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Web Release
2 days ago
- Business
- Web Release
Majra – National CSR Fund honours top 20 CSR projects at inaugural Sustainable Impact Challenge 2025
National CSR Fund recognised the top three winning projects and honoured 17 other initiatives shortlisted for the inaugural edition of Sustainable Impact Challenge 2025, during a prestigious awards ceremony held at the SEE Institute in The Sustainable City, Dubai. Held under the patronage and in the presence of H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of Majra's Board of Trustees, alongside prominent figures, such as H.E. Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority, the event celebrated innovative initiatives that created tangible impact in the nation's sustainability landscape. H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri said: 'The UAE is deeply committed toward developing national strategies and programs that uphold social responsibility and encourage sustainable practices across all sectors. At Majra, we are pleased to play a key role in this effort by fostering collaboration and building strong partnerships with the private sector. The launch of the first edition of the Sustainable Impact Challenge, which will be held annually, reflects our mission to instil corporate CSR values and nurture a culture of sustainable development. Through this initiative, we aim to support impactful private sector projects that align with the national agenda, contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and promote responsible business practices. This is in line with our broader commitment to shaping a more resilient and sustainable future in accordance with the 'We the UAE 2031' vision.' The Sustainable Impact Challenge is a national platform designed to identify and celebrate outstanding CSR initiatives led by private sector companies, third-sector organisations, universities, and other institutions. It reflects Majra's firm dedication to empowering these vital contributors and directing their efforts toward sustainable development. By recognising impactful initiatives, the Challenge further supports the UAE's broader national drive to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promotes the adoption of CSR and sustainability practices across all major sectors. In her speech, H.E. Hessa Buhumaid affirmed the pivotal role played by Majra through the launching of such CSR initiatives and the identification of effective private sector leadership that would enhance social impact. H.E. highlighted the importance of this Challenge as the first initiative showcasing projects with significant environmental, economic, and social impact in conjunction with the prestigious 'Year of Community' program. Her Excellency praised the efforts of the third sector in providing valuable contributions and actively tackling social, environmental, and economic issues. The top three winners included HeroGo, for its project 'Empowering the GCC to access better quality and more affordable groceries while eliminating food waste'; Thiqa Education's '1 Dirham makes an impact' initiative; and Distant Imagery Solutions' 'Rooted in Innovation UAE Engineered Drones Transform Mangrove Restoration' initiative. Together, they were awarded a total cash prize of AED 600,000 in recognition of their exceptional contributions to sustainable development in the UAE. Additionally, the other shortlisted sustainability initiatives were acknowledged for their outstanding efforts and given the opportunity to showcase their project outcomes. Sarah Shaw, CEO of Majra, said: 'We are delighted to identify and honour the innovative, impactful projects through the Sustainable Impact Challenge 2025. These initiatives highlight the pivotal role of private sector firms in driving sustainable change. At Majra, we look forward to relentlessly supporting such efforts that contribute to the UAE's vision for a sustainable, inclusive and resilient future.' On the sidelines of the event, several sessions and meetings were held to reinforce Majra's lead role in fostering sustainability in various industries. A key session at the event featured H.E. Abdullah Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy and Vice Chairman of Majra's Board of Trustees, along with undersecretaries from five ministries to discuss the main challenges that hinder the advancement of social responsibility in the UAE. Key issues highlighted included the lack of opportunities that encourage private sector involvement, ongoing environmental hurdles and ways to find adequate solutions, and the need for stronger regulatory frameworks that require organisations to implement CSR practices. Another key session titled, 'The Role of Public, Private and Third Sector in Developing an Impact Economy,' explored the importance of cross-sector collaboration in building a sustainable economy. The panel featured thought leaders including Dr. Habiba Al Marashi, Chairperson and Co-Founder, Emirates Environmental Group, Chandran Nair, Founder and CEO, Global Institute For Tomorrow (GIFT) and H.E. Maysa Al Nowais, Executive Director – Community Engagement and Volunteering, Social Contributions Authority – Ma'an. The session was moderated by Mohammed Hanif Al Qassim. The event also hosted the inaugural meeting of the Fashion Sustainability Taskforce, held in the presence of H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri. The meeting laid the groundwork for future collaboration and set the direction for a unified roadmap to promote sustainability within the fashion industry. The Sustainable Impact Challenge 2025 stands as a testament to Majra's unwavering commitment towards establishing a thriving ecosystem that encourages and supports CSR initiatives in line with the UAE's strategic development goals.
