Abu dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has organized a high-level workshop titled 'Al Ain Horizons Towards the Future 2026,' which brought together strategic partners and key stakeholders to align efforts aimed at strengthening Al Ain's position as a key driver of economic growth and diversification.
According to Emirates News Agency, the workshop focused on enhancing public-private partnerships, business opportunities, and talent development in the Al Ain region. It aimed to identify strategic priorities for Al Ain's future development, formulate an initial roadmap for strategic projects, and foster greater integration among initiatives and entities to promote sustainable growth in line with Abu Dhabi's vision for a smart, diversified, inclusive, and sustainable economy.
Participants discussed various initiatives to strengthen Al Ain's business and investment ecosystem through coordinated planning and policy development. Key topics included smart agricultural development, support for productive families, and enhancing cultural and tourism offerings to position Al Ain as the leading desert oasis retreat. There was also an emphasis on programmes to bolster the investment and entrepreneurship ecosystem to accelerate economic growth and diversification.
Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, Under-Secretary of ADDED, emphasized Al Ain's role as a key pillar of Abu Dhabi's strategy for sustaining economic growth. He noted the region's competitive advantage in sectors such as agriculture, higher education, tourism, and advanced manufacturing, which drive sustainable growth. Collaboration among government entities, investors, and entrepreneurs is crucial to creating new jobs, expanding opportunities, and improving the quality of life.
Al Mazrouei highlighted that Al Ain has attracted over AED 128.5 billion (USD 35 Billion) in non-oil investments across transportation, energy, and manufacturing sectors. He reiterated the commitment to building synergies that empower talents, entrepreneurs, investors, and businesses to seize emerging opportunities, reinforcing Al Ain's role as a key driver of diversification and enduring prosperity.
The agenda included presentations and discussions with senior representatives from various organizations, including the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT), Al Ain International Airport, the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI), the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Al Ain City Municipality- the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, and Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (Nafis), along with entrepreneurs and experts.
The event underscored growth priorities and promising opportunities in Al Ain. The Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council focused on aligning talent development with Al Ain's labour market requirements. The Abu Dhabi Investment Office and Khalifa Fund presented investment opportunities, funding, and support programmes for entrepreneurs, while the Abu Dhabi Chamber highlighted the private sector's role in the region.
The Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA), an arm of ADDED, showcased its efforts to foster business growth by working with stakeholders to ensure simplified licensing procedures, expert guidance, consumer and commercial protection, and a robust regulatory environment.
The workshop underscores ADDED's commitment to empowering local economies, enabling entrepreneurship, and supporting Al Ain's development as a dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable hub within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.