24 April 2025 | The H Dubai, UAE

Attendees

Decision Makers

High Profile Speakers

Exhibitors

Countries

Event Overview

The Global Economic Zones Leader Summit 2025 has been rescheduled and will be taking place on 24th April 2025 in Dubai, UAE, is the first of its kind, designed to explore the evolving landscape of global trade and market evolution through the lens of economic zones. This groundbreaking summit brings together influential leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and innovators to discuss the strategic role of economic zones in fostering international trade, attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), and driving economic growth.

Key Highlights:

Government and Industry Insights

The summit kicks off with keynote addresses from high-ranking government officials and industry leaders who will provide valuable perspectives on the strategic importance of economic cities in national and global economic development.

Ministerial and Government Panel Discussions

Senior government representatives will engage in in-depth discussions on policy frameworks essential for creating future-ready economies. Topics include strategies for sustaining high-growth industries,regulatory reforms, and investments in critical infrastructure to ensure competitiveness in the global market

Focus on Innovation and Industry 4.0

The event features panels that delve into the role of economic zones as innovation hubs,driving research and development (R&D) and embracing Industry 4.0 technologies. These discussions will highlight the creation of ecosystems that support startups, tech companies, and R&D initiatives, and their contribution to global economic competitiveness.

Strategic FDI and Infrastructure Development

Panels will also address the alignment of FDI in manufacturing and industrial zones with national economic goals, the importance of strategic infrastructure in supporting new business ventures, and the pivotal role of banks in financing infrastructure and industry growth

Networking and Business Growth

With an emphasis on global market expansion, the summit will explore the roles of chambers of commerce, trade authorities, and business councils in facilitating international business growth and cross-border partnerships.

Meet Our Speakers

H.E Ismail Zabeeh

Minister of State for Economic Development and TradeMinistry of Economic Development & Trade - Maldives

Sàndor Szelekovszky

Head of the Trade and Other EU Policies SectionEU Delegation to the UAE

H.E Ambassador Maria Belovas

Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia EMBASSY OF ESTONIA,ABU DHABI

Sailesh Nathan

President Chairman India - GCC Business Council & SME Chamber of India

Mr. Mohamed Al Breiki

Executive DirectorMasdar City

Michael Lane

ChairmanSwiss Business Councils

Aleem Siddiqui M. Guiapal

Head/Program ManagerDepartment of Trade and Industry-Philippines

Katy Holmes

CEOBritish Chamber of Commerce, Dubai

Raed Safadi

Partner & chief EconomistWhiteshield

Sachin Halbe

Partner in the Strategic Operations Practice at Kearney MEAKearney

Douglas Zhihua Zeng

Sr. EconomistWorld Bank

Hendrick Leyssens

Vice PresidenEmirates Sky Cargo

Javier Carinena

PrincipalKearney

Amadou Diallo

Sr. Chief Executive Officer Middle East & AfricaDHL Global Forwarding

Mr. Mru Patel

Founder and CEOeWealthTech (eWT) and EWT Investment LLC

Kim Schofield

ChairmanAmCham Abu Dhab

Olena Shyrokova

President of Ukrainian Business Council In the UAEUkrainian Business council in UAE

Robin Vermaat

CEORV Consultancy

Andreas Baumgartner

Board member and Deputy CEOTipolis

Ms. Shruti Sud

Business Head MEA, WeAceVice President UAE-India Council, WICCI

Dr. Mazdak Rafaty

Consultative Board of the World Federation of Free and Special Economic ZonesFEMOZA

Najeeba Hassan Al Jabri

Chief ESG & Sustainability OfficerEmirates Global Aluminium

BLERTA RAMA

Deputy MinisterMinistry of Economy, Culture and Innovation

Alexios Zachariadis

Partner | Strategy & TransactionsDeloitte

Who Should Attend

Delegates

Exhibitors/Sponsors

Draft Event Program

MORNING SESSION

8:00am - 9:00am

Registration and Networking Breakfast.

Welcome Coffee and Light Refreshments.

9:00am - 9:15am

Opening Remarks.

Topic: Welcome and Objectives of the Summit.

9:15am - 10:00am

Keynote Address.

Ministerial Keynote 1

Minister of Economy, UAE

Topic: "The Strategic Role of Economic Cities in Economic Development and International Trade""

Ministerial Keynote 2:

Minister/DG Saudi Arabia or other GCC (reserved)

10:00am - 10:50am

Ministerial/Government Panel: Discussion: Policy Frameworks for Future-Ready Economies: Government Strategies to Attract and Sustain High-Growth Industries

Description: This panel will explore how governments can develop and implement policy frameworks that attract and sustain high-growth industries within economic zones. Discussions will focus on key strategies, including targeted incentives, regulatory reforms,and investment in critical infrastructure, to ensure economic zones remain competitive in the global market.

10:50am - 11:15am

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Networking and Exhibition Walkthrough

Description: Key dignitaries, VIPs, and organizers cut a ribbon to officially open the exhibition and tour the exhibition floor.