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Majra – National CSR Fund honours top 20 CSR projects at inaugural Sustainable Impact Challenge 2025
4 June 2025 20:46 SHARJAH (ALETIHAD)Majra – National CSR Fund recognised the top three winning projects and honoured 17 other initiatives shortlisted for the inaugural edition of Sustainable Impact Challenge 2025, during a prestigious awards ceremony held at the SEE Institute in The Sustainable City, under the patronage and in the presence of Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Chairman of Majra's Board of Trustees, alongside prominent figures, such as Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority, the event celebrated innovative initiatives that created tangible impact in the nation's sustainability landscape. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri said: 'The UAE is deeply committed toward developing national strategies and programs that uphold social responsibility and encourage sustainable practices across all sectors. At Majra, we are pleased to play a key role in this effort by fostering collaboration and building strong partnerships with the private sector."The launch of the first edition of the Sustainable Impact Challenge, which will be held annually, reflects our mission to instil corporate CSR values and nurture a culture of sustainable development. Through this initiative, we aim to support impactful private sector projects that align with the national agenda, contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and promote responsible business practices. This is in line with our broader commitment to shaping a more resilient and sustainable future in accordance with the 'We the UAE 2031' vision.'The Sustainable Impact Challenge is a national platform designed to identify and celebrate outstanding CSR initiatives led by private sector companies, third-sector organisations, universities, and other institutions. It reflects Majra's firm dedication to empowering these vital contributors and directing their efforts toward sustainable recognising impactful initiatives, the Challenge further supports the UAE's broader national drive to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promotes the adoption of CSR and sustainability practices across all major her speech, Hessa Buhumaid affirmed the pivotal role played by Majra through the launching of such CSR initiatives and the identification of effective private sector leadership that would enhance social impact. She highlighted the importance of this Challenge as the first initiative showcasing projects with significant environmental, economic, and social impact in conjunction with the prestigious 'Year of Community' Minister praised the efforts of the third sector in providing valuable contributions and actively tackling social, environmental, and economic top three winners included HeroGo, for its project 'Empowering the GCC to access better quality and more affordable groceries while eliminating food waste'; Thiqa Education's '1 Dirham makes an impact' initiative; and Distant Imagery Solutions' 'Rooted in Innovation UAE Engineered Drones Transform Mangrove Restoration' the winners were awarded a total cash prize of Dh600,000 in recognition of their exceptional contributions to sustainable development in the other shortlisted sustainability initiatives were acknowledged for their outstanding efforts and given the opportunity to showcase their project outcomes. Sarah Shaw, CEO of Majra, said: 'We are delighted to identify and honour the innovative, impactful projects through the Sustainable Impact Challenge 2025. These initiatives highlight the pivotal role of private sector firms in driving sustainable change. At Majra, we look forward to relentlessly supporting such efforts that contribute to the UAE's vision for a sustainable, inclusive and resilient future.'On the sidelines of the event, several sessions and meetings were held to reinforce Majra's lead role in fostering sustainability in various industries. A key session at the event featured Abdullah Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy and Vice Chairman of Majra's Board of Trustees, along with undersecretaries from five ministries to discuss the main challenges that hinder the advancement of social responsibility in the issues highlighted included the lack of opportunities that encourage private sector involvement, ongoing environmental hurdles and ways to find adequate solutions, and the need for stronger regulatory frameworks that require organisations to implement CSR key session titled, 'The Role of Public, Private and Third Sector in Developing an Impact Economy,' explored the importance of cross-sector collaboration in building a sustainable economy. The panel featured thought leaders including Dr. Habiba Al Marashi, Chairperson and Co-Founder, Emirates Environmental Group, Chandran Nair, Founder and CEO, Global