Ahmed Bin Saeed Inaugurates WORLDEF Dubai 2024 Forum To Discuss Digital Commerce Trends
The WORLDEF Dubai 2024 Forum, a major event in digital commerce, began under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. This gathering, hosted by Dubai CommerCity, attracted over 5,000 participants from more than 40 countries. The forum is organised by WORLDEF to support global e-commerce growth and offers a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, highlighted the importance of e-commerce in his opening remarks. He stated: "E-commerce has emerged as a cornerstone of the global economy, transforming industries and redefining consumer experiences over the past 25 years." He noted that global e-commerce sales are expected to exceed $6.4 trillion this year.
Murodali Alimardon, Deputy Prime Minister of Tajikistan, discussed Tajikistan's National Development Strategy 2030 during his keynote speech. He emphasised improving citizens' living standards through economic development and highlighted infrastructure and natural resources as key enablers. Alimardon also addressed Tajikistan’s readiness for strategic partnerships in digital trade.
Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ and Chairman of Dubai CommerCity, expressed that hosting the forum aligns with Dubai CommerCity's commitment to advancing digital commerce's role in non-oil economic growth. He noted the strong participation from stakeholders and speakers from leading companies as evidence of Dubai’s status as a global trade hub.
The Ambassador of Turkiye to the UAE highlighted the strong trade ties between the UAE and Turkey. He pointed out that the UAE is Turkey’s largest trading partner within the GCC and stressed the importance of enhancing trade cooperation between these regional business hubs.
Omar Nart, CEO of WORLDEF, remarked on Dubai's role as an innovation hub: "We gather in Dubai—a global hub of innovation and trade—to shape the future of commerce." The forum focuses on "Driving Global Trade Through Partnerships and Innovation," underscoring collaboration's power in a changing digital economy.
Digital Economy Growth
The first day included a discussion with Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers. Lootah spoke about the UAE Digital Economy Strategy aiming to double its GDP contribution from 9.7% in 2022 to 19.4% over ten years. He highlighted initiatives supporting local tech firms and attracting global enterprises.
Lootah expressed optimism about digital economy growth in the GCC and UAE, noting it exceeds expectations due to strong economic indicators. These efforts aim to position Dubai as a prime destination for digital businesses, contributing significant economic value to the region.
This two-day forum provides insights into trends like artificial intelligence and sustainable logistics while facilitating exchanges among government officials, CEOs, and thought leaders on digital commerce's future.
With inputs from WAM
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