The inaugural Al Ain Future Business Forum, organised by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), is set to bring together government officials, business leaders, investors, researchers and experts to explore new opportunities for economic growth and diversification across Al Ain Region.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, the forum will take place at ADNEC Centre Al Ain on 23-24 September 2026, with a programme focused on talent development, innovation and advanced technologies as key drivers of the region’s next phase of economic transformation.
Forum to explore Al Ain’s next growth opportunities
The event will bring together senior officials, decision-makers, business leaders, researchers, experts and media representatives from the UAE and abroad.
Discussions will focus on a wide range of sectors and opportunities, including investment, talent development, advanced manufacturing, agricultural technology, smart transportation, renewable energy and sustainable tourism.
Participants will also exchange expertise, knowledge and insights aimed at developing comprehensive plans for strategic projects, investment opportunities, business development and talent development initiatives.
Through these discussions, the Al Ain Future Business Forum seeks to reinforce Al Ain Region’s position as a centre for research, innovation and sustainable development.
Talent and technology at the heart of economic transformation
Speakers and panellists at the forum will examine Al Ain Region’s economic transformation and its roadmap for future growth, alongside economic policy and talent development programmes designed to meet the requirements of emerging industries.
The programme will also address strategic projects across Al Ain Region, the role of the private sector, agrifood innovation, the future of mobility, advanced technologies, entrepreneurship and the development of the startup ecosystem.
Talent development will remain a key theme, with discussions examining how skills and capabilities can be aligned with the requirements of future industries and strategic economic projects.
Al Ain’s emerging role as a logistics hub
The forum will also highlight the growing role of Al Ain Region as a key logistics hub.
Key speakers and panellists will explore the region’s distinctive attributes and strategic projects, examining how these factors can contribute to the future of trade, mobility and regional economic growth.
The discussions will place particular emphasis on the opportunities created by Al Ain’s strategic position and its potential contribution to Abu Dhabi’s broader economic ecosystem.
Building on Al Ain’s competitive advantages
Al Ain Region represents an important component of Abu Dhabi’s integrated economic ecosystem, offering a range of competitive advantages and opportunities that can support new avenues for growth.
The Al Ain Future Business Forum forms part of ADDED’s broader efforts and initiatives to translate these strengths into sustainable economic value while creating an enabling environment in which businesses, talent and investment can grow.
The initiative also aims to further enhance the region’s competitiveness and strengthen its contribution to the future of Abu Dhabi’s economy.
Major government and private sector partners
The forum is supported by a range of government and private sector entities and businesses.
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) and Modon Properties will serve as Strategic Gateway Partners, while the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD Group), Abu Dhabi Airports, and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) will participate as economic pillar partners.
Hub71 and Talabat will serve as investment and enterprise partners.
Meanwhile, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) will be the destination partner, while the Department of Community Development (DCD) will serve as the community partner.
Amazon is participating as a supporting partner.
Invest, Develop, Thrive
The forum will be held under the theme “Invest, Develop, Thrive”, reflecting its focus on investment, economic development, innovation and long-term growth.
The event is being organised in collaboration with the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI), Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), and Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development.
Through its programme and strategic partnerships, the inaugural forum will provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss the economic opportunities shaping Al Ain Region and explore practical approaches to investment, business development, talent and innovation.
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