Latest news with #HolgerSchlechter
Hi Dubai
14-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Smart Cities Council and IFZA Forge Global Alliance to Drive Urban Innovation from Dubai
The Smart Cities Council and Dubai's International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) have joined forces to accelerate smart city innovation, unveiling a series of strategic initiatives aimed at transforming how cities are built and connected—starting in Dubai and extending worldwide. The announcement was made during the Smart Cities Summit North America 2025 in San Francisco, where over 450 senior leaders from government, business, and academia gathered under the theme 'Public Safety, AI, and the Middle East in Focus.' As the summit's key partner, IFZA steered discussions around creating inclusive, sustainable, and tech-driven urban communities. Highlighting Dubai's emergence as a global smart city model, IFZA CFO Holger Schlechter emphasized the emirate's role as a launchpad for international innovation. 'Dubai represents more than just an economic opportunity; it represents a vision of what future cities can be,' he said, positioning Dubai as an ideal destination for American tech entrepreneurs and innovators. In a major step forward, SCC and IFZA announced the launch of two joint ventures—Smart Cities Council Middle East and Smart Cities Academy—geared toward accelerating urban innovation and education across the region. The collaboration underscores the growing ties between the U.S. and UAE in advancing sustainable, technology-led city development. 'By connecting Silicon Valley's innovation with Dubai's dynamic business environment, we aim to create a powerful launchpad for entrepreneurs,' said Corey Gray, President of SCC. Further reinforcing its commitment to innovation, IFZA also introduced Scale360, a Dubai-based open innovation platform developed with Plug and Play. The initiative aims to link startups with investors, corporates, and growth opportunities across the Middle East. Dubai, currently ranked 4th in the 2025 IMD Smart Cities Index, continues to set the benchmark for smart urban transformation. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Zawya
13-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Smart Cities Council and IFZA partner to drive cross-border innovation at Smart Cities Summit North America 2025
DUBAI, UAE – At the recently concluded Smart Cities Summit North America 2025, the Smart City Council (SCC) and IFZA (International Free Zone Authority), Dubai's leading Free Zone community, came together to advance a shared vision for innovation. As the key partner for the event, IFZA helped steer conversations toward building more inclusive, sustainable, and connected cities - starting with Dubai and reaching across international markets. Held in San Francisco, the summit brought together more than 450 senior leaders in government, business, and academia under the theme 'Public Safety, AI, and the Middle East in Focus.' Through keynote sessions, IFZA shared insights on how smart cities and free zones intersect as engines of social transformation through economic innovation, a principle deeply aligned with SCC's mission. 'Dubai represents more than just an economic opportunity; it represents a vision of what future cities can be,' said Holger Schlechter, CFO of IFZA. 'As Smart Cities Council partners, we are proud to champion this vision by building meaningful connections, sharing global insights, and opening new pathways for international tech entrepreneurs. This collaboration reflects the growing synergy between the United States and the UAE across diverse industries - and we believe Dubai offers the ideal platform for American innovators to bring their smart city solutions to life in Dubai and beyond.' Smart Cities Council and IFZA also announced two joint venture organisations, Smart Cities Council Middle East, to support the rapidly increasing demand for smart city solutions across the Middle East, and Smart Cities Academy™, a platform focused on smart city education and training. 'Our collaboration with IFZA marks a new chapter in how smart cities are imagined and built across borders,' said Corey Gray, President of Smart Cities Council. 'By connecting Silicon Valley's innovation with Dubai's dynamic business environment, we aim to create a powerful launchpad for entrepreneurs to test, adapt, and deploy their smart solutions globally. The Middle East is one of the fastest-growing regions for urban innovation, and through our solutions, we aim to equip governments, and organizations with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive in a smarter, more sustainable future.' Dubai, ranked 4th globally in the 2025 IMD Smart Cities Index, is already a benchmark for smart urban development, with world-class infrastructure, digital public services, and forward-looking policies. As a launching pad for transformative regional projects like NEOM in Saudi Arabia and New Cairo in Egypt, it provides international innovators with immediate access to high-growth opportunities across the Middle East. IFZA also announced the launch of Scale360, an open innovation platform based in Dubai designed to connect global startups with corporate partners, investors, and market access. Developed in partnership with Plug and Play, Scale360 reflects IFZA's growing role in supporting not just business setup, but business transformation. IFZA was created to be a platform where entrepreneurs and like-minded individuals come together, do business and thrive - not just by removing barriers to entry, but by building bridges to global markets for businesses, and eventually nations. IFZA believes in the power of business to connect and bring people together, cross borders, and create opportunities that unite individuals around shared goals. There is no better