Institute For Tomorrow (GIFT) and Maysa Al Nowais, Executive Director – Community Engagement and Volunteering, Social Contributions Authority – Ma'an. The session was moderated by Mohammed Hanif Al event also hosted the inaugural meeting of the Fashion Sustainability Taskforce, held in the presence of Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri. The meeting laid the groundwork for future collaboration, and set the direction for a unified roadmap to promote sustainability within the fashion industry. The Sustainable Impact Challenge 2025 stands as a testament to Majra's unwavering commitment towards establishing a thriving ecosystem that encourages and supports CSR initiatives in line with the UAE's strategic development goals. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Mid East Info
2 days ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
Majra – National CSR Fund honours top 20 CSR projects at inaugural Sustainable Impact Challenge 2025 - Middle East Business News and Information
H.E. Bin Touq: The UAE is deeply committed toward developing national initiatives that promote the values of social responsibility, and the 'Sustainable Impact Challenge' embodies our vision of encouraging responsible business practices The event witnessed several sessions and meetings that discussed a range of topics, including: Barriers that hinder the advancement of social responsibility in the UAE and the need for stronger regulatory frameworks to adopt CSR initiatives across the private sector. The importance of supporting public-private collaborations in developing the impact economy and promoting sustainable and comprehensive development. UAE, June, 2025: MAJRA – National CSR Fund recognised the top three winning projects and honoured 17 other initiatives shortlisted for the inaugural edition of Sustainable Impact Challenge 2025, during a prestigious awards ceremony held at the SEE Institute in The Sustainable City, Dubai. Held under the patronage and in the presence of H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of Majra's Board of Trustees, alongside prominent figures, such as H.E. Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority, the event celebrated innovative initiatives that created tangible impact in the nation's sustainability landscape. H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri said: 'The UAE is deeply committed toward developing national strategies and programs that uphold social responsibility and encourage sustainable practices across all sectors. At Majra, we are pleased to play a key role in this effort by fostering collaboration and building strong partnerships with the private sector. The launch of the first edition of the Sustainable Impact Challenge, which will be held annually, reflects our mission to instil corporate CSR values and nurture a culture of sustainable development. Through this initiative, we aim to support impactful private sector projects that align with the national agenda, contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and promote responsible business practices. This is in line with our broader commitment to shaping a more resilient and sustainable future in accordance with the 'We the UAE 2031' vision.' The Sustainable Impact Challenge is a national platform designed to identify and celebrate outstanding CSR initiatives led by private sector companies, third-sector organisations, universities, and other institutions. It reflects Majra's firm dedication to empowering these vital contributors and directing their efforts toward sustainable development. By recognising impactful initiatives, the Challenge further supports the UAE's broader national drive to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promotes the adoption of CSR and sustainability practices across all major sectors. In her speech, H.E. Hessa Buhumaid affirmed the pivotal role played by Majra through the launching of such CSR initiatives and the identification of effective private sector leadership that would enhance social impact. H.E. highlighted the importance of this Challenge as the first initiative showcasing projects with significant environmental, economic, and social impact in conjunction with the prestigious 'Year of Community' program. Her Excellency praised the efforts of the third sector in providing valuable contributions and actively tackling social, environmental, and economic issues. The top three winners included HeroGo, for its project 'Empowering the GCC to access better quality and more affordable groceries while eliminating food waste'; Thiqa Education's '1 Dirham makes an impact' initiative; and Distant Imagery Solutions' 'Rooted in Innovation UAE Engineered Drones Transform Mangrove Restoration' initiative. Together, they were awarded a total cash prize of AED 600,000 in recognition of their exceptional contributions to sustainable development in the