents.

This fireside chat will explore D33’s enabling framework driving Dubai’s accelerating growth via investment in human development, skillsets and advanced technology; consolidating Dubai’s global competitiveness, innovation and knowledge-based economies; and building on advantages gained from Dubai’s strategic location and advanced infrastructure to raise the city’s status as the preferred destination for major international companies, investments and skilled talents.

What will the future look like as one of the top three cities from a global perspective and what are the opportunities for international businesses and policy shapers to leverage D33?

Overview of session:

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is committed to sustainability and achieving the UAE‘s Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative. By leveraging advanced technologies, R&D and the tools of the 4th Industrial revolution, DEWA aims to redefine the utility sector, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future.

This keynote address will shed light on various innovative projects, initiatives, and programmes that DEWA is implementing to support sustainability and accelerate the energy transition to a green, circular, and sustainable economy, contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030. How do these innovative initiatives and projects align with the Dubai Clean Energy Status 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050?

Overview of session:

The global economy has faced strong fragmentation post the pandemic, 2020 – 2023 was a learning lesson for the world that underlined the importance of economic resilience and global unity. The Middle East showed massive and fast transformation spearheaded by strong protocols and initiatives from the GCC region.

As quoted by the former President of the European Central Bank, Jean-Claude Trichet, “economies have to be very prudent and cautious, and that vigilance is of the essence”. There’s a golden opportunity to do so across major transitions: energy and climate change being one; diversification being second as well as fiscal and monetary policies. How is the region addressing those three major transitions?

This interview will highlight how the Middle East has prevailed post the pandemic and is in many ways stronger and more resilient than ever. Alongside regional unity, visionary leadership across the GCC was a key driving force behind this growth pressing ahead with efforts to diversify its economy. What are the key learnings that can be shared with the world on the region’s successful ability to reboot its economy in face of global uncertainties?

Overview of session:

​We all recognise the urgency of the global climate crisis and the critical role that businesses and philanthropic endeavors must play in combating climate change. This next session will explore how businesses can be better engaged in global efforts, looking at the strategies that might come to light in the upcoming COP28 conference which stands as a beacon of hope as global leaders converge to outline actionable pathways for businesses to contribute to shared environmental goals.

Through strategic philanthropic investments, we can unlock opportunities for valuable research, community-based initiatives and policy advocacy, accelerating the transition to a much greener and more sustainable world. Additionally we will focus on the opportunities for businesses to actively engage in everything from renewable energy projects to sustainable supply chain management and catalyze change from within, driving innovation and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship.

Conversation highlights:

• How can businesses be better engaged in global efforts to combat climate change and nature degradation, and how will this be achieved in the upcoming COP28 conference?
• What role can philanthropy play in addressing climate and nature action, and how impactful is this considering the immense scale of the funding required?
• What opportunities are there for business to engage in the energy transition, and where are the most useful interventions required today to help accelerate this?

Overview of session:​

Dubai continues to develop and implement sustainable policies to promote economic growth, create a competitive business environment, strengthen international economic relations, and build trust and transparency.  In Dubai alone, small and medium-sized companies represent close to 95 percent of all local companies and 42 percent of the workforce, while making up some 40 percent of the emirate’s GDP.​

This expert discussion will highlight small and medium-sized companies as the main drivers of Dubai’s economy as well as the kind of initiatives and programmes that are being put in place to drive funding and improve performance. How will that boost Dubai's economic competitiveness and value proposition to companies, investors and talent from around the world?​​

Overview of session:

Preparing for a new industrial revolution powered by technology and data will be crucial to the growth of future economies. This TED-Style Talk will shed light on Industry 4.0 and the substantial impact it will have on the global economy. Operationally intensive sectors in production will see the greatest change with a revamped workforce skillset. How will that directly impact the future of production and manufacturing? The Fourth Industrial Revolution has the potential to raise global income levels and improve the quality of life for populations around the world. What kind of industries will witness the fastest growth from the fourth industrial revolution? And which markets will benefit the most?

Taking place across the programme on both the Arena stage and within The Deals Hub in the Home of Dubai Chambers, these are dedicated spaces where business leaders, stakeholders and major investors will forge and announce major deals, MOUs, launches, business initiatives, partnerships, investments and commercial alliances.

