Dubai: The WORLDEF Dubai 2024 Forum, the world’s largest digital commerce event, has commenced under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ). Hosted by Dubai CommerCity, the region’s leading free zone for digital commerce, the WORLDEF Dubai 2024 Forum has drawn over 5,000 attendees from more than 40 countries.
The two-day event, organized by WORLDEF, serves as a hub for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and discussions on key topics, including artificial intelligence, e-commerce trends, sustainable logistics, and investment opportunities. Key government officials, business leaders, and industry pioneers are gathering to manage the future of digital commerce.
In his opening speech, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, underscored the transformative role of e-commerce, citing global e-commerce sales expected to surpass $6.4 trillion this year. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi attributed this rapid growth to widespread internet access and mobile connectivity, noting that online purchases will account for 20 percent of global retail sales by 2024.
Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi stated that, “The UAE has long determined the transformative potential of e-commerce,” emphasizing the nation’s investment in digital infrastructure, including the development of Dubai CommerCity.
Murodali Alimardon, Deputy Prime Minister of Tajikistan, delivered a keynote address focused on his country’s National Development Strategy 2030. Murodali Alimardon underscored the importance of strategic partnerships in digital trade to support Tajikistan’s economic goals and improve citizens’ quality of life.
Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ and Chairman of Dubai CommerCity, restated Dubai’s commitment to driving the growth of non-oil economic sectors. Mohammed Al Zarooni described the forum as a reflection of Dubai’s status as a global trade hub and highlighted the strong participation of leading global companies as a testament to the city’s strategic importance.
WORLDEF Dubai 2024 Forum also highlighted the UAE-Turkey trade relationship, with Tugay Tunçer, Ambassador of Turkiye to the UAE, emphasizing the importance of strengthening economic ties between the two nations.
Omar Nart, CEO of WORLDEF, lauded Dubai’s role as a global innovation and trade hub. Omar Nart stated that, “This forum is a platform for shaping the future of commerce. Our focus this year is on ‘Driving Global Trade Through Partnerships and Innovation,’ underlining the collaborative spirit necessary for navigating the evolving digital economy.”
In a fireside chat, Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, discussed the UAE’s Digital Economy Strategy, which aims to double the sector’s contribution to GDP by 2032. He outlined initiatives by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy to attract global enterprises, support local startups, and establish a regulatory framework for digital growth. The event continues tomorrow, featuring more panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities aimed at fostering innovation and collaboration in the digital commerce landscape.