Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
With a focus on exploring business opportunities, strengthening strategic partnerships, and driving sustainable growth, Abu Dhabi Business Week commenced on Wednesday, bringing together over 150 speakers and 8,000 participants for 10 transformative events.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, the event is organised by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Department of Economic Development.
Running until Friday, December 6, Abu Dhabi Business Week highlights the UAE capital's role in building a business-friendly economy and delves into innovation, non-oil sector growth, and public-private partnerships.
As an organiser, Jasem Al Awadhi, Head of Economic Strategy Oversight at the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), pointed out the importance of the event in shaping the Emirate's economic landscape by bringing together public and private stakeholders to focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurship, and business-related topics, with a goal of creating long-term impact.
The ADDED is committed to finding innovative approaches to sustain economic growth and keep everyone - stakeholders and the economy - engaged and thriving, he said.
"I think sustainability is at the heart of creating an economy that continues to thrive. It is by finding the right opportunities and working with ecosystems to address any challenges that exist and clear them as you go."
Al Awadhi also pointed out the importance of leveraging Abu Dhabi's strategic position and diverse culture to create strong global connections.
"I think of Abu Dhabi as a global economic hub. Geographically, Abu Dhabi is like the centre of the world. It connects the east, the west, the south and the north," he said.
He said that the city, home to over 200 nationalities and cultural significance, serves as a central node connecting the worlds of business and people.
As the world becomes more data-driven, he stressed how the ADDED is focused on utilising technology and digital innovation to drive sustainable economic growth.
Al Awadhi emphasised that one of the key innovations is the Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (RA), which streamlines the registration process for investors by offering a digital platform.
Another initiative is the "Investor Journey" digital tool, launched in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, providing investors or enterprises with a comprehensive overview of their requirements and services available in the Emirate.
"Innovation, again, for us is important. Some of the announcements we have made here really tackle how we are going to bring the service to the investor or to the customer from their perspective in an innovative way," Al Awadhi added.
He also underlined the ADDED's proactive approach in terms of attracting foreign investment, indicating: "The ADDED, as the central entity that is overseeing the economy in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, has multiple arms that work to stimulate investments."
