- The summit will unite global policymakers, business leaders, and investors to explore the forces reshaping international trade.
- Amna Lootah: “The event aims to shape the future of global commerce and innovation.”
- Khuloud Al Omian: “This partnership goes beyond media; it’s about shaping the future of global trade.”
Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ), part of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), has announced a strategic collaboration with Forbes Middle East to host the Future Growth Nexus Summit in March 2026. The high-level event will bring together government officials, entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders to discuss the trends and challenges shaping the next era of global trade and commerce.
The agreement was formally signed by Amna Lootah, Director General of Dubai Airport Freezone, and Khuloud Al Omian, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Middle East, in the presence of senior representatives from both institutions.
This partnership represents a pivotal moment in advancing cooperation between the economic and media sectors. Moving beyond conventional collaboration models, it aims to establish a dynamic platform that unites business, innovation, and investment, reinforcing Dubai’s global leadership in sustainable and inclusive trade.
The Future Growth Nexus Summit will serve as a catalyst for global dialogue and collaboration, inviting influential leaders to share insights and identify strategies to address emerging challenges. The event will focus on how technology, artificial intelligence, and innovation can transform the global trading system and drive the transition to a more resilient and sustainable economy.
Through a series of forward-thinking initiatives, the summit will aim to redefine sustainability in international trade while fostering new partnerships that strengthen the UAE’s standing as a centre of innovation and competitiveness.
Commenting on the partnership, Amna Lootah said: “For more than 25 years, DAFZ has played a strategic role at the heart of the global trade, bridging markets from East to West. Beyond offering world-class infrastructure, investment advantages, and economic incentives, the free zones provide an integrated platform that advances global trade across every stage of the value chain, in line with the strategic objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.”
“This strategic position places DAFZ at the forefront of global trade, empowering it to lead the transformation of the trade ecosystem and drive sustainable growth. Through hosting the Future Growth Nexus Summit from the heart of Dubai, one of the world’s most dynamic economic centres, we aim to shape the future of global commerce and innovation,” she added.
Khuloud Al Omian affirmed: “This partnership with DAFZ marks the beginning of a long-term strategic collaboration that extends beyond a media agreement to serve as a global platform shaping future policies and attracting high-value investments in green technology, AI, and digital trade, further strengthening the UAE’s overall competitiveness and reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading global economic hub.”
“The Future Growth Nexus Summit will serve not only as a forum for dialogue, but as a catalyst for launching strategic initiatives and building global partnerships that advance the UAE’s development agenda, aligning with the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision to build a diversified, innovative, and sustainable economy,” Al Omian emphasized.
The collaboration between DAFZ and Forbes Middle East reflects a shared vision to build knowledge-driven and community-focused platforms that enhance the UAE’s business landscape and reinforce its position as a global hub for smart commerce and sustainable economic growth.
