Emirates Development Bank (EDB) announced a cumulative financing milestone of AED 12.9 billion by the third quarter of this year, as the bank hosted the fifth edition of its EDB Connect forum series at the Etihad Museum. Organized in partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology’s (MoIAT) “Make it in the Emirates” initiative, the forum gathered influential figures from the public and private sectors to discuss how strategic collaborations can shape Dubai’s sustainable future.
Under the theme “Beyond the Horizon: Unlocking Dubai’s Sustainable Future Through Unconventional Collaborations,” the forum featured a range of insightful discussions that highlighted the emirate’s well-developed infrastructure and its potential to solidify its position as a global manufacturing and export hub.
Key Highlights from the Forum
The event included three key panel discussions and a TED Talk-style session that explored the limitless potential of Dubai’s industrial and technological sectors. EDB Connect emphasized strategic partnerships between leading market players in Dubai, underlining the bank’s mission to reinforce the city’s global standing in impact investing and Industry 4.0.
Since launching its strategy in April 2021, EDB has contributed significantly to the UAE’s GDP, with AED 4.4 billion dedicated to bolstering Dubai’s core industries. This achievement aligns with the bank’s efforts to support sustainable growth and economic diversification across the UAE.
Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, CEO of Emirates Development Bank, emphasized the critical role of the forum, stating, “Dubai’s infrastructure has always been recognized for its adaptability to businesses of all types and sizes. However, in today’s rapidly evolving world, the need for fast adoption of advanced solutions is crucial. EDB Connect serves as a platform for industry leaders to come together, share ideas, and devise strategies to address emerging challenges.”
He added, “Our shared goal is to drive the UAE’s economic growth through diversification and industrial development. As we continue to optimize our investments in critical sectors, we take on the responsibility of ensuring future readiness, in line with the long-term vision of our leadership. We are not just participants in this journey—we are the architects of a resilient and prosperous future.”
Panel Discussions and Sessions
The event featured three key panel discussions, each moderated by senior officials from EDB. The first panel, “Dubai – A Global Hub for Impact Investing,” examined the city’s potential to become a leader in this field by leveraging its strategic location and economic strengths. The second panel, “Dubai – The Advanced Manufacturing Powerhouse,” focused on how Dubai can become a center for advanced manufacturing driven by local innovation. The third panel, “Artificial Intelligence: The Engine of Modern Economy,” explored how AI is transforming business operations and enhancing efficiency.
Additionally, a TED Talk-style session titled “Scaling Up: Charting the Growth Journey of Dubai’s SMEs” was delivered by Dr. Yasar Jarrar, an AI expert from the International Advisory Group, who discussed the role of AI in accelerating SME growth in Dubai.
Recognition and Awards
The forum concluded with an award ceremony honoring key stakeholders and strategic partners who have significantly contributed to Dubai’s economic development. Industry leaders from various sectors, including the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, Dubai Future Foundation, Emirates NBD, and Mashreq Bank, were present to share insights and celebrate the city’s progress.
As EDB continues to foster collaborations that drive Dubai’s sustainable future, the event marked another step in reinforcing the emirate’s leadership in key industries.
