Overview
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.
Under the Patronage of
H.H Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum
Speakers
H.E Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi
H.E Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni
H.E Amna Lootah
Paul Keely
Aziz Koleilat
Lisa Park
Nabil Sultan
Ahmed Yousef Al-Hassan
Bremer Pauw
Nitin Tatiwala
Gabriel Semelas
Emmanuel Legros
Kunal Narula
Alastair Croker
Moussalam Dalati
Alan Ng
Iyad Kamal
Kamal Reggad
Moderators
Julien Plouzeau
Sally Mousa
Ramia Farrage
Agenda
Future Growth Nexus Summit
08:30 – 09:30 am
Registration & Networking
09:30 – 09:50 am
Courtesy Meeting
His Highness and His Excellency with Distinguished VIP Clients
09:50 – 09:55 am
Welcome Remarks
09:55 – 10:00 am
DAFZ 30-Year Legacy Video
10:00 – 10:10 am
Keynote Address: Smart Trade Policies for Integrated Economic Zones
A deep thought conversation on how unified regulations, simplified procedures, and modern incentives can accelerate cross-border trade and attract global investment.
10:00 – 10:15 am
Keynote Address: Three Decades of Transformation: Trade Hubs That Accelerated Dubai
Reflecting on DAFZ's role in positioning Dubai among the world's leading trade, logistics, and investment hubs.
Theme 1 | Future-Ready Logistics: Resilience, Adaptation, and the New Global Trade Reality
10:15 – 10:35 am
Panel: Redefining Logistics for a Secured Future: Creating Seamless, Sustainable, and Robust Supply Chains
How integrated ecosystems combining digital capabilities, flexible infrastructure, and strategic partnerships can enable supply chains to adapt, recover, and remain competitive.
10:35 – 10:40 am
MC Transition & Agenda Highlights
10:40 – 10:50 am
Special Address: Building the Next Era of Global Trade: DAFZ’s Vision Beyond 30 Years
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.
Theme 2 | SUSTAINABILITY AS STRATEGY: A ROADMAP FOR NET-ZERO TRADE
10:55 – 11:05 am
Spotlight Session: Fuel, ESG, and the Cost of Transition: Rethinking Sustainability in a High-Cost Environment
Exploring how aviation and logistics leaders can balance ESG commitments with fuel-driven cost pressures while accelerating the transition toward more efficient and lower-emission operations.
11:10 – 11:30 am
Panel: Streamlining the Free Zone Model: From Warehouses to Air Cargo
Explore proven strategies to reduce carbon emissions across warehousing, transport fleets, and last-mile delivery while adapting to the evolving dynamics of global trade.
Theme 3 | THE DIGITAL TRADE REVOLUTION: PLATFORMS, AI, AND BLOCKCHAIN FOR COMMERCE
11:35 – 11:55 am
PANEL: Digital Marketplaces: The New Engine of Cross-Border Commerce
Delve into the mechanisms of how online B2B platforms are transforming sourcing, payments, and customs in a digital-first economy.
12:00 – 12:20 pm
PANEL: Predictive Logistics and Data-Driven Supply Chains: AI Tools That Drive Efficiency and Agility
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.
12:25 – 01:25 pm
Networking Lunch
Theme 4 | INVESTMENT AND INNOVATION: POWERING THE FUTURE OF TRADE AND LOGISTICS
01:30 – 01:50 pm
PANEL: Catalyzing Competitive Advantage: Investments and Partnerships for Next-Generation Solutions
Access strategic insights on how targeted investments and collaborative partnerships deliver transformative projects, cutting-edge solutions, and sustainable growth across the value chain.
01:55 – 02:15 pm
Panel: The New Cost of Trade: Insurance, Risk, and Pricing Volatility
Examine how insurance costs, risk exposure, and pricing volatility are influencing trade flows, investment decisions, and growth strategies.
02:20– 02:40 pm
Panel: Empowering SMEs and High-Potential Startups Within Integrated Economic Zones
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.
02:40 – 02:45 pm
Closing Remarks
02:45 pm Onwards
Networking Reception
Select Your Package
unique experience. Please proceed to select the general Pass and click “Next.” If you wish to purchase multiple
tickets, please choose the “Group Member” option on the next page before submitting.
Delegate PASS
EARLY BIRD PRICE
200 $
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.
- Premium seating and priority access to the Summit sessions
- Exclusive networking opportunities with leaders, speakers and partners
- Gift bag curated by our event partners
- Access to the delegate networking lounge
- Priority registration and on-site assistance
- Full access to the exhibition and vendor areas
Visitor PASS
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:
- Admission to all panel discussions, talks and expert sessions
- Workshop Area and Summit Activities
- Exhibition Area and Vendor Space
Location
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai
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.
About Forbes Middle East
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.