Doers Summit 2025 Officially Launched By Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed At Dubai Silicon Oasis
The inaugural Middle East edition of the Doers Summit 2025 was officially opened by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ). This significant event, held at Dubai Silicon Oasis from 26–27 November 2025, serves as a major platform connecting startups, investors, and tech leaders from Central and Eastern Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
On its first day, the summit attracted over 2,500 participants and more than 150 global speakers. The agenda included keynotes, panel discussions, and networking sessions focusing on AI, fintech, digital infrastructure, climate tech, and sustainable mobility. These sessions aimed to foster dialogue on how technology can create real-world impact.
Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri emphasised that under UAE leadership, the nation has developed a competitive entrepreneurship ecosystem. This environment offers genuine opportunities for entrepreneurs and innovative ventures to grow. He highlighted initiatives like "The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World" campaign aimed at establishing the UAE as a global hub for startups.
Dr. Nicodemos Damianou from Cyprus praised Dubai as a global innovation centre. He noted its vibrant environment for both startups and large enterprises supported by progressive policies and world-class infrastructure. Dubai's focus on digital transformation has led to remarkable growth in AI, fintech, and smart city solutions.
The UAE has launched several pioneering initiatives such as the "Future 100" initiative and the "Thabat" programme. These programmes empower family-owned businesses to establish projects in advanced technology sectors. Al Marri also mentioned that SMEs make up 95% of all operating companies in the UAE.
Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni stated that this summit is a global platform shaping entrepreneurship's future. It aligns with Dubai's Economic Agenda D33 goals to double its economy size by 2033. The summit connects innovation ecosystems across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Insights from Industry Leaders
A keynote session featured Uri Levine, Co-founder of Waze. He shared insights into his entrepreneurial journey, emphasising that passion and commitment drive entrepreneurship beyond product development. Levine stressed solving real problems through effective solutions validated by target audiences.
A specialised panel discussed modern technologies' role in creating new opportunities through impact-focused investment strategies prioritising cash flow and sustainable profitability. They explored AI's intersection with climate tech and deep-tech initiatives alongside cross-border investments.
Dubai's Growing Influence
The Doers Summit made its debut in Dubai this year after being held annually in Limassol and Athens. Stylianos Lambrou expressed satisfaction with the strong turnout exceeding expectations on its first day. This reflects widespread interest from entrepreneurs eager to capitalise on growth opportunities in Dubai and beyond.
The summit showcased successful case studies from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East while highlighting sectors driving economic transformation like AI, fintech, digital infrastructure sustainability mobility among others offering rich programmes including workshops networking opportunities focused key concepts shaping global innovation ecosystem.
The UAE aims to become a global hub for new economy sectors by adopting national strategies supporting artificial intelligence digital trade science fintech space smart mobility sustainable manufacturing aligning with "We the UAE 2031" Vision objectives ensuring continued progress towards achieving these ambitious goals.
With inputs from WAM
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