place for this vision to become a reality than the UAE due to the future-oriented mindset of its Government and leaders. Through its role as SCC's partner, IFZA aims to bridge Silicon Valley and Dubai, connecting entrepreneurs and ecosystems. At the summit, IFZA highlighted the evolving UAE–US relationship, built on shared priorities in diverse sectors. With over 1,500 American companies already active in the UAE- including Microsoft, Uber, and Cleveland Clinic - and 75% of the UAE's GDP now driven by non-oil sectors, Dubai has become a natural destination for American businesses that want to grow fast, stay agile, and lead globally. Participation at the summit marks the beginning of IFZA's US strategic engagement roadmap, which includes upcoming events such as Deep Tech Week San Francisco (June 2025) and the flagship Deep Tech Week Dubai (November 2025). About IFZA IFZA is the most dynamic and truly international Free Zone Community in the UAE, optimising the country's strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and business-friendly environment. IFZA differentiates itself through its multi-national approach, providing personalised business establishment solutions through its network of Government Authorities and Professional Partners. Business Owners and Employees can also benefit from a wide spectrum of value-added services within the IFZA ecosystem, including but not limited to property solutions, visa packages and training and development. The IFZA Business Park offers a wide variety of cutting-edge office facilities tailored to meet each Licensee's individual needs and provides a professional, welcoming environment to greet clients, network with other businesses and thrive. For details contact: Daniel Ford Head of Corporate Communications, IFZA dford@
Zawya
01-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
IFZA leads global dialogue as key partner of Smart Cities Summit North America 2025
Dubai, UAE: IFZA, Dubai's most dynamic Free Zone community, is pleased to announce it is the key partner for the upcoming Smart Cities Summit North America (SCSNA), taking place from the 6-8 May at the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins Hotel, San Francisco. This year's summit, held in collaboration with Charter Cities Institute, Deep Tech Week, Leading Cities, Miami-Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Smart Cities Americas, and the Smart Cities Council, will bring together 450+ global experts from government, business, and academia. Focussed on the theme 'Public Safety, AI, and Africa & Middle East in Focus', the event explores how innovation and policy are shaping the future of urban living. IFZA will lead several sessions and conversations at the event, including a keynote address from Holger Schlechter, IFZA's CFO, who will speak on Dubai's role as a global business gateway and IFZA's vision to enable international entrepreneurship, digital economies and drive Foreign Direct Investment into the UAE. 'This summit is a milestone in IFZA's expansion into the US,' Schlechter said. 'San Francisco and Silicon Valley represent the very spirit of entrepreneurship, and we are proud to be part of an event that reflects our core values. At IFZA, our mission is to empower businesses to grow from Dubai and beyond. By being here, we are introducing more than just a launchpad for American businesses in Dubai - we're building bridges that enable innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth between the US, Middle East. Where smart cities and IFZA combine perfectly is the notion of social transformation through economic innovation – this is what IFZA offers and which is central to SCC's mission.' 'In mid-2024 SCC and IFZA commenced our partnership, and from the beginning the strong and strategic links between UAE and the USA were clear, which is why we convened the summit. Roll forward nine months and we've had the UAE announce a $1.4 trillion investment in the USA in advance manufacturing, energy and AI, and the new Administration make the UAE one of the first stops on its international calendar,' added Corey Gray, Chair & president of Smart Cities Council. 'Add to the discussion the ability for UAE – Dubai in particular – to be a home base and launchpad for the broader Middle East as well as African engagement, and it is a compelling strategic alliance.' As the Middle East regional lead for the Smart Cities Council (SCC), IFZA is committed to forging meaningful connections, sharing global expertise, and enabling international innovators to scale their smart city solutions from Dubai to the world. This mission reflects the broader UAE - US partnership, as both nations continue to strengthen ties across AI, clean energy, infrastructure, and smart technologies. As one of the most open and future-ready economies, the UAE remains a significant economic partner of the United States, and events like the Smart Cities Summit play a crucial role in accelerating cross-border innovation, investment, and collaboration. Today, more than 1,500 US companies operate in the UAE, including Microsoft, Bank of America, Cleveland Clinic, Uber, and Starbucks. Ranked 8th globally in Kearney's 2024 FDI Confidence Index, the UAE continues to attract American businesses with its diversified economy - where more than 75% of activity stems from non-oil sectors - and its consistently pro-business regulatory environment. The summit also follows the recent UAE–USA bilateral talks, which focused on joint investments in AI, healthcare, Future Tech and industrial innovation. With senior delegations in attendance from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman, the event is expected to catalyse high-level dialogue and unlock new cross-border opportunities. Smart Cities Summit forms a key step in IFZA's US engagement roadmap, which also includes