The Future Growth Nexus Summit, delivered by Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ) in collaboration with Forbes Middle East, will convene the region’s visionary leaders, industry pioneers, and trade experts under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority.
Marking DAFZ’s 30-year legacy, the summit serves as a flagship thought-leadership platform designed to position the Freezone for its next phase of growth while reflecting on its evolution and impact within the global trade ecosystem.
As global economic dynamics continue to shift, the summit will explore future-focused trade models, smart and sustainable economic zones, advanced logistics, digital trade, AI-driven innovation, and the policy frameworks that enable investment attraction and cross-border expansion.
Through high-level dialogue, strategic insights, and collaborative engagement, The Future Growth Nexus Summit aims to shape a digitally integrated, resilient, and sustainable global trade network.
Nabil leads dnata's US$6.4 billion global operations, overseeing a diverse portfolio spanning ground handling, cargo, travel, catering and retail businesses across 162 cities in 37 countries. With more than 35 years of experience in global aviation, Nabil has built his career within the Emirates Group, growing alongside dnata and Dubai's rise as a global aviation hub. He has a strong track record of delivering growth and transformation, with a leadership focus on customer experience, strategic partnerships and long-term business performance. Prior to his current role, Nabil served as Executive Vice President of Passenger Sales and Country Management, overseeing the strategic direction of Emirates airline’s corporate and leisure business and leading commercial operations across more than 140 destinations worldwide. Previously, Nabil led Emirates SkyCargo as Divisional Senior Vice President for a decade, where he played a key role in expanding local and international operations while strengthening the airline’s leading position in supporting the world’s rapidly evolving supply chains. Earlier in his career, he held a number of senior commercial leadership roles across the airline’s global operations. Nabil holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and Management Information Systems from the University of Portland, Oregon, USA.
Neil Hayward is a Managing Director and leads our Turnaround and Restructuring practice in the Middle East. He has 28 years of international experience in turnarounds and restructurings as an advisor and as an executive, with CEO, CFO, and Board roles helping clients to rapidly and sustainably increase EBITDA and cash flows through operational improvements and balance sheet realignment.
Dr. Matthew Stephenson is CEO of the World Free Zones Organization (WFZO), a position he has held since March 2026, working with zones and partners around the world to grow trade, investment, and innovation.
Directly prior to joining WFZO, Dr. Stephenson served as Head of Investment and Services at the World Economic Forum, where he was responsible for investment climate and services regulatory reform activities — including managing the Global Investment Policy and Practice Initiative and the Streamlining Services Initiative, as well as co-chairing the Investment Facilitation Commentary Group supporting negotiations at the WTO on Investment Facilitation for Development.
With extensive experience across international organizations and government, Dr. Stephenson previously worked at the International Finance Corporation, World Bank Group, where he provided advisory services on investment policy reforms and led the organization’s workstream on outward foreign direct investment (OFDI). He also worked at the OECD, in the Investment Division and the Sahel and West Africa Club Secretariat, focused on Africa and investment, and served as a U.S. diplomat with the U.S. Department of State, including leading economic policy work in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Dr. Stephenson is a member of the T20 Task Forces on Trade, Investment & Growth and Economy in the Digital Age, providing policy proposals to the G20. He has been a standing guest at APEC’s Investment Expert Group and Group on Services. He has authored or co-authored numerous reports, policy briefs, and academic articles on foreign direct investment, sustainable investment, and the digital economy. He developed the concepts of Digital FDI, Climate FDI, New Generation Barriers to Services Trade, SusTech Solutions, InvesTech, Trade and Investment for Peace and Stability (TIPS Framework), and provided significant advances to the concepts of sustainable investment and investment facilitation.
Dr. Stephenson holds a Ph.D. in International Political Economy from the Geneva Graduate Institute, a Master in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School, and a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from the University of Oxford.