Overview of session:​

Globalization initially meant that global economies were coming together, but due to recent events that have heavily impacted markets across the world, economies are taking a new outlook, introspecting, and looking inwards.​

This expert discussion will delve into the changing dynamics of globalization and how economies are reassessing their strategies by turning their focus inward.

Discussion highlights:​

• How will this movement impact the global market? Which regions will benefit the most and which regions will be pressured to re-strategize? Developing markets vs developed? ​
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of this shift? Highlighting the importance of regionalization for economic growth?
• How will free trade agreements, tax incentives and trade blocs play a key role in this movement?

Overview of session:

Trade hubs are connected to the world and tend to be seismographs for change and disruption elsewhere. In an era of rapid change in the technological sphere, coinciding with impacts of global warming and armed conflict, both politics and business are in a continuous cycle of reaction to disruption, diverting attention and resources away from long-term necessary transformation.

To achieve a climate-neutral and resource-efficient economy, massive amounts of investment in innovation are necessary. The bulk of this will need to be done by the private sector. Companies drive and move forward innovative solutions, products, and new technologies in order to stay globally competitive.

Chambers as representatives of their local business communities can and should accelerate companies’ innovation capacities by fostering international innovation networks through their global chamber network. Dubai and Hamburg Chambers are starting a new initiative by interlinking their innovation ecosystems in order to combine complementary strengths and accelerate international market readiness and entry.

Overview of session:

Amidst uncertainty hitting global markets and fragmenting global trade, sustaining FDI has been a key challenge in the past three years.

This panel discussion will accentuate Dubai’s ability to position itself as a leading market in FDI while setting an example for regional and global markets. Thanks to its strategic location, major trade routes, favorable tax incentives and strong policies, Dubai will remain an attractive and promising market for FDI inflows and economic growth.​

Panel discussion highlights:

• How was Dubai able to take the lead in driving FDI inflow irrespective of global circumstances? 
• Which sectors are forecasted to grow even further in the coming years (tech industry, hospitality and tourism, real estate, cultural and creative industries)​?
• Dubai is anchoring more global and regional headquarters, what does that mean for the future of business in Dubai?​

Overview of session:

Largely driven by societal and demographic changes, investing in new and developing megatrends will become increasingly important in the coming years.

This TED-Style Talk will look closely at thematic investments that have grown in importance post the pandemic. Thematic investments ultimately focus on changing society – they are powerful, transformative and can heavily impact the global economy. More importantly, they drive innovations that can unfold opportunities for a better world.

What are the current megatrends that are driving thematic investments from a regional and global perspective? Beyond current trends, this session will also investigate future investment opportunities that will also have a substantial impact on future societies.

Taking place across the programme on both the Arena stage and within The Deals Hub in the Home of Dubai Chambers, these are dedicated spaces where business leaders, stakeholders and major investors will forge and announce major deals, MOUs, launches, business initiatives, partnerships, investments and commercial alliances.

Overview of session:

Balancing the advantages of AI with potential drawbacks will be crucial for businesses as they continue to navigate the evolving digital landscape. This will ensure that businesses are able to sustain control while creating a balance and at the same time leveraging the key advantages of AI against selective domains.

This Ted-Style Talk will investigate smarter and more selective usage of AI across various businesses and industries that will minimize risk and maximize efficiency. ​ With a strong perspective and experience on companies’ digital transformation journey, former Google Executive Ted Souder will unfold the concrete steps needed to ensure that businesses are safely adopting the use of AI in a manner that is seamless and well examined. How can businesses benefit from the opportunities that will arise from AI adoption? But also avoid the pitfalls that can come with rapid adoption?

There are major uncertainties and concerns with AI that businesses need to navigate, such as whether their operations would benefit from stronger interventions or more stringent controls? As AI promotes leaner operations that could result in workforce reduction, businesses will need to evaluate how staff will be reallocated for efficiency.

Overview of session:​

The global reliance on technology has seen an unprecedented surge. The acceleration and reliance on digitalization have equally prompted interest as investors closely monitor companies that help connect data across various sectors and drive the demand for emerging technologies. This panel discussion will investigate opportunities in tech-related investments that will rise as more industries seek digital solutions. While tech-focused industries have benefited from a higher level of funding, nascent industries struggle to gather adequate investment support in their adoption of technology​.

