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The two-day gathering at ADNEC Centre Al Ain will convene government policymakers local and international investors family businesses entrepreneurs manufacturers financial institutions and representatives from universities and research centres the Emirates News Agency reported. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development the forum carries the theme Invest Develop Thrive and will include keynote sessions on policies infrastructure capital access talent development and opportunities arising from strategies that reinforce Al Ain’s contribution to broader growth objectives. Discussions will centre on practical steps to translate dialogue into projects that strengthen the local economy while aligning with Abu Dhabi’s long-term vision for a knowledge-based diversified system.
Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development extended appreciation to the patron for supporting the event which aligns with comprehensive plans to speed the shift toward a more diversified balanced smart and sustainable economy. “We extend our sincere appreciation to H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his generous patronage of this forum which is being held in line with comprehensive development plans aimed at accelerating the transition towards a more diversified balanced smart and sustainable economy” Al Zaabi said in the statement carried by WAM. The Chairman added that the forum creates an integrated platform coordinating directions implementation and opportunities among government private-sector investors and talent-development entities.
Al Ain’s competitive advantages in agriculture higher education tourism and advanced manufacturing continue to draw high-value investments the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development assessment found. New economic licences issued in the region rose 58 percent in the first quarter of 2026 after a 29 percent increase for the whole of 2025 compared with prior corresponding periods according to the department’s figures. This licensing growth reflects sustained momentum that positions the area as an increasingly attractive destination for projects in technology innovation and sustainable industries.
The agenda will examine talent development research and development agricultural technology smart transportation renewable energy and sustainable tourism the organising department stated. Sessions will highlight how higher education institutions can support manufacturing and logistics growth while creating pathways for small and medium-sized enterprises to access finance and enter new markets. By bringing these themes together under one roof the forum seeks to generate measurable outcomes including job creation expanded business opportunities and improved quality of life across the region.
Preparatory work including a high-level workshop held in late 2025 under the title Al Ain Horizons Towards the Future 2026 helped identify priorities for investment innovation and workforce development Arabian Business reported. That earlier gathering noted more than 128.5 billion dirhams in non-oil investments already secured in transportation energy and manufacturing sectors according to data presented by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development. Such accumulated capital demonstrates the region’s established role within Abu Dhabi’s wider strategy to reduce hydrocarbon dependence and build enduring prosperity through diversified activity.
The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development has pursued complementary initiatives such as simplified licensing procedures and targeted entrepreneurship programmes to reinforce the business environment in Al Ain. These efforts form part of ongoing collaboration with entities including the Department of Culture and Tourism the Abu Dhabi Investment Office and the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development the department’s announcements show. With the inaugural forum now weeks away stakeholders anticipate concrete commitments that will further embed Al Ain in the emirate’s economic roadmap for the years ahead.
