Latest news with #EconomicAgenda
Hi Dubai
21-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Strengthens Trade Ties as Business Forum Concludes in Hamburg
Dubai has reinforced its economic ties with Germany following the successful conclusion of the Dubai Business Forum–Germany in Hamburg, where 240 German business leaders, investors, and Dubai representatives gathered to explore new trade and investment opportunities. Organised by Dubai Chambers in partnership with the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce, the high-level forum focused on deepening economic cooperation and unlocking strategic growth areas aligned with Dubai's Economic Agenda (D33). Under the theme 'Innovate, Invest, Integrate,' the event featured 25 speakers across 13 panel discussions. Eng. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Dubai Chambers, highlighted Dubai's rising trade profile, noting that Germany ranked 15th among Dubai's global trading partners in 2024, with non-oil bilateral trade reaching AED39.7 billion—an 8% year-on-year increase. The number of German companies joining Dubai Chamber of Commerce also surged by 64% last year, reaching 2,719 active members by Q1 2025. Panel sessions explored Dubai's growing appeal in sectors such as fintech, healthtech, AI, and sustainable energy. Participants examined how the emirate's regulatory framework, innovation-friendly ecosystem, and competitive advantages are fostering cross-border collaboration and attracting venture capital and high-growth startups. Discussions also spotlighted Dubai's role as a launchpad for global market expansion, particularly for German industries in engineering, manufacturing, and industrial innovation. Dubai's strategic infrastructure, tax incentives, and focus on sustainability were underscored as key drivers of its investment attractiveness. Dubai Chambers facilitated several bilateral meetings to promote partnership opportunities and knowledge exchange between German firms and Dubai's public and private sectors. The forum aimed to elevate UAE-German relations to strategic levels, with an eye on future-ready industries and long-term economic synergy. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Hi Dubai
06-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Chambers Unveils Full Agenda for Business Forum in Germany
Dubai Chambers has announced the full agenda for the upcoming Dubai Business Forum – Germany, set to take place in Hamburg on May 20, as part of its efforts to deepen economic ties and drive investment between Dubai and Germany. The forum, themed 'Innovate, Invest, Integrate: Forging a New Path for Dubai-German Economic Synergy,' is being held in collaboration with the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce and other key partners. It aims to attract German companies to Dubai and position the emirate as a strategic hub for international investment and business growth. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Dubai Chambers, will lead a 44-member delegation from Dubai. The event is designed to promote cross-border collaboration, support German investors in accessing global markets, and spotlight sectors aligned with Dubai's Economic Agenda (D33). The one-day programme will feature thought leadership sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities that explore promising sectors such as advanced technology, trade, and innovation. German venture capital firms, multinational companies, and scale-ups will also get insights into Dubai's supportive business ecosystem and global connectivity. Speakers include high-level representatives from both Dubai and Germany, such as Ahmed Alattar, UAE Ambassador to Germany; Dr. Malte Heyne, CEO of Hamburg Chamber of Commerce; and top executives from Dubai Economic Development Corporation, DP World, DIFC Innovation Hub, and leading German enterprises and investment firms. The Hamburg event marks the third international edition of the Dubai Business Forum, following successful editions in Beijing and London. The forum reflects Dubai's continued push to strengthen international economic partnerships and expand its presence in key global markets. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Gulf Today
27-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Dubai CommerCity signs accords to boost AI adoption in free zone
Dubai CommerCity (DCC), the region's first free zone dedicated to digital commerce, and a joint venture between the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) and Wasl Properties, announced strategic partnerships with a leading provider of agentic AI solutions for e-commerce, with the aim of driving e-commerce growth in the UAE, and Portmind, an AI solutions company that empowers international trade businesses by enhancing efficiency through AI technologies. These collaborations were announced during Dubai AI Week, taking place from 21-25 April 2025, and held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Future Foundation. The partnership with brings together Dubai CommerCity's advanced digital commerce infrastructure and AI capabilities to establish a future-focused ecosystem that supports the growth of e-commerce businesses. By combining expertise in intelligent automation, AI-driven customer experience management and streamlined digital sales, the collaboration is designed to accelerate digital transformation for digital commerce SMEs and high-growth brands. Commenting on the partnership with Mitch Bittermann, Senior Vice President - Commercial at Dubai CommerCity, said: 'Our partnership with reflects Dubai CommerCity's commitment to supporting the emirate's vision to become a global hub for artificial intelligence and a leader in shaping the future of digital economies, in line with the ambitions of Dubai's Economic Agenda (D33). By integrating intelligent automation and agentic AI solutions into our ecosystem, we are enhancing the competitiveness of e-commerce businesses and contributing to a thriving AI-driven economy that attracts global talent and investment.' For her part, Dina Alsamhan, Co-founder & CBO of stated: 'Partnering with Dubai CommerCity is a strategic step in advancing the UAE's digital commerce infrastructure. DCC enables market access and provides the intelligence layer that drives next-level performance. Our AI agents give SMEs the tools to automate, localize, and optimize their operations, enabling them to scale efficiently and compete globally. With this partnership, we're reshaping how e-commerce is done in the region, ensuring SMEs can scale efficiently and maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly digital world.' Additionally, through the integration of Portmind's AI-powered Sail platform, businesses operating within Dubai CommerCity will benefit from a more agile, efficient, and compliant customs process, reinforcing the free zone's commitment to innovation, ease of doing business, and smart trade enablement. By automating key processes related to shipping and customs documentation, including data collection, validation, classification, and