UAE. Additionally, the other shortlisted sustainability initiatives were acknowledged for their outstanding efforts and given the opportunity to showcase their project outcomes. Sarah Shaw, CEO of Majra, said: 'We are delighted to identify and honour the innovative, impactful projects through the Sustainable Impact Challenge 2025. These initiatives highlight the pivotal role of private sector firms in driving sustainable change. At Majra, we look forward to relentlessly supporting such efforts that contribute to the UAE's vision for a sustainable, inclusive and resilient future.' On the sidelines of the event, several sessions and meetings were held to reinforce Majra's lead role in fostering sustainability in various industries. A key session at the event featured H.E. Abdullah Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy and Vice Chairman of Majra's Board of Trustees, along with undersecretaries from five ministries to discuss the main challenges that hinder the advancement of social responsibility in the UAE. Key issues highlighted included the lack of opportunities that encourage private sector involvement, ongoing environmental hurdles and ways to find adequate solutions, and the need for stronger regulatory frameworks that require organisations to implement CSR practices. Another key session titled, 'The Role of Public, Private and Third Sector in Developing an Impact Economy,' explored the importance of cross-sector collaboration in building a sustainable economy. The panel featured thought leaders including Dr. Habiba Al Marashi, Chairperson and Co-Founder, Emirates Environmental Group, Chandran Nair, Founder and CEO, Global Institute For Tomorrow (GIFT) and H.E. Maysa Al Nowais, Executive Director – Community Engagement and Volunteering, Social Contributions Authority – Ma'an. The session was moderated by Mohammed Hanif Al Qassim. The event also hosted the inaugural meeting of the Fashion Sustainability Taskforce, held in the presence of H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri. The meeting laid the groundwork for future collaboration and set the direction for a unified roadmap to promote sustainability within the fashion industry. The Sustainable Impact Challenge 2025 stands as a testament to Majra's unwavering commitment towards establishing a thriving ecosystem that encourages and supports CSR initiatives in line with the UAE's strategic development goals.
Mid East Info
21-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
MAJRA – National CSR Fund reviews most prominent achievements and results in Q1 of 2025
These discussions took place during the second Board of Trustees meeting in 2025 chaired by H.E. Abdulla bin Touq >> H.E. Bin Touq: 'The UAE has adopted national visions and initiatives to promote social responsibility and embed its principles. We are committed to continuing advancing our efforts to achieve sustainable impact in the country.' The Fund's achievements included launching the 'Sustainable Impact Challenge' and the 'Community Impact Medal' and establishing six national priority projects in collaboration with relevant ministries. UAE, May, 2025: The Board of Trustees of MAJRA – The National CSR Fund conducted its second meeting of 2025, chaired by His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Board of Trustees. The meeting reviewed recent progress across the Fund's projects and initiatives, assessed key performance indicators, and discussed future strategies aimed at strengthening corporate social responsibility within the private sector to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The meeting also reviewed the Fund's key achievements and outcomes during the first quarter of 2025. This includes the launch of the Sustainable Impact Challenge (SIC), and the 'Community Impact Medal' for SMEs, and initiation of six national priority projects in collaboration with relevant ministries. MAJRA also organised a Vision and Mission workshop with over 50 participants from public and private sectors and confirmed eight 'Year of Community' initiatives, including SIC and Ramadan Souq in UAQ. Several transformational projects were also rolled out across emirates, notably the expansion of the Dubai Can Initiative in Dubai, the launch of a Youth Entrepreneurship Funding Program in collaboration with the Saud bin Saqr Foundation in RAK, and the implementation of the Green Residential Parks Initiative in UAQ. His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri said, 'Under the guidance of our wise leadership, the UAE has launched national strategies and initiatives to strengthen social responsibility and support private sector engagement in projects that embed its core principles. At Majra, we are committed to continuing our national efforts to instil these values and promote sustainable impact in the UAE. Our goal is to support the UAE's ambition of becoming one of the world's most prosperous