- The event will bring together policymakers, entrepreneurs, and investors to explore transformative forces in global 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), operating under the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), has revealed a new strategic alliance with Forbes Middle East to co-host the Future Growth Nexus Summit in March 2026. The summit will act as a global convening point for leaders across government, enterprise, and investment, as they engage in dialogue around the shifting dynamics of global trade.
The partnership was formalised through an agreement signed by Amna Lootah, Director General of Dubai Airport Freezone, and Khuloud Al Omian, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Middle East, with senior representatives from both entities in attendance.
Representing a landmark step in cross-sector cooperation, this partnership seeks to move beyond conventional frameworks by blending media influence with economic leadership to establish a globally recognised platform for innovation and sustainable trade.
Set to redefine the discourse around the future of global commerce, the Future Growth Nexus Summit will encourage collaboration and exchange among visionary leaders, exploring how emerging technologies, AI, and sustainability are shaping a new era of international trade.
Through its agenda, the summit aims to unveil actionable initiatives promoting sustainability and innovation while strengthening the UAE’s global reputation as a hub for competitiveness and progressive economic transformation.
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.