regulatory compliance, DCC companies will benefit from faster customs clearance, real-time shipment visibility, and reduced operational overhead. Commenting on the partnership with Portmind, Abdulrahman Shaheen, Senior Vice President of Operations at Dubai CommerCity, said: 'Dubai CommerCity's partnership with Portmind reflects our commitment to creating a smarter, faster, and more agile business environment for companies of all sizes. Our aim is to enable businesses to thrive by adopting intelligent solutions that simplify and future-proof trade operations, reinforcing Dubai's position as a world-class innovation hub. This partnership also aligns with the priorities of Dubai AI Week to accelerate the responsible development of transformative technologies for the benefit of societies and economies.' Julien Gurunlian, Founder and CEO of Portmind, said: 'We are excited to collaborate with Dubai CommerCity to introduce AI-driven innovation into international trade. Our Sail platform is designed to eliminate inefficiencies and reduce friction in cross-border operations. This partnership allows us to enable smarter, faster customs workflows that drive compliance, reduce costs, and enhance trade transparency—benefiting businesses across the DCC ecosystem.' With the UAE's e-commerce market expected to exceed Dhs48.8 billion by 2028, the partnerships support national efforts to strengthen the digital economy and position Dubai as a leading hub for next-generation trade and technology. These partnerships are in line with the UAE's strategic vision for economic diversification and digital transformation, reinforcing Dubai CommerCity's commitment to accelerating innovation and empowering the growth of the e-commerce sector, as well as becoming a next-generation free zone driven by innovation, agility, and digital transformation. In December 2024, Dubai CommerCity announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Aramex and QuikBot Technologies, to launch the trial run of QuikBot's Autonomous Final-Mile Delivery (AFMD) Platform-as-a-service at DCC. WAM
Zawya
24-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Dubai CommerCity partners with qeen.ai and Portmind to accelerate AI adoption within the free zone
Collaboration with aims to establish a future-focused ecosystem that supports the growth of e-commerce businesses. Integration of Portmind's AI-powered Sail platform will drive agility, efficiency, and compliance in customs process. Dubai, UAE - Dubai CommerCity (DCC), the region's first free zone dedicated to digital commerce, and a joint venture between the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) and Wasl Properties, today announced strategic partnerships with a leading provider of agentic AI solutions for e-commerce, with the aim of driving e-commerce growth in the UAE, and Portmind, an AI solutions company that empowers international trade businesses by enhancing efficiency through AI technologies. These collaborations were announced during Dubai AI Week, taking place from 21-25 April 2025, and held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of DFF. The partnership with brings together Dubai CommerCity's advanced digital commerce infrastructure and AI capabilities to establish a future-focused ecosystem that supports the growth of e-commerce businesses. By combining expertise in intelligent automation, AI-driven customer experience management and streamlined digital sales, the collaboration is designed to accelerate digital transformation for digital commerce SMEs and high-growth brands. Commenting on the partnership with Mitch Bittermann, Senior Vice President - Commercial at Dubai CommerCity, said: 'Our partnership with reflects Dubai CommerCity's commitment to supporting the emirate's vision to become a global hub for artificial intelligence and a leader in shaping the future of digital economies, in line with the ambitions of Dubai's Economic Agenda (D33). By integrating intelligent automation and agentic AI solutions into our ecosystem, we are enhancing the competitiveness of e-commerce businesses and contributing to a thriving AI-driven economy that attracts global talent and investment.' For her part, Dina Alsamhan, Co-founder & CBO of stated: 'Partnering with Dubai CommerCity is a strategic step in advancing the UAE's digital commerce infrastructure. DCC enables market access and provides the intelligence layer that drives next-level performance. Our AI agents give SMEs the tools to automate, localize, and optimize their operations, enabling them to scale efficiently and compete globally. With this partnership, we're reshaping how e-commerce is done in the region, ensuring SMEs can scale efficiently and maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly digital world.' Additionally, through the integration of Portmind's AI-powered Sail platform, businesses operating within Dubai CommerCity will benefit from a more agile, efficient, and compliant customs process, reinforcing the free zone's commitment to innovation, ease of doing business, and smart trade enablement. By automating key processes related to shipping and customs documentation, including data collection, validation, classification, and regulatory compliance, DCC companies will benefit from faster customs clearance, real-time shipment visibility, and reduced operational overhead. Commenting on the partnership with Portmind, Abdulrahman Shaheen, Senior Vice President of Operations at Dubai CommerCity, said: 'Dubai CommerCity's partnership with Portmind reflects our commitment to creating a smarter, faster, and more agile business environment for companies of all sizes. Our aim is to enable businesses to thrive by adopting intelligent solutions that simplify and future-proof trade operations, reinforcing Dubai's position as a world-class innovation hub. This partnership also aligns with the priorities of Dubai AI Week to accelerate the responsible development of transformative technologies for the benefit of societies and economies.' Julien Gurunlian, Founder and CEO of Portmind said: 'We are excited to collaborate with Dubai CommerCity to introduce AI-driven innovation into international trade. Our Sail platform is designed to eliminate inefficiencies and reduce friction in cross-border operations. This partnership allows us to enable smarter, faster customs workflows that drive compliance, reduce costs, and enhance trade transparency—benefiting businesses across the DCC ecosystem.' With the UAE's e-commerce market expected to exceed AED 48.8 billion by 2028, the partnerships support national efforts to strengthen the digital economy and position Dubai as a leading hub for next-generation trade and technology. These partnerships are in line with the UAE's strategic vision for economic diversification and digital transformation, reinforcing Dubai CommerCity's commitment to accelerating innovation and empowering the growth of the e-commerce sector, as well as becoming a next-generation free zone driven by innovation, agility, and digital transformation.
