Dubai To Host WORLDEF Dubai 2024 Forum Focused On Digital Commerce Growth Opportunities

Dubai CommerCity, a pioneering free zone dedicated to digital commerce, will host the WORLDEF Dubai 2024 forum from 4-5 December 2024. This event, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, aims to advance digital commerce. Organised by WORLDEF, it will gather over 5,000 representatives from leading organisations worldwide to explore emerging trends and foster collaboration in the industry.

The forum will attract attendees from 40 countries, focusing on innovations and emerging trends at both regional and global levels. A significant emphasis will be on growth opportunities aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. This agenda aims to double Dubai’s economy by 2033 and position the emirate as a leading global hub for digital commerce and international trade.

Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ and Chairman of Dubai CommerCity, stated that hosting the forum reflects their strategic commitment to strengthening Dubai’s position in trade and digital commerce. He said, "Hosting the WORLDEF Dubai 2024 forum at Dubai CommerCity, a member of DIEZ, reflects its strategic commitment to strengthening Dubai’s position as a global leader in trade and digital commerce."

He further highlighted their dedication to empowering local and international digital commerce companies for growth and regional expansion. With the UAE’s e-commerce market projected to reach AED70 billion by 2029, driven by advanced infrastructure and services, the forum will showcase Dubai’s achievements in this dynamic sector.

The event will provide a platform for government officials and CEOs across various stages of the e-commerce value chain. They will share insights on strategies driving sector growth. Discussions will cover customer-centric innovation, quick commerce, sustainable logistics, investment opportunities in the digital economy, artificial intelligence, and ethical trade.

The agenda includes keynote speeches and panels highlighting current trends and future prospects in digital commerce locally and globally. Experts will delve into innovations shaping the sector's future through case studies and discussions.

Global E-commerce Market Projections

In 2023, global retail e-commerce sales were estimated at US$5.8 trillion. Projections indicate a 39 percent growth in coming years with sales expected to exceed US$8 trillion by 2027. Similarly, the global B2C cross-border e-commerce market is forecasted to reach US$7.9 trillion by 2030.

Omar Nart, CEO of WORLDEF, expressed honour in bringing this specialised forum to Dubai. He remarked on its crucial role in driving digital commerce growth regionally and globally: "Organising this specialised and strategic forum in Dubai highlights the city’s crucial role in driving the growth of the digital commerce sector both regionally and globally."

The event underscores Dubai's commitment to developing an integrated ecosystem that boosts non-oil national economy contributions through digital commerce advancements.

With inputs from WAM