Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the representative of the ruler in the Al Ain region, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development is set to host the inaugural “Al Ain Future Business Forum” on 28 and 29 September 2026 at the ADNEC Al Ain Centre. The event aims to promote long-term investment and economic growth in Al Ain, focusing on talent development, research and development, higher education, agricultural technologies, advanced manufacturing, smart transportation, renewable energy, and sustainable tourism.
Aiming for a Diversified Economy
Ahead of the forum, Ahmed Jassem Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, expressed profound gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed for his generous sponsorship of the forum. He noted that this initiative aligns with comprehensive development plans aimed at accelerating the transition towards a more diversified, balanced, intelligent, and sustainable economy. “The Al Ain Future Business Forum provides an appropriate platform for various stakeholders to discuss a wide range of topics and develop strategies that drive economic growth, provide jobs, and create more opportunities,” he stated.
Al Zaabi further emphasised that hosting the forum underscores the wise leadership’s commitment to enhancing the pivotal role of the Al Ain region in the social and economic development of Abu Dhabi and the UAE. “This initiative serves as a strategic factor in creating an environment where innovations meet opportunities, enabling talents, entrepreneurs, investors, and companies to generate and capitalise on opportunities in sectors with high growth rates. This will undoubtedly solidify Al Ain’s position as a global centre where creative minds and quality investments collaborate within a supportive business ecosystem to forge a brighter future for us and our partners across the globe,” he added.
A Comprehensive Platform
The Al Ain Future Business Forum will offer a comprehensive platform that coordinates trends, execution, and opportunities by gathering government entities, the private sector, investors, and institutions focused on talent development within a single framework. This reflects the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development’s role in supporting Al Ain’s potential for expansion and boosting future economies, thereby facilitating business growth within the evolving economic landscape of Abu Dhabi.
Al Ain possesses competitive advantages that make it an attractive destination for quality investments in agriculture, higher education, tourism, and advanced manufacturing. As a testament to this growth, the number of new economic licenses in Al Ain surged by 58% during the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, following an annual growth rate of 29% in 2025 compared to 2024.
Collaborative Efforts
The event is organised in collaboration with several key entities, including the Department of Municipalities and Transport, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, the forum’s strategic partner. Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD) serves as the economic pillar partner for the forum, reflecting the commitment of major institutions and companies to bolster economic opportunities in Al Ain.
Engaging Sessions
The forum’s programme will feature keynote addresses, presentations, and interactive sessions that highlight the region’s advantages, potential, priorities, and strategic project pathways. Key discussion points will include labour market requirements in Al Ain, aligning talent development with growth strategies and business sector needs, alongside reinforcing Al Ain’s role as a hub for research and development. Participating entities will showcase investment opportunities and supportive programs for local and foreign investments in key sectors, underscoring the available opportunities in Al Ain.