Al Ain Future Business Forum sets momentum for next phase of economic growth

The inaugural Al Ain Future Business Forum held at ADNEC Centre Al Ain concluded with a series of strategic partnerships and initiatives to advance Al Ain Region’s economic development and strengthening its position as an attractive destination for talent, innovation, entrepreneurship, investment, and business.

The forum has established a new platform connecting investment, talent, innovation, entrepreneurship and community development together. It highlighted the breadth of opportunities in infrastructure, tourism, finance, entrepreneurship, technology, industry, trade, and logistics.

Organised by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) under the theme Invest. Develop. Thrive., the event focused on partnerships, investment opportunities, and actionable plans to support the region’s future growth and its role in advancing Abu Dhabi’s and UAE’s sustainable development.

A total of 11 agreements and MoUs were signed as government entities, investors and business leaders came together to unlock opportunities across economic sectors and reinforce collaboration to support investment, entrepreneurship, innovation and business development in Al Ain Region.

Keynote addresses, fireside chats, and panels included His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED, who set out a strategic vision for Al Ain’s economy and its contribution to the next phase of Abu Dhabi’s and the UAE’s socio-economic development.

His Excellency Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), highlighted urban development plans designed to enhance quality of life and create the infrastructure and enabling environment required for businesses and investors to grow.

His Excellency Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health, examined Al Ain Region’s expanding healthcare ecosystem and its potential to contribute to the development of the UAE’s life sciences sector.

Human capital and community wellbeing were also at the centre of a leadership conversation featuring His Excellency Shamis Ali Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Department of Community Development (DCD), and His Excellency Mohamed Taj Eddine Alqadi, Chairman of the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), focusing on how education, skills and community development can prepare Al Ain for the economy of tomorrow.

His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED, said: “We extend our sincere appreciation to Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his generous patronage of the first edition of Al Ain Future Business Forum, which demonstrated the strength of the ecosystem we are building together. The opportunities presented to businesses, partnerships explored, and the ideas discussed provide a strong foundation for the next phase of economic development.

Our focus now is on sustaining this momentum by developing talent, deepening partnerships, enabling investment, and creating opportunities for businesses of all sizes. Al Ain has the assets, capabilities, and ambition to play an increasingly important role in Abu Dhabi’s economy.

The forum also opened direct channels between major institutions and the emerging business community. Key entities and large corporates showcased procurement and supply-chain opportunities to startups and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

A dedicated projects and developments showcase highlighted major opportunities coming to Al Ain Region, bringing together government entities, private-sector partners, UAE University, Khalifa Fund and other ecosystem stakeholders.

The role of Al Ain in sector-specific clusters to shape the next phase of development was highlighted at the forum including AgriFood Growth & Water Abundance (AGWA), Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industries (SAVI), Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine (HELM), and FinTech, Insurance, Digital and Alternative Assets (FIDA).

The dedicated Al Ain Talks stage hosted 12 interactive sessions involving the Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi, ADGM Academy, Khalifa Fund, Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA), Youth Council – ADDED, Al Ain Youth Council, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an, Abu Dhabi University and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB). The sessions provided a more accessible platform for entrepreneurs, innovators, and visitors to engage directly with the opportunities shaping Al Ain Region’s future.

Innovation and hackathon workshops challenged participants to develop solutions around entrepreneurship, problem-solving and community needs, while the Business Market gave more than ten local businesses the opportunity to showcase their products and services.

The forum also spotlighted the next generation of creative talent through the Al Ain Game Jam and a Gaming and Innovation Corner, where Emirati game developers created playable games while receiving mentoring and business-development support.

The Al Ain Community Marathon, organised in collaboration with and led by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, brought residents, families and employees together, adding a strong health, wellbeing and community dimension to the two-day programme.

The forum was supported by Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) and Modon Properties as Strategic Gateway Partners; ADAFSA, KEZAD Group, Abu Dhabi Airports and ADIO as Economic Pillar Partners; Hub71 and Talabat as Investment and Enterprise Partners; DCT as Destination Partner; DCD as Community Partner; and Amazon as Supporting Partner.