Panel discussion highlights:​

• What will be the major investment opportunities in the coming year for advanced technologies? And for which sectors?​
• What kind of companies will take lead in driving more innovative and advanced technology solutions?​
• Where does the investment gap currently stand from an industry point of view? (Nascent industries that are seeking tech-related investment opportunities and that need to begin their digital transformation)​

Overview of session:

The principles of foresight and strategic planning have been proven to be beneficial across various industries and organizations, whether it’s speculating the long-term effects of the fourth industrial revolution or understanding the unintended consequences of our rapidly evolving digital revolution.

As quoted by Dr. Noack, from Dubai Future Foundation, “as humans we favor immediate rewards over future benefits, our lives are now more consequential for the planet and a change in perspective is therefore necessary”. This interview will underline how economies can stay one step ahead by using foresight and strategic planning to create a better future. How can economies adopt key trends while carefully forecasting their evolvement in the long term? What role can governments as well as organizations play in this development?

Taking place across the programme on both the Arena stage and within The Deals Hub in the Home of Dubai Chambers, these are dedicated spaces where business leaders, stakeholders and major investors will forge and announce major deals, MOUs, launches, business initiatives, partnerships, investments and commercial alliances.

Overview of session:​

As emerging markets target key sectors to foster economic diversification, tourism has been underlined as a key driver to GDP.  

This expert discussion  will accentuate Dubai’s thriving tourism industry that has also fostered major investment opportunities. This session will set an example for economies around the world in Dubai’s ability to create a sustainable tourism industry that has also become a powerhouse for its economy (diversifying, boosting local job prospects as well as elevating its lifestyle offering - for tourists and residents)​.

Discussion highlights:​

• What are the key learnings that Dubai can share with emerging markets in its ability to foster a sustainable/thriving tourism industry? How was Dubai capable of being 'the trendsetter' in tourism?​
• What are the key sectors that have benefited from this surge in tourism (direct as well as indirect influence)? 
• What are the investment opportunities that are directly linked to Dubai's tourism sector, investment opportunities in travel/aviation and investment opportunities in hospitality? 
• What does the future of tourism look like for Dubai? What kind of new innovations will be introduced to the tourism sector and how will that impact the overall market?

Overview of session:

The Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized both our interactions with our surroundings and the operation of businesses. This industry transformation is driven by exponential innovation, continually enabling businesses to optimize operations.

This TED-Style talk will delve into the rising use of innovative sensor systems, especially in robotics and autonomous platforms, which analyze data from connected devices and assist global industries in making informed decisions. How does innovation in the sensor chip market bridge the gap between AI and business growth? And what advancements and skill sets will further propel IoT in the future?

Overview of session:​

​According to the World Economic Forum, by 2040 the supply of international talent will reach an all-time high. As the global population grows, present and future trends will continue to shift and transform the future of the workforce. Local governments must prepare to attract the workforce of the future​.

This TED-Style talk will address transformations in the global workforce and the evolution of international talent pools. The workforce of the future will transform the way in which industries and businesses operate. With the rise of borderless economies, how can companies form stronger connections with future talent hubs and ensure continuous evolvement with the ‘Workforce of the Future’?

Taking place across the programme on both the Arena stage and within The Deals Hub in the Home of Dubai Chambers, these are dedicated spaces where business leaders, stakeholders and major investors will forge and announce major deals, MOUs, launches, business initiatives, partnerships, investments and commercial alliances.

Overview of session:​

Amidst global uncertainty, investors have responded positively to the resilience of Dubai’s economy aided by a healthy financial ecosystem. This panel discussion will highlight Dubai as an attractive market for Asian investors as well as companies looking to list.

As Dubai’s Financial Market takes the lead and reaches its highest point in nearly eight years, it warrants the market’s strong inflow of capital. The recent sukuk listings on Nasdaq Dubai will also continue to strengthen Dubai’s position as one of the largest centers for Sukuk listings as well as an international center of the Islamic economy.

