ABU DHABI, 10th October, 2023 (WAM) — More than 7,000 senior government officials, decision makers, business leaders and other investment stakeholders from 160 countries will have the opportunity to learn about Abu Dhabi’s “Balkan Economy” and its role in reshaping it. 2023 Economic and business landscape at the World Investment Forum (WIF) hosted by Abu Dhabi at ADNEC from 16 to 20 October. The event is organized by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
Supported by the Ministry of Economy and the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (Added) as lead partner, the 8th edition of UNCTAD’s World Investment Forum (WIF) will facilitate dialogue and action by organizing the world’s current and emerging investment-development challenges. A wide variety of events in association with many local and international organizations.
The world’s business and investment community will be introduced to Abu Dhabi’s rising „Balkan Economy”, which will guide the Emirate’s next phase of economic diversification and transition to smart, circular, inclusive and sustainable development. In addition, special panel discussions, keynote speeches and interactive workshops will be organized to highlight the “Make It in Emirates” initiative to promote industry in the UAE through the 2050 Strategic Initiative.
These events will facilitate the exchange of ideas and best practices, promote dialogue and cooperation, and stimulate joint efforts to shape global investment policies and strategies.
Ahmad Jassim Al Jabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, said, “Hosting the 8th World Investment Forum reflects our leadership’s vision to promote international cooperation and joint action to create innovative solutions that benefit the global community. Strong fundamentals of a rising 'Balkan economy’ to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and positively contribute to shaping a brighter future for humanity.”
„Abu Dhabi has made great progress in achieving the objectives of its diversification strategy, laying a solid foundation for the continued development of a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy. We are developing and promoting talent to address current and future challenges, as well as continuously improving the business environment to provide investors with growth and expansion opportunities.”
Al Zaabi added, „We look forward to welcoming world leaders and key decision-makers in business and investment to Abu Dhabi to discuss ways to strengthen the frameworks necessary for international trade and investment to achieve the common goals of the international community.”
Abu Dhabi’s “Invest in Tomorrow: Abu Dhabi’s Economic Transformation” forum, organized by ADDED, will provide a key platform for the business and investment community to learn about Abu Dhabi on October 18, the third day of the World Investment Forum. Falcon Economy” and its attributes are a growing economy and a preferred destination for financial power and talent, businesses and investments, as well as its transformative strategies to shape a sustainable and prosperous future.
It features keynote addresses and panel discussions including “Attracting Foreign Direct Investment in the Era of Industry 4.0: Opportunities and Challenges”, which explores why Abu Dhabi is an attractive destination for talent, entrepreneurs and investors and highlights its integration with industry. 4.0’s transformative technologies and methods.
This session further examines the role of FDI in improving technology and increasing productivity. It emphasizes the importance of government policies, incentives and clear regulations in attracting foreign investment and promoting advanced industries. In addition, the session highlights international trade, sustainability, social responsibility and inclusive growth as key drivers of economic growth.
„Investing Tomorrow” will highlight the key role played by startups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in developing the economy by creating employment, innovating and contributing to economic diversification. Abu Dhabi Government to attract, nurture and develop talent.
Under the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology’s „Make It in the Emirates” initiative, a panel discussion titled „Investing in the Emirates: Unlocking Opportunities for Sustainable Prosperity” will highlight projects designed for manufacturers, investors, innovators and entrepreneurs. Establishing ventures in the UAE and benefiting from the country’s exceptional manufacturing advantages.
In this panel, participants will be exposed to the UAE’s industrial and technological developments driven by the National Strategy for Industrial and Advanced Technology launched in 2021. The strategy aims to improve national industry growth, GDP contribution, investment attraction, entrepreneurship support and product competitiveness. , and establish the UAE as a global hub for manufacturing and innovation. It coincides with the UAE’s commitment to net zero through the „Year of Sustainability”, the 2050 Strategic Initiative and its preparations for hosting COP28.
The session emphasized the UAE’s favorable business environment, supported by reliable energy, strategic location, strong logistics and advanced technology. It supports the „Make it in the Emirates” initiative with significant funding, thereby encouraging „technological transformation” projects aimed at 1,000 projects by 2031, focusing on Industry 4.0 technologies in various sectors, including healthcare, transport and logistics.
WIF, in conjunction with the Annual Investment Conference (AIM Congress), will host a one-sided forum that will include two interactive sessions; „Digital Financial Inclusion: Moving towards an Innovative, Interconnected and Inclusive Global Economy” and „Supply Chains – The Way Forward: 2023 Challenging Questions.” Additionally, there will be a fireside chat and an on-stage interview.
The first panel highlights the transformative potential of digital finance in improving access to financial services for disadvantaged groups, while the second panel examines challenges and opportunities in global supply chains, labor shortages, cyber threats, geopolitical tensions and climate change. It also examines the use of AI and digital technologies within supply chains and assesses how evolving laws and geopolitical issues affect these networks.
„The Future of Cities – Driving Amid Turbulence” examines the future of cities around the world over the next 30 years, which are expected to see unprecedented changes in green cities.