Gulf News' The UAE Growth & Investment Forum to guide investors through tax, policy and market access

Dr Maria Hanif Al Qassim, Assistant Undersecretary for Policies and Economic Studies at the UAE Ministry of Economy, will headline The UAE Growth and Investment Forum on July 1, 2025, at V Hotel Dubai Al Habtoor City.

Organised by Gulf News, the forum brings together policymakers, business leaders and investors for a day of high-impact discussions focused on growth, compliance, and opportunity in the UAE.

With global investor interest surging, driven by the UAE’s pro-business policies, robust infrastructure and access to key markets, the event aims to support companies at every stage with the knowledge needed to succeed.

Through expert panels, fireside chats, and networking sessions, attendees will gain practical insights into corporate tax, accounting practices, free zone advantages, and international expansion strategies.

Dr. Al Qassim will deliver a keynote address highlighting the UAE’s transformative economic initiatives and the country’s efforts to reinforce its position as a global hub for sustainable business growth.

Sector-focused sessions will explore new investment opportunities across key industries. The forum also offers critical insights into policy, compliance, and growth, helping businesses make decisions and expand effectively.

Foreign investment remains a key pillar of the UAE’s economic strategy, with free zones playing a critical role in attracting global capital. Offering investor-friendly regulations, 100 per cent foreign ownership, and sector-focused ecosystems, these zones have become hubs for international businesses seeking to establish or expand operations in the region.

 The UAE Growth and Investment Forum places a strong emphasis on the value of free zones in driving business growth and foreign investment. Through keynote addresses and expert-led panel discussions, the forum will explore how free zones allow international investors to scale up operations through sector-focused ecosystems, regulatory clarity, and specialised services.

Platinum Sponsor of forum, the Free Zones Authority of Ajman, has been spearheading major initiatives to strengthen the UAE’s position as a global business gateway. One such initiative is Ajman Axis, which aims to cultivate partnerships across key global markets.

“By connecting entrepreneurs and investors with thriving economies in Turkey, China, Vietnam, France, Egypt, and India, Ajman Axis is transforming the way businesses access the UAE and broader Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) markets,” says Ismail Al Naqi, Director General of the Free Zones Authority of Ajman.

Al Naqi will deliver an exclusive keynote at the forum highlighting how the UAE's strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and business-friendly policies position it a central node for global commerce and investment.

“Ajman Axis is opening doors to unprecedented opportunities and is instrumental in supporting the establishment of global operations within the UAE. With over 20,000 companies already registered in Ajman Free Zone, our sights are now set on a bold target – doubling that number by tapping into new, high-growth international markets,” Al Naqi explains.

Complementing this, the One Click Solution by Ajman Free Zone simplifies business set-up by integrating registration, residency, and banking services into a seamless platform.

 “Our clients no longer need to navigate multiple touchpoints; everything is seamlessly integrated into one platform,” Al Naqi adds.

At Meydan Free Zone, the goal has been to create a fully integrated business environment that supports entrepreneurs at every stage. Located in Dubai, the zone continues to streamline company set-up and expansion through digital tools and simplified processes.

“Over the past year, our focus has been clear: simplify the complex, digitise the manual, and make global growth accessible from Dubai,” says Mohammad Bin Humaidan, Director - Freezone, Leasing & Licensing at Meydan Free Zone, Strategic Partner of the forum.

One of its key offerings is Fawri by Meydan Free Zone, an instant business licence solution.

“I’m particularly proud of Fawri by Meydan Free Zone, our instant license solution designed for solo entrepreneurs. It was born from listening to what the modern founder wants: speed, transparency, and trust. With Fawri, anyone can launch a business in minutes, entirely online. This level of frictionless entry is a game-changer for international talent relocating to the UAE.”

Another Strategic Partner of the forum, Shams Free Zone has been expanding its international footprint through a dynamic blend of in-person and digital outreach. “A recent highlight was our highly successful roadshow in Mumbai, which brought together a diverse group of startups, business leaders, and entrepreneurs,” says Rashid Sahoo, Director of Operations.