Hi Dubai
20-03-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai World Trade Centre Welcomes 2.65 Million Attendees Across 378 Events in 2024
Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), a leading global events powerhouse, has unveiled its 2024 performance results, reporting record-breaking figures that highlight Dubai's growing economic influence and its role as an international business hub. The centre welcomed 2.65 million event participants in 2024, reflecting a 7% year-on-year increase, driven by an expansive calendar of 378 Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) and consumer events, marking a substantial 26% growth. MICE Expansion Fuels International Business Growth DWTC's MICE segment saw remarkable expansion, increasing from 107 events in 2023 to 135 in 2024. These events attracted 2.03 million attendees, reflecting a 30% growth. Notably, international participation surged to over 942,000 attendees, accounting for 46% of total MICE attendees and underscoring Dubai's status as a premier global business destination. Exhibitor participation also saw strong growth, with 58,665 companies participating, a 9% increase from 2023. Of these, 77% were international exhibitors, aligning with the objectives of Dubai's Economic Agenda "D33" to position Dubai among the world's top three business and tourism destinations. H.E. Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, emphasized DWTC's role in strengthening Dubai's global market position. 'The remarkable increase in international participation highlights the growing confidence in Dubai's dynamic business ecosystem. As we expand our venue and diversify event offerings, we continue to shape Dubai's role as a global hub where innovation meets opportunity.' DWTC's Flagship Events and Industry-Specific Growth In 2024, DWTC organised 20 flagship exhibitions and events, attracting 590,000 attendees—14% higher than in 2023. Of these, 242,000 were international attendees, constituting 41% of total participation. Exhibitor numbers grew by 9% to 19,062, with 79% being international exhibitors. KAOUN International, DWTC's global events subsidiary, expanded its reach with standout performances at GITEX AFRICA in Morocco and the launch of GITEX DIGI_HEALTH 5.0 Asia in Singapore, further extending Dubai's global trade footprint. The healthcare sector led MICE participation, with 25 events attracting 465,000 attendees—a 69% increase from 2023. Major events included WHX Expo Dubai (formerly Arab Health), AEEDC, and Dubai Derma. The food, hotel, and catering sector secured second place with 283,000 attendees, while the information technology sector followed closely with 281,000 attendees, driven by GITEX Global. Expanding Conference and Association Events DWTC doubled its conferences calendar in 2024, hosting 25 major events that welcomed nearly 90,000 participants—three times more than the previous year. Notable additions included the AYUSH Conference, Arab Media Forum, and Global Freight Summit. Furthermore, 14 international association meetings attracted 104,000 participants, a threefold increase from 2023, featuring key events such as MDRT Global Conference and WCA World. Dubai Exhibition Centre's Growing Impact The Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) played an integral role in DWTC's growth, hosting 24 events with 128,000 participants. Among them, the nine largest exhibitions and conferences alone drew 75,000 attendees and featured 1,300 exhibiting companies. As part of DWTC's AED 10 billion expansion plan, DEC's Phase 1 completion in 2026 will add 64,000 sqm of exhibition space, increasing total capacity to 140,000 sqm. By 2031, DEC will span 180,000 sqm, accommodating up to 65,000 daily visitors. DWTC's Broader Economic Contributions Beyond events, DWTC made significant progress across its diverse business verticals. The Real Estate division partnered with Emaar Properties to launch Expo Living, a residential development within Expo City Dubai. Its Asset Management business saw 99% occupancy in commercial properties and over 90% in residential units. Additionally, the DWTC Authority Free Zone expanded its jurisdiction to include One Za'abeel, offering companies access to premier business environments with free zone benefits. In 2024, the Free Zone licensed 389 new businesses, underscoring its growing appeal. Future Outlook H.E. Helal Saeed Almarri reaffirmed DWTC's strategic vision: 'Our 2024 results highlight Dubai's ambition to scale its global events sector. The DEC expansion will significantly enhance our hosting capabilities and economic impact. With our continued infrastructure investments and international event portfolio, DWTC remains a key driver in advancing Dubai's Economic Agenda 'D33' and reinforcing its status as a world-leading business destination.' News Source: Dubai Media Office
