Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), the inaugural Middle East edition of the Doers forum has successfully launched in Dubai. The two-day event, held at Dubai Silicon Oasis in partnership with The Doers Company, marks a significant milestone in connecting the startup ecosystems of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), Africa, and the Middle East.
The forum’s first day saw an impressive turnout of over 2,500 participants and featured insights from more than 150 global speakers. The event aims to foster collaboration and explore the future of high-growth sectors including artificial intelligence, digital economy, FinTech, mobility, and sustainability.
A Global Convergence in Dubai
The opening ceremony was attended by a host of dignitaries, including Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy; Abdullah Al Basti, Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai; and Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, CEO of DIEZ. Their presence underscored the strategic importance of the event in cementing Dubai’s position as a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Stelios Lambrou, Co-founder of The Doers, commented on the event’s immediate success, stating, “We are delighted with the success of the first day of the Doers forum in its inaugural edition in the region, with attendance far exceeding expectations. This confirms the strong interest from entrepreneurs and venture capitalists to leverage the significant growth opportunities offered by the investment market in Dubai, the UAE, and the wider region.”
UAE’s Vision for a Global Entrepreneurship Hub
In his opening address, Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri highlighted the UAE’s commitment to building a world-class entrepreneurial ecosystem. He pointed to national initiatives like “The Entrepreneurial Nation” and the “100 Companies of the Future” program as key drivers of this vision.
“The UAE is now home to more than 1,500 venture capital-backed startups, with Abu Dhabi and Dubai leading the region in venture investment volume,” Al Marri stated. He also noted that SMEs constitute 95% of all companies in the UAE and celebrated the nation’s top global ranking in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor’s 2024/2025 report for the fourth consecutive year.
Aligning with Dubai’s D33 Economic Agenda
Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni emphasized that the Doers forum serves as a global platform for shaping the future of entrepreneurship and the digital economy. He positioned the event as a strategic step in linking the innovation ecosystems of Europe with the Middle East and Asia.
“This partnership aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which sets an ambitious path to double the size of Dubai’s economy and establish it among the top three economic cities in the world by 2033,” Dr. Al Zarooni explained.
Spotlight on AI, FinTech, and Sustainable Growth
The forum’s agenda features a comprehensive program of panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions. A key session featured Uri Levine, co-founder of Waze, who shared his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing that entrepreneurship is “not just about product development, but about passion, commitment, and the drive to make a real impact.”
Discussions throughout the day focused on the transformative power of modern technologies, the shift from traditional to impact-driven investment strategies, and the growing importance of operational cash flow and sustainable profitability for startups.
About Doers Forum
The Doers forum is a leading platform that brings together innovative startups, venture capital funds, investors, and corporations from Central and Eastern Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Organized in collaboration with The Doers Company, the event aims to foster cross-regional collaboration, share insights on key technology trends, and connect founders with growth opportunities.
Source: Al Khaleej
