International Business Week Global Summit 2025 a grand success uniting global leaders on Yas Island

The International Business Week Global Summit 2025 was held from January 14 to January 17, 2025, at the iconic W Hotel, Yas Island, famously located along the Formula One racetrack. This landmark event brought together over 3000 delegates from 40+ countries, creating a vibrant platform for global business collaboration, innovation, and investment. International Business Week (IBW) stands apart as the only platform of its kind dedicated to international expansion and scaling up businesses globally.

 The summit kicked off with the GoGlobal show was officially inaugurated by representatives of Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone Authority (ADAFZA), an ADQ Company , Hong Kong Middle East Business Chamber Founding President Aaron Shum, International Business Week Founder and Director, Vineet C. Nambiar and other dignitaries. The summit was  supported  by the Department of Culture and Tourism  Abu Dhabi (DCT) , underscoring the UAE’s commitment to driving international business opportunities.

Chief Guest Presentation:

Sheikh Ali Al Mualla inspired the audience with a passionate talk on Emirati arts and sustainability, reaffirming the UAE’s leadership in cultural innovation and its commitment to sustainable development.

 Key Highlights of the Summit

 Keynote Addresses:

   •       Dr. Aaron Shum, Founding President of the Hong Kong Middle East Business Chamber and a celebrated entrepreneur with over 30 Jewellery retail stores under the brand “Lifestyle Fine Jewelry” and “Coronet” across the Gulf region, delivered a powerful keynote. He shared his five-decade journey of building a global business empire and his vision for empowering the next wave of entrepreneurs and investors in the Gulf.

   •       Keith Loo, CEO of Bradbury, captivated the audience with a keynote on Asia-Middle East business opportunities, announcing plans for a new fund to facilitate investments between the two regions, aimed at unlocking untapped potential and fostering economic growth

• India Racing League Expansion to the Gulf: Akhilesh Reddy, CEO of Megha Infrastructure and Realty, unveiled plans to bring the India Racing League to the Gulf, a move that highlights the region’s growing importance in global sports and entertainment.Procurement and Supply Chain Conclave

 A special forum on Procurement and Supply Chain brought together global leaders to discuss innovations and strategies for building resilient, efficient, and sustainable supply chains. The Gulf’s strategic location and logistics infrastructure were highlighted as critical enablers for international trade and expansion.

 GCC Transformation Opportunities Session

 Leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman addressed the massive Giga projects reshaping the region. Salman Al Ghamdi, COO of Arab Dreams, shared insights into accessing transformative projects such as NEOM, encouraging global investors and entrepreneurs to participate in the GCC’s growth story.

 Exciting announcements and initiatives:

   •       New Accelerator Programs: Two groundbreaking accelerators focusing on Digital Experiences and Life Sciences were announced, aiming to boost innovation in these rapidly evolving industries.

   •       Changemakers Program: The IBW Summit leadership launched a transformative initiative for Youthpreneurs, designed to nurture the next generation of business leaders and innovators.

 A major highlight of the summit was the VIP Gala, held at the stunning Skylit Venue of the W Hotel. Renowned designer Vincy Wong from ade.c showcased her latest fashion collection, captivating the elite audience with a dazzling array of cutting-edge designs that blended elegance

 VCs, family businesses, and global investors in attendance:

The summit attracted a significant number of venture capitalists, family business groups, and family offices, cementing its reputation as a global hub for investment discussions. Their participation emphasized the Gulf’s appeal as a gateway for scaling ventures, with dedicated sessions on fostering collaboration between startups, investors, and industry leaders.

Fostering collaboration and innovation

Over three dynamic days, the summit hosted the unveiling of AI and tech ventures, announcements of scale-up initiatives, and interactive panels on sustainability, digital transformation, and investment opportunities. Themed “Gulf to the Globe: Unlocking the Future of Global Opportunities,” the summit positioned the Gulf region as a key driver of international trade and innovation.

Global partnerships:

Multiple MoUs and collaborative projects were signed, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a strategic gateway to the globe.

Delegate experience:

Attendees experienced immersive site visits to free zones and historic landmarks, providing insights into the UAE’s unique blend of cutting-edge infrastructure and rich cultural heritage.

A platform for global growth

The International Business Week Global Summit 2025 has once again proven its value as a premier platform for fostering international partnerships, supporting innovation, and enabling entrepreneurs to scale globally.

For more information, visit www.internationalbusinessweek.com