societies within the next decade, in alignment with the pillars of the 'We the UAE 2031' vision.' H.E. added, 'This meeting represents a significant milestone in reviewing the progress and achievements of the Fund during the previous phase and strengthening national collaboration to launch more initiatives and projects that will contribute to advancing the UAE's economic and social development.' H.E. reaffirmed Majra's commitment to supporting and empowering national professionals and directing social investments towards projects that achieve tangible and sustainable developmental impact. The meeting highlighted all initiatives and decisions associated with Majra's key projects, including the Sustainable Impact Challenge, efforts aligned with the 'Year of Community', and the Impact Index. During the meeting, participants reviewed recommendations, highlighted achievements and explored mechanisms to further stimulate social responsibility practices and improve societal impact among UAE-based companies, relying on a unified benchmark for evaluating quality and progress. Furthermore, they explored Fund projects linked to the fields of arts, culture, heritage, education, environment, health, and technology and their progress, with a key focus on the MAJRA Project Accelerator for Impact Economy, which will improve the capacity and financial support to launch such innovative programmes. MAJRA Project Accelerator for Impact Economy prioritises private sector engagement, encouraging collaboration with third sector institutions to develop and implement sustainable solutions in priority areas identified by federal agencies, such as education, health, environment, technology, art, culture, and heritage. This aligns with MAJRA's efforts to contribute to the development of a sustainable impact economic system by unifying the efforts of all parties concerned with aspects of social responsibility and sustainability in the country. Attendees further discussed mechanisms for establishing partnerships with relevant entities and fostering collaboration between sustainability leaders from various sectors to facilitate the exchange of ideas and expertise and drive the impact economy. Furthermore, the meeting explored strategies implemented and proposed to reinforce the role of MAJRA as a federal platform for boosting and directing private sector contributions in the field of social responsibility. This can be attained through initiatives for enhancing sustainable impact, nurturing a generation equipped with future skills and encouraging community engagement among youth and all segments of society. During the meeting, participants also evaluated the developments in the Impact Index, its key objectives and scope of work and the outcomes of the Impact Lab and strategic performance indicators for the first quarter of 2025. They further explored ways to develop and promote the Social Impact Seal among targeted companies and SMEs. Sarah Shaw, CEO of MAJRA, said: 'This meeting marks a vital opportunity for us to review the achievements and progress made by the Fund since the beginning of 2025 and take necessary measures to improve performance and ensure that these initiatives align with the country's directions. At MAJRA, we are dedicated to developing integrated societal and national priority programs that represent the country's vision to create a sustainable economy, and a society based on cooperation, innovation and technology. This commitment comes in line with the framework of our tireless efforts to improve private sector participation and offer a stimulating environment for socially impactful projects. We look forward to continuing our support for the Board of Trustees and strengthening the private sector's role as a strategic partner in attaining the vision and goals of MAJRA.' During the meeting's conclusion, the Board of Trustees reaffirmed their commitment to MAJRA's vision, mission and strategic objectives. They further highlighted the significance of boosting the private sector's societal role and guiding its contributions toward projects that align with the aspirations of the wise leadership and contribute to supporting the nation's comprehensive development process. The meeting was attended by members of the Board of Trustees of Majra – The National CSR Fund, including H.E. Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority H.E. Abdulla Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees; H.E. Aisha Ahmed Yousuf, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Community Development; H.E. Hanan Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre; H.E. Abdulaziz Khalid Al Jaziri, Deputy CEO of Dubai Future Foundation; Maryam Al Qassab, Manager of the Chairman Office at Sharjah Book Authority; Ms. Bedour Al Raqbani, Board Member of the American University of Sharjah; Dr. Mariam Al Suwaidi; and Sarah Shaw, CEO of the National CSR Fund 'Majra'.
