Investment-ready Dubai and sustainability to dominate ‘Dubai Investment Forum

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, has said that the annual Dubai Investment Forum has proven successful in presenting a model for the future of strategic sustainable investment, bringing together government departments and institutions that provide strategic growth opportunities and partnerships to investors and those looking for secure and profitable investments. 

"Dubai Government seeks to strengthen the partnership between the public and private sectors in all fields, in order to further enhance foreign direct investment, FDI," Sheikh Hamdan said, adding, "Robust FDI flows clearly reflect the level of investor confidence in the vision and strategy of the government." 

In reference to the Dubai Investment Forum 2016, which will be held under his patronage in this October, by Dubai Investment Development Agency, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan pointed out that steady FDI inflows stand testimony to the diversity and readiness of Dubai's economy as well as its ability to keep pace with regional and global development. The growth across various industry sectors and continued efforts to enhance the competitiveness of the emirate will reinforce the vital role it plays as a global economic hub. 

The Crown Prince said that Dubai Plan 2021 aims to strengthen Dubai's position as a preferred global destination for FDI. The Dubai Investment Development Agency, an agency of the Department of Economic Development, DED, focuses on establishing solid foundations for the sustainability of foreign investment, as a strategic partner to the success, growth and expansion of businesses in Dubai as well as across regional and global markets. 

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed called for continued support to strengthen constructive dialogue between the public and private sector, greater focus on developing investment in knowledge-based, high value-added economic sectors as well as improved efforts to create a favourable business environment for a new phase of ambitious economic growth in Dubai. 

"Our leadership pays special attention to the promotion of investment in the UAE and attracting regional and international companies to improve the foreign investment base. The Dubai Plan 2021 has set a roadmap for Dubai's prosperous future with new opportunities for investment in the infrastructure, services, and knowledge sectors," he added. 

The second edition of Dubai Investment Forum will witness a constructive dialogue among leaders in government and the private sector on the economic direction and business environment in Dubai. Senior government executives who play key roles in economic policy and strategy along with private sector representatives leading transformational initiatives in infrastructure and services in Dubai will address the forum, tracing the road ahead for Dubai as a business hub. 

"Dubai is presenting an interesting proposition in terms of economic development and enterprise growth more than ever, mainly on account of its emphasis on being a knowledge-based economy and a preferred place to do business," commented the Director General of DED, Sami Al Qamzi. 

"With the infinite opportunities stemming out of Dubai's 2021 plan and the emirate's position as the supply chain and services hub for an expanding geography covering high-growth markets, ‘Dubai Investment Forum' provides a significant opportunity to connect with investors and key decision-makers, looking for the right locations," he said. 

CEO of Dubai FDI, Fahad Al Gergawi, added that Dubai's emergence from a time-tested trading post into a modern, diversified and competitive business destination calls for sustained dialogue and engagement with a wider community of investors, governments and innovators. 

"Continued investment in infrastructure development and economic diversification have advantageously positioned Dubai to be the dominant hub for the Middle East, Africa, CIS and the Indian subcontinent. At the same time, Dubai is reinforcing its sustainability and competitiveness with focus on growing into a smart city of happy people and knowledge-driven business," he said. 

The Dubai Investment Forum 2016 will have four sessions, starting with the macro-economic picture in Dubai and progressing through the advantages of investing in Dubai, the GCC perspective and the avenues available in the emirate for smart investments in innovation.

Source: WAM