participation in Deep Tech Week San Francisco (June 22 - 27), Smart City Expo Miami (October 6 - 8), and the flagship Deep Tech Week Dubai (November). About IFZA IFZA is the most dynamic and truly international Free Zone Community in the UAE, optimising the country's strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and business-friendly environment. IFZA differentiates itself through its multi-national approach, providing personalised business establishment solutions through its network of Government Authorities and Professional Partners. Business Owners and Employees can also benefit from a wide spectrum of value-added services within the IFZA ecosystem, including but not limited to property solutions, visa packages and training and development. The IFZA Business Park offers a wide variety of cutting-edge office facilities tailored to meet each Licensee's individual needs and provides a professional, welcoming environment to greet clients, network with other businesses and thrive. For details contact: Daniel Ford Head of Corporate Communications, IFZA dford@ About Smart Cities Council Headquartered in Washington DC, Smart Cities Council, ('SCC'), is the world's largest and longest-running membership-based Social Impact Organisation for Smart Cities, Smart Buildings, and Technology. With operations in over 30 countries globally, SCC leads policy and advocacy, and through Global Thought Leaders, Regional Leads, Task Forces, Events, and Partnerships SCC develops thought leadership, knowledge, playbooks, educational assets and tools that enable the creation of positive, self-sustaining social, environmental and economic benefits. Contacts: Robyn Francis Events and Engagement Lead Smart Cities Council
Zawya
10-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
IFZA partners with Smart City Council at AIM Congress 2025 to support Smart City Sector Growth
Dubai, UAE: IFZA participated in the 14th edition of AIM Congress, held from April 7-9 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), in partnership with the Smart City Council (SCC). IFZA showcased its service offerings at a dedicated stand, reinforcing its strategic alignment with Dubai's goal of becoming one of the top three smart cities in the world. The event served as an opportunity to connect with government stakeholders, investors, and industry leaders, and explore meaningful partnerships that support innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable growth within the smart city sector. As Dubai's most dynamic free zone community, IFZA joined this crucial international platform to highlight its role in supporting smart city growth and promoting Dubai as a global leader in innovation and business development. The event this year was supported by more than 400 local, regional and global partners, offering valuable opportunities for collaboration, networking, investment. IFZA used this stage to further strengthen its position as a key player in the regional business ecosystem, especially in the smart city sectors. Commenting on IFZA's participation at the event, Holger Schlechter, Chief Financial Officer at IFZA said: 'As the global economic landscape evolves, AIM Congress offers an invaluable platform for collaboration, innovation, and forward-thinking dialogue. At IFZA, we believe that smart city development is not just a technological leap — it's a strategic imperative. Our participation aligns with Dubai's ambition to become one of the world's top smart cities and reflects our commitment to empowering businesses that are shaping the cities of tomorrow.' The company's presence extended beyond the exhibition floor as Julia Timms, Chief Commercial Officer - Strategy Ecosystems, led a high-level discussion focused on "Strategic Investments in Hospitality: Maximizing Returns and Enhancing Experiences'. Building on its success at previous AIM Congress editions, IFZA introduced its business setup solutions designed to attract international investment and support long-term partnerships. Throughout the three-day event, IFZA representatives actively engaged in meetings, panel discussions, and networking opportunities - underscoring their commitment to enabling companies in the field of smart cities to thrive in Dubai's dynamic environment. AIM Congress 2025 brought together local, regional, and global leaders through a series of impactful events, forums, and conferences in collaboration with leading international organizations. The event focused on shared global challenges, exploring new markets, and driving sustainable growth. The eight key themes of the event - Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Global Trade, Startups & Unicorns, Future Cities, Future Finance, Global Manufacturing, Digital Economy, and Entrepreneurs - covered a wide range of sectors, from smart agriculture and infrastructure to biotechnology, logistics, tourism, and education. This diverse agenda reflects AIM's commitment to innovation and inclusive economic development. About IFZA IFZA is the most dynamic and truly international Free Zone Community in the UAE, optimising the country's strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and business-friendly environment. IFZA differentiates itself through its multi-national approach, providing personalised business establishment solutions through its network of Government Authorities and Professional Partners. Business Owners and Employees can also benefit from a wide spectrum of value-added services within the IFZA ecosystem, including but not limited to property solutions, visa packages and training and development. The IFZA Business Park offers a wide variety of cutting-edge office facilities tailored to meet each Licensee's individual needs and provides a professional, welcoming environment to greet clients, network with other businesses and thrive.
