Al Ain Future Business Forum charts ambitious course for regional economic expansion
A landmark inaugural gathering has concluded with eleven strategic partnerships and agreements, establishing Al Ain Region as a dynamic hub for investment, innovation and sustainable growth across multiple economic sectors.
The inaugural Al Ain Future Business Forum, held at ADNEC Centre Al Ain, has established a transformative new platform designed to catalyse economic development across the emirate’s second-largest city. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) under the theme ‘Invest. Develop. Thrive.’, the event brought together government entities, investors and business leaders to unlock opportunities spanning infrastructure, tourism, finance, entrepreneurship, technology, industry, trade and logistics.
The forum concluded with the signature of eleven agreements and memoranda of understanding, each pledging collaborative action to support investment, entrepreneurship and business development across Al Ain Region. This substantial network of commitments underscores the breadth of institutional support now focused on accelerating the emirate’s economic trajectory and its contribution to Abu Dhabi’s and the UAE’s broader socio-economic advancement.
Strategic Vision and Infrastructure Development
His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED, articulated a comprehensive strategic vision for Al Ain’s economic future. “We extend our sincere appreciation to His Highness 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,” he stated. “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 Department of Municipalities and Transport presented comprehensive urban development plans designed to enhance quality of life and establish the infrastructure essential for sustained business growth. These initiatives, overseen by His Excellency Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of DMT, form a critical foundation for attracting and retaining investment.
Sectoral Clusters and Specialisation
Four sector-specific clusters have been identified to shape Al Ain’s next phase of development: 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 forum’s projects and developments showcase brought together government entities, private-sector partners, UAE University, Khalifa Fund and ecosystem stakeholders to present major opportunities coming to the region.
Human Capital and Healthcare Expansion
Education, skills development and community wellbeing occupied a central position in forum discussions. His Excellency Shamis Ali Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Department of Community Development, and His Excellency Mohamed Taj Eddine Alqadi, Chairman of the Department of Education and Knowledge, led a leadership conversation exploring how education and community development can prepare Al Ain for the economy of tomorrow.
The healthcare sector emerged as a significant growth area, with His Excellency Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health, examining Al Ain Region’s expanding healthcare ecosystem and its potential to contribute substantially to the UAE’s life sciences sector development.
Supporting Enterprise and Innovation
The forum opened direct channels between major institutions and the emerging business community, with key entities and large corporates showcasing procurement and supply-chain opportunities to startups and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. Twelve interactive ‘Al Ain Talks’ sessions provided accessible platforms for entrepreneurs and innovators to engage directly with ecosystem stakeholders including the Khalifa Fund, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank.
Innovation workshops challenged participants to develop solutions addressing entrepreneurship and community needs, whilst the Business Market provided local enterprises with platforms to showcase their offerings. The Al Ain Game Jam and Gaming Innovation Corner spotlighted creative talent, with Emirati game developers creating playable games whilst receiving mentoring and business-development support.
The forum’s two-day programme incorporated a substantial community dimension through the Al Ain Community Marathon, organised in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, bringing residents, families and employees together around health and wellbeing initiatives.
The event drew support from Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and Modon Properties as Strategic Gateway Partners, alongside Economic Pillar Partners ADAFSA, KEZAD Group, Abu Dhabi Airports and ADIO, demonstrating the depth of institutional commitment to Al Ain’s economic future.
Source: Abu Dhabi Media Office