Mid East Info
20-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Third Edition of Investopia Europe kicks off in Milan advancing strategic partnerships and exploring opportunities in new economy, tourism, and entrepreneurship
Third Edition of Investopia Europe kicks off in Milan advancing strategic partnerships and exploring opportunities in new economy, tourism, and entrepreneurship Event welcomes participation of 600 leaders, investors, and key business figures from the UAE, Italy, and across wider Europe Investopia organised the third edition of Investopia Europe at Palazzo Mezzanotte, the historic headquarters of the Italian Stock Exchange in Milan, with an aim to strengthen economic partnerships between the UAE, Italy, and European markets in key and fast-growing sectors, particularly the new economy, tourism, entrepreneurship, SMEs, the creative economy, technology, and artificial intelligence. It also explored investment trends in emerging sectors within Europe and various global approaches to developing adaptable and sustainable economic policies. Strategic partnership between the UAE and Italy: H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Chairman of Investopia, stated that the UAE and Italy share a robust and deep strategic partnership that span various sectors. These relations are reinforced by the continued exchange of high-level visits between the two countries, including the most recent visit by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to Rome in February. The visit saw the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and the announcement of UAE investments worth USD 40 billion in Italy across various sectors, including technology, AI, energy, and digital transformation -supporting both nations' aspirations to advance sustainable economic development. Investopia: An influential global platform H.E. Bin Touq said: 'Since its launch in 2021, Investopia has pursued an ambitious goal: connecting capital with promising investment opportunities in emerging markets and encouraging business communities to invest and expand in future economic sectors. To this end, it offers a globally influential platform that has catalysed new economy ventures and brought together thousands of leaders, experts, entrepreneurs, investors, and capital owners from around the world to explore investment trends, shape policy, devise innovative solutions to challenges, and transform them into sustainable opportunities for the future.' Investment opportunities in the UAE: H.E. added: 'Investopia Europe has successfully become a vital platform that solidifies economic cooperation between the UAE and Italy and fosters dialogue between the UAE and European business communities, enabling them to explore promising investment opportunities in emerging sectors in both markets.' H.E. further noted that this edition plays a crucial role in strengthening sustainable partnerships, accelerating digital transformation, and reviewing adaptable policies and strategies that support comprehensive economic growth, particularly in light of today's rapid global economic shifts. Italy: A Key trade partner for the UAE in Europe H.E. continued: 'The UAE considers Italy a key economic partner in Europe. The selection of Milan – Italy's capital of commerce and fashion – to host Investopia Europe reaffirms the strength and depth of the economic ties between the two countries. Milan also serves as a world-class hub for business and creative industries.' 11,000 Italian brands in the UAE: The UAE's exports to Italy increased by 50 per cent in 2024 to total USD 1.2 billion compared to that of 2023. Currently, there are nearly 11,000 Italian brands operating across various economic sectors in the UAE. As for bilateral investments, the UAE's investments in Italy reached around USD 81 million between 2019 and 2023, primarily in tourism, hospitality, transport, and logistics. Meanwhile, Italian FDI inflows into the UAE reached approximately USD 519 million during the same period, reflecting the growing momentum of economic and investment exchanges between the two sides. Invitation to the Italian business community: H.E. Abdulla bin Touq invited the Italian business community to expand its investments in the UAE and capitalize on the attractive incentives and advantages offered by the local business environment. These include 100 per cent foreign ownership, the availability of more than 2,000 licensed economic activities, tax incentives, long-term residency options for investors and entrepreneurs, a wide array of integrated and sector-specific free zones, and a comprehensive legislative framework that encourages expansion in future economic sectors. His Excellency emphasized the UAE's keenness to enhance dialogue between the private sectors of both countries through dynamic platforms such as the UAE-Italy Business Council and the forthcoming Joint Economic Committee. H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, participated in a session on enhancing the leadership role of SMEs on the global stage. She stated: 'The UAE and Italy share a common vision for business and startup development. SMEs currently account for 95 per cent of all businesses operating in the UAE, while in Italy, small and family-owned enterprises represent a significant portion of the industrial sector. This highlights our shared belief in the vital role SMEs play in driving sustainable economic development.' Investopia Europe: A new platform supporting entrepreneurs: Her Excellency continued: 'The UAE prioritizes the development of a comprehensive national entrepreneurship ecosystem based on global best practices, recognizing its importance in diversifying the national economy and fostering innovation across various vital sectors. Thanks to these efforts, our country ranked first globally for the fourth consecutive year in the 2024/2025 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Report, which recognized it as the world's best environment for entrepreneurship and SMEs, out of 56 economies. The UAE is currently home to more than 50 public and private business incubators and accelerators.' Her Excellency added that Investopia Europe dialogues is a powerful new platform for engagement, bringing together policymakers, entrepreneurs, and investors from both countries to shape future visions and strategies for SME growth. 