"Complementing our physical presence, Shams has launched targeted international marketing campaigns across key regions to amplify awareness and attract foreign investment. These multi-channel efforts are integral to our broader strategy of positioning Shams as a flexible, accessible, and innovation-driven free zone," Sahoo adds.

Digital innovation remains a key priority at Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), Silver Sponsor of the forum, as it strengthens its investment promotion strategy and offers a seamless, tech-enabled experience for international investors.

“A key initiative is the adoption of AI-powered investor engagement tools, where we utilise intelligent algorithms and advanced CRM platforms to identify and attract high-potential investors. Through predictive analytics, we are able to fine-tune our strategies in line with evolving global investment trends,” says John Cunliffe, Strategic Business Development Director at RAKEZ.

Cunliffe also highlights the benefits of RAKEZ’s fully digital onboarding platform, which eliminates much of the administrative burden for new investors and enhances ease of doing business.

 “With self-service online portals, investors can access regulatory services, renew licences, and receive customer support without delays.”

 Cunliffe will further elaborate on these themes during a panel titled International expansion: Leveraging the UAE as a launch pad, where he will be joined by other experts to explore how companies can use the UAE as a strategic base for scaling globally.

 Both Cunliffe and Al Naqi highlight the significance of platforms like the UAE Growth & Investment Forum in shaping the future of the country’s business landscape.

 “These forums provide a platform for local and international investors, government leaders, and entrepreneurs to exchange ideas, foster partnerships, and drive innovation,” says Al Naqi.

 “We view these events as a valuable opportunity to strengthen the UAE’s business ecosystem. They allow us to showcase the investment potential of our free zone while building meaningful relationships that drive growth. We listen to the needs of entrepreneurs and investors, learn from these discussions, and curate solutions that meet their ambitions,” explains Al Naqi,

Cunliffe also adds, “Forums like this facilitate dialogue and collaboration, giving investors direct access to decision-makers and offering insights into real-world success stories, market trends, and emerging opportunities. By bringing together key stakeholders, they help shape policies, share best practices, and inspire confidence in the UAE’s long-term economic vision — ultimately strengthening the overall investment ecosystem and accelerating business activity across the country.”

Meanwhile, Humaidan from Meydan Free Zone, who will join a panel discussion on policy, innovation, and the future of investment in free zones, highlights the value of collaborative dialogue in shaping sustainable growth.

“Events like the UAE Growth & Investment Forum are essential because they do something that algorithms can’t — they bring people together with shared purpose. In a fast-moving economy like ours, it’s easy to focus on growth in isolation. But real impact comes from conversations, partnerships, and shared clarity on where we’re heading as a nation. This forum offers a space where government, business leaders, and investors can align visions and explore opportunities across borders,” Humaidan says.

Sahoo adds, “Through expert panels and networking sessions, these forums facilitate knowledge exchange, enable businesses to navigate regulatory developments, and uncover new investment opportunities”

The seminar agenda supports entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey, with a panel exploring the real-world challenges of launching and scaling a business in the UAE. Experts will discuss set-up requirements, operational efficiency, and strategies for sustainable growth.

A dedicated session on corporate taxation will cover key compliance issues, regulatory updates, and practical steps to align with the tax framework, helping businesses drive readiness, transparency, and long-term success.

For more information and to register, visit https://events.gulfnews.com/UAEGrowthandInvestmentForum

Platinum Sponsor is Ajman Free Zone, Silver Sponsor is RAKEZ, Strategic Partners are Triliv, Meydan Freezone, Sharjah Media City

Support Partners are Aurion, Dominic & Partners, Ahmed Alaghbari, Tecpro, UHY, Rock Media Global Group, Gifting Partner is Chocodate and Trophy Partner is Crystal Gallery.