Ali Aslan, Presenter & Freelance Journalist
H.E. Eng. Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman, Dubai Chambers, UAE
H.E. Ahmed Alattar, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Federal Republic of Germany
In this TED-style talk, we explore the evolving trade and investment landscape between Germany and the UAE. Uncover the key sectors driving bilateral growth and how businesses are planning on leveraging these emerging opportunities. With both nations committed to innovation, market trends point towards AI-driven industries, smart infrastructure, and resilient supply chains as the next frontier of economic partnership, but what does the latest data actually show and what are the opinions of executives that drive direct investment.
Gain insights into the challenges, strategies, and possible solutions that will define the future of German-UAE trade relations and discover how shifting economic priorities are shaping new opportunities for collaboration.
Anthony O’Sullivan, UAE Managing Partner, EY, UAE
In 2023, Dubai launched a new strategy designed to position Dubai among the world’s top three global economic hubs by 2033. With a targeted economic output of $8.7 trillion, this transformative vision is shaping the future of trade, investment, and economic expansion. In this dynamic session, we will explore how German and European businesses, investors, and entrepreneurs can leverage Dubai as a strategic trading and investment hub for regional and global expansion.
Our experts will examine how Dubai’s progressive regulatory framework, tax advantages, and investment-driven incentives are fostering cross-border transactions and business growth between the UAE and Europe. Explore the rise of M&A activities and private investments, where strategic partnerships are driving expansion in key sectors.
For High-Net-Worth Individuals and MNCs, the landscape has never been more promising, offering unparalleled access to new wealth management solutions, residency benefits, and investment-driven opportunities. Join our expert panel as they discuss the game – changing trends shaping the future of UAE-German business collaboration.
H.E. Mohammad Ali Rashid Lootah, President & CEO, Dubai Chambers, UAE
Dr. Malte Heyne, CEO, Hamburg Chamber of Commerce, Germany
Moderator: Ali Aslan, Presenter & Freelance Journalist
Dubai is on a mission to incubate 30 unicorns in the next decade, but how is the city turning bold ambition into reality and what are the opportunities for German and European key players?
This deep dive session explores how Dubai is rapidly evolving into a global startup powerhouse, attracting world-class founders, investors, and disruptors. With government-backed incentives, funding programmes, and the regulatory sandbox approach, Dubai is creating the ideal launchpad for innovation. From fintech to healthtech, AI to sustainability, learn which sectors hold the greatest promise for VC investment.
Hear from our speakers as they evaluate Dubai’s plans to scale ideas into billion-dollar businesses and learn how global entrepreneurs are tapping into the region’s dynamic ecosystem, leveraging strategic advantages, and securing funding to accelerate growth.
Mohammad Alblooshi, CEO, DIFC Innovation Hub, UAE
Dr. Hendrik Brandis, Co-Founder, Earlybird Venture Capital, Germany
Moderator: Walter Pasquarelli, Advisor and Speaker on GenAI Policy
Germany’s reputation for engineering, precision manufacturing, and industrial innovation is globally recognised. Now, with Dubai’s D33 Strategy, new opportunities for German and European investment are available, that prioritises growth, innovation, and sustainability.
This deep dive session explores how Dubai is becoming the ideal regional hub for German automotive, logistics, and manufacturing giants, as well as Mittelstand companies seeking global expansion. With world-class logistics, infrastructure, and supply chain advantages, Dubai offers a seamless gateway for German exporters to emerging markets across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Dubai’s long-term net-zero strategy opens opportunities in green hydrogen, solar energy, and sustainability-focused projects.
How can German investors and industrial leaders participate in this transformation? Join our experts as they discuss the next big industrial and green energy opportunities in Dubai.