14 panel sessions at Investopia Europe: The latest edition of Investopia Europe dialogues, organized in partnership with strategic partner EFG Consulting, featured 14 sessions on the UAE's vision for building an economic model that combines innovation and competitiveness. The sessions highlighted the UAE's efforts to diversify its economy, its geographic advantages, and its role as an economic hub that attracts foreign direct investment while supporting sustainable economic development at regional and global levels. The discussions addressed challenges facing the global economy and potential economic scenarios amid geopolitical shifts, exploring how these challenges could be transformed into opportunities to support SME growth. Business environment enablers in the UAE and Italy: The sessions explored the shared vision of the UAE and Italy to foster a more dynamic investment environment and outlined strategies to boost bilateral investment flows in line with the goals of both countries' business communities. Discussions highlighted the economic strength of Italian tourism and its key role in Italy's development, as well as the global impact of scientific research. The advantages offered by the UAE and Italian business ecosystems for entrepreneurs and startups were also emphasized, particularly in fostering innovation and creativity across vital economic sectors. Localization of technology in creative industries: The sessions also explored the importance of localizing technology and advanced techniques within creative industries such as fashion and discussed strategies to develop cluster economies and economic blocs. Emphasis was placed on their potential to enhance foreign direct investment (FDI) and facilitate the exchange of goods, technology, and knowledge. Participants examined the competitive advantages and commercial incentives offered by free and special economic zones in both the UAE and Italian markets. Additionally, the sessions addressed global trends in energy sector investment, highlighting the need for diversified energy sources to meet rising global demand while supporting the transition to a greener future. Roundtable meetings: Additionally, the third edition of Investopia Europe hosted four high-level roundtable meetings, bringing together key UAE entities such as the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), and the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah). These meetings highlighted the UAE's commercial and logistics capabilities, investment enablers, and advanced technological infrastructure, while also fostering economic partnerships with the Italian private sector. Strategic partnership between G42 and iGenius: The event witnessed the announcement of a strategic partnership between G42, the leading UAE-based artificial intelligence (AI) technology holding company, and iGenius, the Italian AI company. The MoU was signed in the presence of H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, and H.E. Alia Abdulla Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship. Valued at USD 600 million, the partnership aims to strengthen cooperation in artificial intelligence, innovation, and digital transformation. It will engage key strategic partners – including Nvidia, Leonardo S.p.A., and Santander – who will contribute both expertise and capital to support this impactful collaboration Strong participation of government officials from both countries: In addition to H.E. Bin Touq and H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei, the third edition of Investopia Europe was attended by H.E. Adolfo Urso, Italy's Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy; H.E. Daniela Santanchè, Minister of Tourism of the Italian Republic; Claudia Parzani, Chairwoman of Borsa Italiana; Ignazio La Russa, President of the Italian Senate; H.E. Attilio Fontana, President of the Lombardy Region; H.E. Valentino Valentini, Deputy Minister of Made in Italy; Alessandro Morelli, Undersecretary of State to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers; H.E. Maria Gnjatović, State Secretary at the Ministry of Science, Technological Development, and Innovation of the Republic of Serbia; H.E. Mohamed Abdulrahman Al Hawi, Undersecretary of UAE Ministry of Investment; H.E. Mohamed Juma Al Musharrakh, CEO of Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah); H.E. Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO and Vice Chairman of BEEAH Group; Giulio Tremonti, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Commission at the Italian Parliament; Dr. Jean Fares, CEO of Investopia; Professor Giovanni Bozzetti, CEO of EFG Consulting; Stefano Barrese, Chief of Retail & SME Banking Division at Intesa Sanpaolo; and Patrick Chalhoub, Executive Chairman of Chalhoub Group. The event brought together over 600 participants, including senior leaders, experts, investors, businessmen, venture capitalists, and entrepreneurs from the UAE, Italy, and various other European countries. The UAE delegation included around 60 representatives from key government entities such as the Ministry of Investment, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), and the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah). It also featured prominent UAE's private sector companies, including G42, ADQ, NG9, Marjan, BEEAH, and several members of the Investopia Next50 initiative. Since its inception, Investopia has hosted an extensive series of global dialogues across key regional and international markets, including New York, Geneva, New Delhi, Mumbai, Milan, London, Rabat, Singapore, Tokyo, and Monaco. The platform remains committed to fostering economic and investment dialogue between the UAE and its global partners, while actively exploring promising opportunities in future-focused sectors.
