Dubai is set to host the inaugural “RISE 2026” summit on October 14, bringing together over 250 governmental officials, investors, sovereign wealth fund representatives, and leading real estate developers. The summit aims to discuss the transformations in global capital flows and explore investment opportunities across key sectors including real estate, infrastructure, energy, hospitality, entertainment, and advanced technologies.
Adapting to Economic Shifts
This one-day summit will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre, coinciding with significant economic and geopolitical shifts that are reshaping investor priorities. As the global markets seek new opportunities for long-term growth, the summit promises to provide valuable insights into emerging trends.
Current indicators reflect continued economic and real estate activity within Dubai, with the Purchasing Managers’ Index for the non-oil private sector rising to 54.5 points in September—the highest reading so far in 2026. Real estate sales have reached a staggering 379 billion dirhams in the first nine months of the year, as outlined in the summit’s release.
Furthermore, the number of active registered companies in the Dubai International Financial Centre has surpassed 10,000 for the first time in the first half of the year, while Gulf sovereign wealth funds have invested approximately 53.9 billion dollars during the same period, according to estimates from Global SWF.
Key Discussions and Insights
The summit features two main panel discussions as part of a series dedicated to global leaders. José Manuel Barroso, the head of international advisors at Goldman Sachs and former President of the European Commission, will discuss the competition among the United States, Europe, Asia, and Gulf nations in attracting long-term capital, examining the sustainability of shifts in the global investment landscape.
Additionally, Ludovic Subran, Chief Investment Officer and Chief Economist at Allianz Group, will cover the impact of interest rates, inflation, and economic risks on the allocation of investments among fixed-income instruments, real estate, infrastructure, and private markets.
From a local perspective, Omar Bushahab, Director-General of the Dubai Land Department, will deliver the official opening speech, while Abdullah bin Touq Al Mari, Minister of Economy and Tourism, will outline strategies for transforming economic resilience into sustainable investment partnerships. Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director-General of the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai, will discuss the economic model of the emirate and the “D33” economic agenda.
Exploring Real Estate and Tourism Investments
The summit dedicates a portion of its agenda to examining investment opportunities in real estate, hospitality, tourism, and entertainment. Talks will focus on the evolution of real estate development companies into integrated investment and operation platforms, featuring Taalal Al Dhiyabi, CEO of Aldar Properties.
Thomas Meyer, CEO of Jumeirah, and Fernando Eira, CEO of Dubai Holding Entertainment, will address the role of hospitality and entertainment in creating long-term economic value. Liam Findlay, CEO of Miral Destinations, will share insights on the development of destination economies and how global brands and immersive experiences attract visitors and enhance returns.
Investing in Technology and Infrastructure
In the technology sector, a specialised session will focus on investment requirements for data centres, covering energy, land, and the capability of electricity networks to support artificial intelligence technologies. Another session will explore methods for leveraging private and cross-border capital to finance infrastructure projects in energy, digital communications, and transport.
Collaborative Efforts for Future Growth
The RISE 2026 summit has garnered support from various governmental agencies and specialised institutions, including the Dubai Land Department, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the International Real Estate Federation – UAE branch, and ValuStrat as a knowledge partner.
The goal of RISE 2026 is to unite governments, investors, developers, and business leaders on a single platform to exchange insights, build cross-border partnerships, and identify opportunities in sectors crucial to shaping the future of economic and urban growth.