Power your business journey at Invest UAE

Gulf News returns with the 2025 edition of the Invest UAE seminar, following a year of organising a series of successful events aimed at driving growth in the UAE’s entrepreneurial sector. This edition of Invest UAE will showcase a wide range of opportunities the UAE offers to businesses at every stage, whether they are just starting out or looking to expand, with a focus on encouraging growth and innovation across various industries.

This one-day, exclusive event – taking place on February 19 at V Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road – will showcase the UAE’s business landscape. The UAE’s reputation as a leader in economic development, innovation, and ease of doing business has made it one of the world’s most competitive places for investment. Invest UAE will further highlight the strengths of the UAE’s business ecosystem, offering guidance to entrepreneurs, start-ups, SMEs, and multinational companies eager to take advantage of the country’s growth initiatives.

A recent UNCTAD report ranked the UAE as the second-largest recipient of greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2023, trailing only the United States. The surge in investment reflects the UAE's strategic approach to attracting global capital, especially as it continues to diversify its economy.

In November 2024, the UAE government announced an ambitious strategy to accelerate FDI growth further, targeting a cumulative foreign investment of Dh1.3 trillion by 2031, and tripling the FDI balance to Dh2.2 trillion by the same year. The plan will focus on sectors such as advanced manufacturing and renewable energy – key areas the UAE sees as central to its long-term economic vision.

With these ambitious goals in place, the Invest UAE seminar is more important than ever. As the UAE’s investment landscape expands, the event will offer businesses the insights they need to capitalise on these new opportunities.

Expert speakers from the business set-up, free zone, taxation, legal, and finance sectors will provide critical guidance on how to address the challenges of establishing and running a successful business in the UAE.

Attendees will learn about the latest regulatory developments and taxation rules, as well as the various incentives available in the UAE’s free zones, which continue to serve as key drivers of business growth in the country.

While discussing the crucial role of free zones in driving the UAE’s growth and investment potential, Ismail Al Naqi, Director General of the Free Zones Authority of Ajman, says, “Free zones, such as the Ajman Free Zone, serve as gateways to opportunity in the UAE. These zones offer a highly attractive value proposition for global investment and new enterprises primarily through a combination of fiscal advantages and operational efficiencies.” Al Naqi will deliver the keynote address at Invest UAE.

“The impact of free zones goes beyond administrative ease. Free zones are meticulously designed to foster sector-specific ecosystems. By clustering businesses within the same industry, free zones facilitate collaboration, knowledge transfer, and access to specialised talent and resources. This concentrated environment is particularly beneficial for start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs),” he explains.

Mustafa Shaker, Sales Director of Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), who will join other esteemed speakers at Invest UAE for a focused discussion on how free zones contribute to business growth, says, “Free zones like RAKEZ play a key role in supporting new businesses and attracting global investment by attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), enabling industrial growth, and strengthening regional supply chains.”

Highlighting the significance of Invest UAE seminar series in driving economic progress, Shaker says, “Events like Invest UAE play a critical role in shaping the UAE’s business landscape by attracting local and international investors, fostering economic growth, and reinforcing the country’s position as a global investment hub.”

He continues, “By addressing investor concerns, simplifying market entry, and offering insights into high-growth sectors, Invest UAE strengthens investor confidence and facilitates strategic partnerships.”

When: February 19, 9am - 3:30pm

Where: V Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Amazing Room

Register on https://events.gulfnews.com/InvestUAE-UnlockingTomorrowsOpportunitiesinaThrivingEconomy#/

Al Naqi also emphasises how Invest UAE offers in-depth insights into targeted investment opportunities across various sectors.

“By highlighting the potential for strong returns and sustained growth, and by showcasing the successes of established businesses, the Invest UAE seminar effectively demonstrates the ease and profitability of doing business in the country."

Networking is another cornerstone of Invest UAE, he says. “Investors don’t just want data; they want relationships. The seminar’s curated matchmaking between entrepreneurs, free zone authorities, and funding institutions can fast-track partnerships.”

David George, Commercial Publisher & Head of Design of Gulf News, says, “By highlighting the UAE’s diverse business landscape, we aim to provide entrepreneurs, SMEs and multinational companies with the insights they need to succeed in this fast-growing market. This seminar is designed to drive innovation and support business growth in one of the region’s most dynamic economies.”

Invest UAE’s comprehensive seminar agenda covers every aspect that can support businesses on their growth journey, offering valuable insights and strategies for success.

“As the UAE continues to lead the way in economic diversification and innovation, the Invest UAE seminar plays a key role in connecting businesses to the nation’s rapidly expanding sectors. Invest UAE helps connect local and global investors, highlighting the value of the UAE's growing business ecosystem,” says Tina Bhakthavalsalan, Head of Commercial Partnerships & Events.

Free Zones Authority of Ajman is Platinum Sponsor and Rakez is Silver Sponsor. Support partners are Ahmad Alagbari Chartered Accountants, Hussain Al Shemsi Chartered Accountants, and Liberty Business Commercial Brokers, and V Hotel is Venue Partner of Invest UAE.

V Hotel overlooks the Dubai Water Canal and is designed to reflect the spirit of the city. Amazing Room, a 723-square-meter dome-shaped ballroom with textured, colour-changing walls and a stage, can host large-scale events.

Register now to maximise your company’s growth potential and ensure long-term success in the UAE’s thriving investment landscape.