Sally is a senior presenter and keynote speaker who has interviewed many of the world’s most influential change-makers across every field over the last two decades. She regularly speaks on transformation, leadership, communication, women's empowerment, and intercultural dialogue. From Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal to Nobel Laureates like Kailash Satyarthi, Hollywood superstars like Steve Harvey, Olympic medallists like Ibtihaj Muhammad, visionaries like Dr Jane Goodall, top coaches and authors like Robin Sharma and Jay Shetty, amongst many others, Sally has a gift for telling the stories of those who have made a global impact, revealing deeper insights that others miss. As an Arab-Australian, Sally is passionate about powerful stories that explore diverse narratives and are part of conversations driving change worldwide.
A deep thought conversation on how unified regulations, simplified procedures, and modern incentives can accelerate cross-border trade and attract global investment.
Reflecting on DAFZ's role in positioning Dubai among the world's leading trade, logistics, and investment hubs.
How integrated ecosystems combining digital capabilities, flexible infrastructure, and strategic partnerships can enable supply chains to adapt, recover, and remain competitive.
As global trade is reshaped by shifting supply chains, emerging technologies, and new economic priorities, DAFZ is redefining the role of the modern free zone. Marking its 30-year milestone, this address will reflect on the achievements that have established DAFZ as a gateway for international business while outlining its vision for driving innovation, attracting investment, strengthening resilience, and enabling the next era of sustainable economic growth.
This session will explore the trends, opportunities, and strategic priorities shaping the Middle East aviation market, from fleet modernisation and air connectivity to industrial development and technological innovation. Speaker
Explore proven strategies to reduce carbon emissions across warehousing, transport fleets, and last-mile delivery while adapting to the evolving dynamics of global trade.
Delve into the mechanisms of how online B2B platforms are transforming sourcing, payments, and customs in a digital-first economy.
Experts will highlight how AI-powered forecasting, robotics, route optimization, and demand sensing are reshaping trade hubs to improve accuracy, reduce costs, and enable faster, more adaptive logistics responses in an evolving global trade landscape.
Access strategic insights on how targeted investments and collaborative partnerships deliver transformative projects, cutting-edge solutions, and sustainable growth across the value chain.
Examine how insurance costs, risk exposure, and pricing volatility are influencing trade flows, investment decisions, and growth strategies.
How integrated, sector-ready zones offer the specialized infrastructure, access to finance, create supportive pathways for emerging ventures and strategic partnerships needed to scale high-impact logistics and tech ventures sustainably.
Register today as a delegate to connect with influential leaders shaping the future of medical tourism and wellness. Share innovative ideas, forge meaningful collaborations, and unlock opportunities with lasting impact.
As a delegate, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to all areas designed to inspire, connect, and empower healthcare and wellness professionals.
Register today as a delegate to connect with influential leaders shaping the future of medical tourism and wellness. Share innovative ideas, forge meaningful collaborations, and unlock opportunities with lasting impact.
The visitor pass will give you complimentary access to the following areas:
Set against a pristine beachfront, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai is a luxury urban resort offering breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai’s iconic skyline, including the Burj Khalifa. Blending contemporary elegance with world-class hospitality, its exceptional beachfront setting and sophisticated facilities provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable event experience.

Forbes Middle East is a licensee of Forbes Media and extends the Forbes brand of journalism across the Arab world. Forbes Middle East’s distinctive editorial style attracts a readership of Arab leaders, entrepreneurs, C-level executives, government officials and investors united by a belief in the spirit of free enterprise and entrepreneurial values.Across the region, Forbes Middle East sets the pace for preemptive business journalism. By uncovering trends and anticipating opportunities in the regional marketplace, each monthly issue brings top executives the information critical to their success – in both Arabic and English language editions. The magazine researches and publishes original rankings, based on methodologies set by Forbes Media.
Forbes Middle East is a licensee of Forbes Media and extends the Forbes brand of journalism across the Arab world. Forbes Middle East’s distinctive editorial style attracts a readership of Arab leaders, entrepreneurs, C-level executives, government officials and investors united by a belief in the spirit of free enterprise and entrepreneurial values.Across the region, Forbes Middle East sets the pace for preemptive business journalism. By uncovering trends and anticipating opportunities in the regional marketplace, each monthly issue brings top executives the information critical to their success – in both Arabic and English language editions. The magazine researches and publishes original rankings, based on methodologies set by Forbes Media.