At the opening of AIM Congress 2026 in Dubai, H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, delivered a keynote address highlighting the country’s evolving role as a global hub for trade, investment and economic partnership.
Held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from September 7 to 9, AIM Congress 2026 brings together governments, investors, business leaders and innovators under the theme “Reshaping Global Prosperity: Unlocking New Investment Pathways Towards a Sustainable and Inclusive Future.” The event is focused on how economies can create new investment channels while responding positively to technological change, shifting trade patterns and emerging growth opportunities.
A Global Economy Entering a New Phase
Dr. Al Zeyoudi’s keynote came at a time when international trade and investment are undergoing significant transformation. Technology, geopolitical developments, sustainability priorities and the emergence of new economic centres are reshaping the way capital, goods, services and expertise move between markets.
Against this backdrop, the UAE’s approach is centred on openness, international partnerships and the continued development of an environment that enables businesses and investors to operate globally.
The Minister’s address placed particular emphasis on the UAE’s ability to respond to these changes by building an economy designed around connectivity and diversification.
UAE Non-Oil Trade Continues to Expand
The country’s latest trade figures provided a strong backdrop to the keynote.
The UAE’s non-oil foreign trade exceeded AED 1.9 trillion during the first half of 2026, demonstrating the continued expansion of the country’s international commercial relationships. The figure reflects the growing importance of non-oil sectors in the UAE’s economic model and its ability to connect businesses with markets around the world.
The UAE also attracted US$48.3 billion in foreign direct investment in 2025, placing the country ninth globally among FDI destinations. Its cumulative FDI stock exceeded AED 1.17 trillion, further reflecting international confidence in the country’s business and investment environment.
These developments reinforce the UAE’s strategy of building a diversified economy that is increasingly connected to international investment, trade and technology networks.
Building an Investment Platform for the Future
A key element of the UAE’s economic strategy is its investment in infrastructure and connectivity.
The country has developed specialised economic zones, advanced ports and logistics networks, international airports and digital infrastructure designed to facilitate the movement of goods, services, capital and talent.
This infrastructure provides businesses with a platform from which they can access regional and international markets while benefiting from the UAE’s strategic position between major economic centres in Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
The Ministry of Foreign Trade describes this connectivity as part of a broader strategy to strengthen exporters, build resilient supply chains and deepen international economic partnerships.
Investing in Future Industries
The keynote also placed the future of investment within the context of emerging industries.
Artificial intelligence, clean energy, climate technology, food and water security and sustainable infrastructure are increasingly becoming central to economic development.
For investors, these sectors represent opportunities that extend beyond traditional economic cycles. They combine technological development with some of the world’s most important long-term requirements, creating opportunities for businesses capable of developing scalable solutions.
The UAE is positioning itself to participate actively in these industries by combining investment, infrastructure, technology and international partnerships.
Trade as a Driver of Sustainable Growth
The wider message from the keynote was that trade is becoming more than the movement of goods between countries.
Modern trade increasingly involves technology, knowledge, services, investment, intellectual property and partnerships between businesses and governments.
This creates opportunities for countries to develop more sophisticated economic relationships while supporting employment, innovation and knowledge transfer.
The UAE’s approach seeks to use these relationships to strengthen its position as a gateway for international businesses and investors while contributing to broader economic development.
Strengthening Global Partnerships
International cooperation remains a central part of the UAE’s trade strategy.
Through its growing network of economic partnerships and Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements, the country is working to create easier channels for businesses to enter new markets and expand existing operations.
The strategy also supports greater integration between the private sector, governments and investment institutions.
This partnership-led approach is particularly relevant as businesses seek greater diversification of markets and supply chains.
Dubai as a Global Meeting Point
The setting of the keynote was itself significant.
Dubai has developed into a meeting point for international capital, business and policymaking, and AIM Congress provides a platform for these different stakeholders to connect.
The 2026 edition is bringing together 25,000 participants from 191 countries and organisations and 540 global speakers across 103 keynote, interactive and dialogue sessions, highlighting the scale of international engagement surrounding the event.
For investors and businesses, such platforms provide an opportunity to explore partnerships, identify emerging markets and understand the economic priorities shaping different regions.
Looking Ahead
Dr. Al Zeyoudi’s keynote reinforced a positive outlook for the UAE’s continued role in the global economy.
As international trade evolves and new investment opportunities emerge, the UAE is seeking to remain at the centre of these changes through diversification, infrastructure, technology and international partnerships.
The country’s strong non-oil trade performance and growing foreign investment position provide a solid foundation for this ambition.
At AIM Congress 2026, the message was clear: the next phase of global economic growth will be shaped by countries and businesses capable of connecting markets, embracing innovation and building partnerships that create long-term value.
For the UAE, that strategy continues to place trade, investment and global connectivity at the heart of its economic future
