Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, officially opened the Economy Middle East Summit 2025, which convened high-level public and private sector leaders to discuss collaborative solutions for sustainable economic transformation. The event was held at Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) under the theme ‘Bridging Sectors, Building Economic Growth’ and brought together more than 1,500 participants, including policymakers, business leaders, global investors, and technology pioneers.
According to Emirates News Agency, in his opening address, Sheikh Nahyan welcomed delegates and emphasized the summit’s timely focus on collaboration and future-readiness. He expressed personal pleasure in joining the second edition of the summit and highlighted the importance of sharing knowledge and forging partnerships to envision new possibilities for regional economies. He stressed the importance of clarity of vision, bold action, and deep partnerships at a time of profound global economic transformation driven by trade shifts, geopolitical realignments, technological advancements, and evolving societal expectations.
Sheikh Nahyan affirmed the UAE’s commitment to economic diversification, innovation, and global competitiveness under President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s leadership. He outlined the UAE’s focus on smart infrastructure, AI, sustainable finance, and education as pillars of future growth. He also emphasized regional integration, advocating for collaboration in digital trade regulations, green infrastructure investment, entrepreneurship, and alignment of innovation and education systems.
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, delivered opening remarks, sharing the UAE’s perspective on navigating the global economy. He noted the IMF’s projection of global growth at 2.8 percent this year and 3 percent next year, attributing slower growth to trade tensions and policy uncertainty, including US tariff hikes. Al Marri underscored the UAE’s commitment to economic cooperation through Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) with countries across Asia, Europe, and Africa, which have diversified economic partnerships and bolstered resilience against external shocks.
Salem Al Darei, CEO of ADGM Authority, highlighted the summit as a platform for industry experts and leaders to engage in discussions on innovation and sustainable economic growth. He reiterated ADGM’s commitment to fostering innovation, enabling business growth, and strengthening public-private collaboration.
A high-profile panel featuring Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin, UN special envoy on Financing the 2030 Agenda, Rashed Al Blooshi, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, and Safaa El Tayeb El-Kogali, World Bank Country Director for the GCC, discussed global trade issues and changes in the global economic order. The summit also featured analysis of the UAE’s investment ecosystem, with experts from Visa, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, and the Multiply Group discussing trade and investment opportunities.
Panels on financial services and technology explored industry reshaping forces, digital innovation, regulatory developments, and shifting customer expectations. Major stakeholders from companies like Mercedes-Benz and Siemens shared optimism about technological adoption and innovation in the region.
Joe Chidiac, Publisher of JC Media Group and organizer of the summit, encouraged participants to embrace innovation and form partnerships that will shape economies, empower communities, and create long-term prosperity.