Co-Founder & CEO
TradeFairTimes Arabia
ceo@tftarabia.ae
Dubai consistently surprises with its innovative ideas and exploration of cutting-edge technologies. The 3rd edition of the Dubai FinTech Summit took place on 7-8 May 2025 under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum. This two-day summit at Madinat Jumeirah gathered over 8,000 decision-makers from 118 countries, including government officials, policymakers, and startup founders. More than 300 thought leaders participated in 125 discussions across five stages, and over 200 exhibitors showcased the latest technologies. Among the attendees were over 20 government dignitaries, including the Mayor of Seoul, Central Bank Governors, and Deputy Governors.
His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, commented, “The Dubai FinTech Summit is not just a gathering; it is a platform for transformative discussions and collective action. The summit stands as a beacon of impact, progress, and investment.”
In another innovative move, the Undersecretary of the Dubai World Trade Centre introduced a new Home Business Package for the residential community at Expo Village, Expo City Dubai. This initiative caters to first-time business owners, startups, entrepreneurs, and SMEs by allowing them to obtain a DWTC Free Zone company license and employee visas based on a residential lease, eliminating the need for dedicated office space. This reflects Dubai’s growing status as one of the top global cities to work and live in.
Additionally, the 30th edition of CABSAT, the premier conference for the broadcast, satellite, content creation, production, distribution, and entertainment industries, successfully concluded on May 23, 2024, with several new announcements, partnerships, and Memorandums of Understanding (MoU’s) in the media, entertainment, and satellite sectors. Organized by the Dubai World Trade Centre, the event saw a record-breaking turnout. The third day of the conference, which welcomed over 18,000 visitors, featured announcements of collaborations and MoU’s between exhibiting organizations, highlighted emerging trends and technologies, and fostered insightful discussions.
Such innovative ideas will ensure that the UAE continues to lead the expo and trade industry. As I mentioned in my earlier note, we are significantly increasing trade each year under the Royal Leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, leaders of the Emirates.