Expert discussion highlights:​

• What are the key factors that have prompted Dubai’s growth momentum in capital markets?
• How is that increasing investor confidence in Dubai’s capital markets (vs. global markets)?
• How does Sukuk issuance support the growth of the Islamic economy in Dubai? How does it provide investors with diversification opportunities?
• Asian investors' interest in the opportunities offered by Dubai's capital markets

Overview of the session:

The integration of robotics within the workplace will be an exciting development in the coming decade. As corporations look to adopt and develop the latest robotic technologies, local talent will divert their efforts to other specialized fields that will enable them to continue generating innovative solutions.

This TED-Style Talk will investigate the harmonized integration of robotics within the workplace. This integration will become essential as businesses work to enhance their operations and efficiency while enabling their staff to focus on other critical areas.

How can employees increase technology readiness to ease the integration of robotics in the workplace? And how can employers empower staff to reduce resistance? Ensuring that the next generation of talent is equipped with the skills required to succeed in the robotics and technology domain will be crucial to the growth of industries.

Overview of session:

The fintech industry is completely revolutionizing the way consumers manage their finances and businesses manage their operations. A new wave of technology sector M&As will target fintech companies as a strategic growth move – ‘acquire, get acquired, or consolidate’​. 

This expert discussion will look at this surge in M&A deal activity characterized by the consolidation of fintech companies that will speed up growth strategies and scale. Fintech companies will also look to form strategic partnerships with larger corporations to widen their customer base. 

Expert discussion highlights:​

• How will smaller fintech companies benefit from forming strategic partnerships with larger corporations? (The role/impact that M&As will have on the fintech industry)​
• Which sub fintech sectors will benefit in high demand from acquirers, investors and potential partnerships? (i.e., open banking, neo banks, digital currencies)​
• What does the future of this consolidation look like for the entire industry?  A few major ‘power players’? Better regulations?​

Overview of session:

The transformation of industries is as a result of rapidly evolving technologies that will continue to enable businesses to optimize their operations.  Companies and industries that are deploying AI application will benefit from an increasing competitive advantage enabling them to become more diverse through the analysis of data across multiple functionalities.

This TED-Style Talk will explore the future of AI in businesses that will propel major industries around the world while empowering them to make better informed decisions.  How will data analytics shape AI and machine learning in the coming years for businesses? What will be the role of AI as a major enabler in the business landscape?  How will this transform and elevate the competitiveness of the entire business landscape?

Overview of session:​

At the height of Dubai becoming the ‘Silicon Valley’ of the Middle East, Div Turakhia established the ad-tech company Media.net in Dubai Internet City which was later sold for over AED 3.3 billion ($900M) in one of the largest ad-tech deals in history. Media.net was Div's 3rd startup exit, with the prior two being sold for over $100M and over $200M each. In 2022, Div founded Ai.tech (globally headquartered from Dubai), a cutting-edge startup studio that has incubated a few different businesses, the largest of which is Advertising.tech.  Advertising.tech develops machine learning technologies for media buying, and licenses diverse online advertising solutions to prominent companies within the ad tech industry. The Ai.tech startups now exceed 1000 employees worldwide.

What key learnings can Div share when it comes to capitalizing on lucrative opportunities, especially in a city like Dubai which remains a major hub for entrepreneurs?

As a serial entrepreneur and the youngest self-made gulf billionaire in 2017, Div’s story of success is an inspiration for Dubai and the world. This interview will delve into his journey in Dubai, a city that was a big facilitator of his success. The session will also underline the resilient business ecosystem that supported him throughout his journey.​

Overview of session:

Major cities used to have a solid focus on modernized urbanization a few decades ago, this was very evident in the GCC as the region took a sudden shift towards more advanced urban development.

This TED-Style talk will explore the major challenges that are currently impacting nature and biodiversity because of rapid urban expansion. How can markets resolve these challenges while leveraging nature-based solutions within their urban planning?

Building more sustainable cities that work in harmony with nature will be the backbone of urban development. What are the major steps that cities need to take to preserve their ecosystem, especially developing markets as they expand into some of the world’s most biodiverse regions.

Taking place across the programme on both the Arena stage and within The Deals Hub in the Home of Dubai Chambers, these are dedicated spaces where business leaders, stakeholders and major investors will forge and announce major deals, MOUs, launches, business initiatives, partnerships, investments and commercial alliances.