Zawya
10-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
IFZA and Smart City Council at AIM 2025
Dubai, UAE: IFZA participated in the 14th edition of AIM Congress, held from April 7-9 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), in partnership with the Smart City Council (SCC). IFZA showcased its service offerings at a dedicated stand, reinforcing its strategic alignment with Dubai's goal of becoming one of the top three smart cities in the world. The event served as an opportunity to connect with government stakeholders, investors, and industry leaders, and explore meaningful partnerships that support innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable growth within the smart city sector. As Dubai's most dynamic free zone community, IFZA joined this crucial international platform to highlight its role in supporting smart city growth and promoting Dubai as a global leader in innovation and business development. The event this year was supported by more than 400 local, regional and global partners, offering valuable opportunities for collaboration, networking, investment. IFZA used this stage to further strengthen its position as a key player in the regional business ecosystem, especially in the smart city sectors. Commenting on IFZA's participation at the event, Holger Schlechter, Chief Financial Officer at IFZA said: 'As the global economic landscape evolves, AIM Congress offers an invaluable platform for collaboration, innovation, and forward-thinking dialogue. At IFZA, we believe that smart city development is not just a technological leap — it's a strategic imperative. Our participation aligns with Dubai's ambition to become one of the world's top smart cities and reflects our commitment to empowering businesses that are shaping the cities of tomorrow.' The company's presence extended beyond the exhibition floor as Julia Timms, Chief Commercial Officer - Strategy Ecosystems, led a high-level discussion focused on "Strategic Investments in Hospitality: Maximizing Returns and Enhancing Experiences'. Building on its success at previous AIM Congress editions, IFZA introduced its business setup solutions designed to attract international investment and support long-term partnerships. Throughout the three-day event, IFZA representatives actively engaged in meetings, panel discussions, and networking opportunities - underscoring their commitment to enabling companies in the field of smart cities to thrive in Dubai's dynamic environment. AIM Congress 2025 brought together local, regional, and global leaders through a series of impactful events, forums, and conferences in collaboration with leading international organizations. The event focused on shared global challenges, exploring new markets, and driving sustainable growth. The eight key themes of the event - Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Global Trade, Startups & Unicorns, Future Cities, Future Finance, Global Manufacturing, Digital Economy, and Entrepreneurs - covered a wide range of sectors, from smart agriculture and infrastructure to biotechnology, logistics, tourism, and education. This diverse agenda reflects AIM's commitment to innovation and inclusive economic development. For more information, please visit: About IFZA IFZA is the most dynamic and truly international Free Zone Community in the UAE, optimising the country's strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and business-friendly environment. IFZA differentiates itself through its multi-national approach, providing personalised business establishment solutions through its network of Government Authorities and Professional Owners and Employees can also benefit from a wide spectrum of value-added services within the IFZA ecosystem, including but not limited to property solutions, visa packages and training and development. The IFZA Business Park offers a wide variety of cutting-edge office facilities tailored to meet each Licensee's individual needs and provides a professional, welcoming environment to greet clients, network with other businesses and thrive. For details contact: Daniel Ford Head of Corporate Communications, IFZA dford@ M: +971 56 415 3075