Mohamed Sharaf, Chief Operating Officer FDI, Dubai Economic Development Corporation, UAE
Abdulla Al Hashmi, Chief Operating Officer – Parks & Zones, DP World GCC, UAE
Moderator: Alasdair Ross, Countries Editor, The Economist’s ‘The World Ahead’
Dubai is working hard to help foster the future of technology and rapidly emerging as a global hub for AI, Web3, and digital assets. But what does this mean for investors, startups, and innovators, especially from Germany’s deep-tech and fintech ecosystems?
In this expert dialogue, we explore government-backed R&D funding, paving the way for German deep-tech startups in biotech, life sciences, and AI to scale in Dubai’s thriving ecosystem. Fintech, healthtech, and smart mobility are at the forefront of investment opportunities, with Dubai providing a robust framework for IP protection and innovation-driven growth.
Join us as we break down how Dubai is attracting global founders, accelerating next-gen technology, and creating unparalleled opportunities for investors in the digital economy.
Stephan Heller, Founding Partner, AlphaQ Venture Capital, UAE
Moderator: Walter Pasquarelli, Advisor and Speaker on GenAI Policy
For businesses looking beyond borders, Dubai is at the heart of the world’s most critical trade routes, bridging Asia, Europe, and Africa with unmatched connectivity and ambition. But under the D33 Strategy, its role is evolving—positioning Dubai as a global leader in digital trade, investment, and market expansion.
In this panel discussion with top economists and corporate executives with deep FDI experience, they will explore why key sectors are driving FDI, from real estate and tourism to e-commerce and financial markets. With Dubai’s financial market reforms and capital market incentives, global businesses and investors have access to capital and high-growth opportunities. As the experience economy and digital trade reshape global commerce, how can businesses leverage Dubai’s strategic position to scale internationally and who will gain the greatest advantage?
Edward Bell, Chief Economist & Head of Research, Emirates NBD, UAE
Max Heinemann, CEO, Gebr. Heinemann SE, Germany
Dr. Nicole Renvert, Managing Director International Economic Relations, DIHK (German Chamber of Commerce & Industry), Germany
Moderator: Alasdair Ross, Countries Editor, The Economist’s ‘The World Ahead’
In the afternoon of the Dubai Business Forum, we are also pleased to announce that we will be providing “Free Zone Focus” sessions which will offer a comprehensive overview of Dubai’s investor-friendly landscape, providing a deep dive into the sector-specific free zones that make Dubai a globally competitive hub for investment.
These sessions will showcase the wide range of incentives and initiatives available to businesses, with a particular focus on how you can leverage these advantages to fuel expansion and achieve sustainable growth in Dubai and across the region. We will also have a dedicated session led by Dubai Chambers, presenting our strategic initiatives which support expanding your business into Dubai and international markets.
Delegates can also utilize our custom-made business meeting, the “Connect Hub” as a prime opportunity to build strategic connections and explore collaborative ventures.
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.
Mohammad Alkassim, Director – Investment Attraction, Global Markets Sector, Dubai Chambers
Discover the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) – a key driver in strengthening Dubai’s position as a leading global business hub. DIEZ brings together a world-class ecosystem and an expansive international network across three renowned economic zones: Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZ), Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), and Dubai CommerCity (DCC).
By attracting significant foreign direct investment from across the globe, DIEZ along with its robust supporting platforms – offers a comprehensive ‘work, live, play’ proposition, empowering international investors, and businesses to flourish in the region and beyond.
In this session, you’ll find out all about:
Abdur Rahim Ghulam Nabi, Chief Advisor, Dubai Airport Free Zone
Mitch Bittermann, Senior Vice President – Commercial, Dubai Commercity
Omar Abdulaziz Taher, Senior Director, Sales & Business, Dubai Silicon Oasis
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.
Nadim Badran, Director – Commercial & Engagement, Dubai Expo City
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 European companies, highlighting successful examples of German and European enterprises within the TECOM Group ecosystem. Additionally, the presentation will delve into the broader context of German-UAE trade relations.
Ammar Al Malik, Executive Vice President – Commercial, TECOM Group
Anders Kron, Vice President – Business Development, DP World GCC
