ISIDORA CIRIC (ABU DHABI)
The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, have partnered to launch the Impact Summit in Abu Dhabi, fortifying the Emirate’s position as a key player in the worldwide movement of tech innovation and entrepreneurship.
Under the theme "Big, Bold, Business," the event took place at the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) February 26-27, featuring a lengthy list of renowned speakers, offering insights and strategies that have propelled their ventures to the forefront of their industries.
Hub71, which works with over 260 start-ups that have raised Dh5.4 billion in venture capital, announced empowering programmes and new talent strategy during the event.
Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO shared the stage with the Emmy award-winning comedian, New York Times bestselling author, Trevor Noah, discussing the Emirate’s ambition to evolve its ecosystem into a global destination for innovators.
“Abu Dhabi is emerging as the premier destination for start-ups and innovators worldwide, offering a dynamic platform for facilitating the world's most promising breakthroughs. Beyond being the new tech north star, Abu Dhabi has much to offer with its unmatched quality of life and thriving pathways for growth. Our culture embraces diversity, ensuring that everyone, regardless of colour, religion, or ethnicity, finds a welcoming home in the world's capital of capital”, Al-Olama said.
Additionally, actor, businessman, producer, and humanitarian Idris Elba shared insights on his new Sherbro Island City project, which aims to set a bold example for private sector-led development, embodying a visionary approach to sustainable growth and community empowerment.
Joining Trevor Noah and Idris Elba, notable sports figures such as Tommy Fury, Paul Pogba, and Amir Khan contributed to engaging panel discussions at the Summit.
In an interview with Aletihad, Fury, an accomplished boxer and TV personality, expressed his excitement to attend the session, noting that the UAE is one of his favourite places to visit.
“I think being out here is amazing. It's an honour to be invited to participate in this event. Me and my family come over quite a lot. And we've never had a bad experience — it has always been amazing. Hospitality is second to none. We're big fans of the UAE,” he told Aletihad.
Discussing his participation at the Summit, he highlighted the importance of the synergy between the discipline and adaptability honed in athletics and their applicability to entrepreneurial success.
“I was happy to give my two cents on having that sports mindset. Coming from the sporting world and being a boxer, having the discipline and adaptability is something you can implement on the business side of things,” Fury said.
Fury outlined his ambitions to transition from athlete to entrepreneur, expressing a desire to establish boxing academies in the UAE to nurture young talent.
“The UAE is a very successful country. I would like to open some academies over here, to give young kids a road to go down. It would help them build discipline, build fitness. I’m also open to other opportunities here,” he said.
He explained that, to reach success, one has to take a leap of faith and start chasing their dreams.
“If I had one thing to say to, you know, young entrepreneurs who want to just go out and make something happen, just do it. Take the risk, you know, don't think about things too much. Take the jump, take the leap, and make it happen”, he said.