WORLDEF DUBAI 2026, the largest e-commerce gathering of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, opened its doors. Organized in cooperation with Dubai CommerCity, the region’s first and leading digital trade-focused free zone, the event brought together many companies and initiatives ranging from e-commerce marketplaces to logistics companies, from artificial intelligence startups to sellers. Held for the second time this year, the event is being organized at the Dubai CommerCity campus under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ).
WORLDEF DUBAI 2026 was organized in cooperation between Dubai CommerCity, a joint venture of DIEZ and Wasl Properties, and WORLDEF, the international platform focused on supporting the global growth and expansion of cross-border e-commerce and digital trade companies. Bringing together more than 18,000 participants from over eighty countries, the event aims to create commercial opportunities, strengthen strategic partnerships, encourage knowledge sharing, and advance sustainable growth in the global digital economy.
An opening ceremony was held on the event’s main stage “Future Commerce” for WORLDEF DUBAI 2026. The opening ceremony was also attended by His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade; His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ; Her Excellency Amna Lootah, Director-General of Dubai CommerCity and Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ); Omar Nart, Chief Executive Officer of WORLDEF; and several Ambassadors, Consuls General and representatives from government entities and leading international digital commerce companies.
Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed: Strategic initiatives announced at WORLDEF DUBAI reflect Dubai’s firm commitment
His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed stated that the strategic initiatives announced within the scope of WORLDEF DUBAI 2026 reflect Dubai’s firm commitment to developing a future-ready, digitally enabled economic model through artificial intelligence, advanced technologies, strengthened international partnerships, and an integrated innovation ecosystem that enables businesses to grow confidently in regional and global markets.
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi: The UAE has established a leading position in e-commerce
Speaking at the opening of the forum, His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trad,e stated that Dubai has strengthened its position as a global trade, innovation, and digital commerce hub. HE Zeyoudi expressed that the city’s role will become even more important in today’s transforming global economy, and stated that the UAE is progressing towards developing a digital, data-driven, and globally integrated economy and has established a leading position in e-commerce in this direction. Emphasizing that the UAE sees e-commerce as a fundamental pillar of the global trade system, HE Zeyoudi stated that efforts are ongoing to establish a network of digital trade corridors that seamlessly facilitate the flow of goods, services, and data between countries.
Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni: WORLDEF DUBAI directly supports D33
His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ, stated that hosting WORLDEF DUBAI is an indication of Dubai’s forward-looking vision and its commitment to promoting cooperation and advancing digital trade. He stated that the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 provides a strategic framework to strengthen global connectivity, enhance international competitiveness, and position Dubai among the world’s leading city economies. He emphasized that the forum directly supports this agenda by enabling companies to grow internationally through world-class digital capabilities and integrated trade infrastructure. HE Dr. Al Zarooni also stated that the discussions at the forum revealed the accelerating impact of artificial intelligence, fintech, advanced logistics, and next-generation payment solutions in reshaping global trade ecosystems and strengthening market connectivity.
Omar Nart: WORLDEF is part of the D33 vision
Omar Nart, CEO of WORLDEF said, “WORLDEF DUBAI is not only an event; it is a meeting point of ideas, people, and futures. Digital trade is changing the world. It is no longer the future, it is today itself. Trade is now digital, growth is now cross-border, and success requires cooperation. Dubai understands this reality. We are proud to organize this event in close cooperation with our main strategic partner Dubai CommerCity. This forum is aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. D33 has a clear vision; to grow Dubai’s economy, to become a leader in global digital trade, and to connect markets, talent, and innovation. WORLDEF is part of this vision.”
Emphasizing that the future of digital trade will be discussed at WORLDEF DUBAI, Nart stated: “At the forum, we will address policy, logistics, e-commerce, payments, artificial intelligence, and trust. We are bringing together leaders from government, business, and technology. People from more than 80 countries are here. This shows a simple truth: The digital economy has no borders. The participation of leading companies specialized in e-commerce and related logistics sectors has enabled strategic discussions to take place throughout the forum. It has contributed to shaping the future direction of these sectors and identifying emerging opportunities.”
Nart emphasized that a “Startup Zone” was opened for the first time at WORLDEF this year and that more than 50 startups were brought together in this area, stating, “These startups are global by design. They bring new ideas, new energy, and new solutions. We also have country and ecosystem pavilions. These bring together markets, institutions, and companies. At the same time, we are launching the WORLDEF Growth Network (WGN). This is not just a community, it is a long-term platform. A platform that connects people.”
Omar Nart stated, “I am pleased to announce that WORLDEF DUBAI 2027 is already being planned. Next year we will be bigger, stronger, and even more global.”
The announcement of the UAE’s first Applied Artificial Intelligence Innovation Center was made
Within the scope of the event, the establishment of the UAE’s first Applied Artificial Intelligence Innovation Center within Dubai CommerCity was also announced by the IIT Madras Global Research Foundation, which facilitates market access and investment opportunities for ventures across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The center aims to position Dubai as a regional and global launch hub for applied artificial intelligence innovation by establishing a structure where solutions are developed, implemented, and scaled through a long-term platform focused on sustainable innovation and value creation.
At the event, the launch of the economic research report published by Dubai CommerCity was also held, which addresses the transition from traditional trade models to integrated, technology-based digital trade ecosystems supported by e-commerce, digital payments, smart logistics, fintech innovation, and data-driven cross-border services. The report addresses the development of secure digital trade corridors that strengthen regional and global economic integration through the establishment of digital trade corridors, the integration of digital infrastructure, and the establishment of reliable frameworks that will facilitate seamless cross-border transactions.
In addition to these, the launch of the joint initiative between Dubai CommerCity and Dubai Customs was also held, which aims to strengthen cooperation in digital trade and support the development of an integrated business environment that facilitates trade flows and increases the efficiency of Dubai’s trade ecosystem.