11:15am - 11:30am

Presentation: "Building World-Class Infrastructure to Support New Businesses"

11:30am - 12:15pm

Panel Discussion - Strategic FDI in Manufacturing and Industrial Zones: Aligning with National and Global Economic Goals

Topics: This panel will broaden its focus to include not only the role of manufacturing and industrial zones in attracting FDI but also how these investments align with national economic strategies and global market trends. This expanded focus can cover more ground and include discussions on partnerships, innovation clusters, and the role of government policy in shaping FDI trends.

12:15pm - 12:30pm

Presentation : Sponsor Presentation

12:30pm - 1:30pm

Lunch Break and Networking

AFTERNOON SESSION

1:30pm - 2:30pm

Roundtable Discussion - Success stories from thriving free zones and economic zones within the GCC.

Description: "Examining the Strategies and Innovations Behind the Success of Leading Free Zones in the GCC: A Discussion on Growth, Sustainability, and Economic Impact."

2:30pm - 3:15pm

Panel Discussion: Economic Zones as Innovation Hubs: Driving Research, Development, and Industry 4.0

Description: "This panel will explore how economic zones can become centers of innovation by fostering research and development (R&D) and embracing Industry 4.0 technologies. It will discuss the importance of creating ecosystems that support startups, tech companies, and R&D initiatives, and how these innovation hubs contribute to national and global economic competitiveness.“

3:15pm - 3:30pm

Presentation: Fueling Economic Development: The Strategic Role of Banks in Infrastructure and Industry Growth

3:30pm - 4:00pm

Networking Coffee Break

4:00pm - 4:45pm

Panel Discussion - The Future of Global Supply Chains: Balancing Efficiency, Resilience, and Sustainability

Description: This panel will explore the future of global supply chains, focusing on how economic zones and industrial cities can balance efficiency, resilience, and sustainability. Industry experts will discuss strategies to optimize supply chains, integrate sustainable practices, and enhance resilience against disruptions, ensuring long-term competitiveness and growth.

4:45pm - 5:00pm

Presentation: "Sustainability and Environmental Practices as Business Attractors"

5:00pm - 5:45pm

Panel Discussion:: "Global Market Expansion: Leveraging Chambers of Commerce, Trade Authorities, and Business Councils"

5:45pm - 6:00pm

Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

Description: Summary of key takeaways, future opportunities, and the road ahead for economic zones.

6:00pm - 7:00pm

Cocktail Reception and Networking

Exhibition Hall (Open All Day)

Why This Event?

The answer is simple: to drive economic growth, foster collaboration, and seize the many opportunities that lie ahead for our region. Economic zones across the GCC have been the cornerstones of diversification, innovation, and foreign investment. They play a pivotal role in transforming our economies and positioning our countries as leaders on the global stage.

This summit serves several vital purposes

First, we are here to promote regional economic growth. The economic zones in the GCC have long been drivers of development, serving as hubs for trade, manufacturing, and innovation. Today, more than ever, these zones are critical to our collective efforts in diversifying away from traditional industries and preparing for a future that embraces technology, sustainability, and global competition.

Second, we are here to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing. Economic zones are not islands unto themselves. They thrive through partnerships—be it with government agencies, private sector innovators, or international investors. This summit is designed to bring together these key stakeholders, so that we can share best practices, learn from each other’s successes, and build a stronger, more integrated regional framework for economic development.

Third, we are here to attract investment. Today’s event serves as a platform to showcase the incredible potential of our economic zones. We want to show the world that the GCC is open for business, that our zones are ready to welcome foreign investors, and that we offer unparalleled opportunities for growth, innovation, and success. By bringing together investors, trade authorities, and business councils, we aim to foster partnerships that will bring prosperity to the region.

Fourth, we are here to align our efforts with the broader visions of our nations. Across the GCC, countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are pursuing ambitious national visions—Saudi Vision 2030, the UAE’s Centennial Plan, and others. These visions see economic zones as critical engines for growth, diversification, and sustainable development. This summit aligns perfectly with these national goals, helping to chart a path for how our zones can play an even greater role in realizing these visions.

And finally, this summit is about networking and creating real business opportunities. Through our business matchmaking sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, we hope to facilitate meaningful connections between investors, zone operators, and government leaders. Our goal is to foster partnerships that lead to tangible outcomes and lasting success for all involved.

In conclusion, the Global Economic Zones Leaders Summit is about creating a platform for growth, collaboration, and progress. Together, we can shape the future of our region, attract new investments, and build economic zones that continue to be engines of innovation and prosperity.

We are delighted to have you join us and look forward to the dynamic discussions and valuable connections that will emerge from this gathering. Thank you for being part of this important event, and we look forward to welcoming you soon.

Warm regards,
Hazm Events & Media LLC

Industries Involved

Logistics and
supply chain

Manufacturing and
industrial

Technology and
innovation

Finance and
banking

Real estate and
infrastructure

Trade and
export

Legal and consulting
services

Renewable energy and
sustainability

Knowledge and Content Partner

Exhibitor

Association Partners

Media Partners

Let's get in touch

We are here to assist you with any questions or inquiries you may have about our event. Whether you need information about registration, sponsorship opportunities, business matchmaking, or any other aspect of the event, our team is ready to help.

info@globaleconomiczone.com

+97143708433

Register now!

GLOBAL ECONOMICZONES LEADERS' SUMMIT