Future Growth Nexus Summit, 23 November 2026
Dubai
- Date
- 23 November 2026
- Venue
- Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai
- Format
- In person event
- Doors
- Registration and networking from 08:30
Overview
Overview
- Date
- 23 November 2026
- Venue
- Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai
- Format
- In person event
- Doors
- Registration and networking from 08:30
The Future Growth Nexus Summit, delivered by Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ) in collaboration with Forbes Middle East, will convene the region’s visionary leaders, industry pioneers, and trade experts under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority.
Marking DAFZ’s 30-year legacy, the summit serves as a flagship thought-leadership platform designed to position the Freezone for its next phase of growth while reflecting on its evolution and impact within the global trade ecosystem.
As global economic dynamics continue to shift, the summit will explore future-focused trade models, smart and sustainable economic zones, advanced logistics, digital trade, AI-driven innovation, and the policy frameworks that enable investment attraction and cross-border expansion.
Through high-level dialogue, strategic insights, and collaborative engagement, The Future Growth Nexus Summit aims to shape a digitally integrated, resilient, and sustainable global trade network.
Under the Patronage of
Under the Patronage of
On stage
Speakers
MC
MC
Agenda · 23 November 2026
Future Growth Nexus Summit
Break
Opening & Welcome by the Master of Ceremonies , Rowdha Al Sayegh, Master of Ceremonies
Welcome Remarks
Khuloud Al Omian, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, Forbes Middle East
DAFZ 30-Year Legacy Video - A special video celebrating three decades of growth, innovation, and achievements.
Smart Trade Policies for Integrated Economic Zones
A deep thought conversation on how unified regulations, simplified procedures, and modern incentives can accelerate cross-border trade and attract global investment.
H.E Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al ZeyoudiMinister for Foreign Trade, UAE
Three Decades of Transformation: Trade Hubs That Accelerated Dubai
Reflecting on DAFZ's role in positioning Dubai among the world's leading trade, logistics, and investment hubs.
H.E Dr. Mohammed Al ZarooniExecutive Chairman, Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority
Theme 1 · Future-Ready Logistics: Resilience, Adaptation, and the New Global Trade Reality
Redefining Logistics for a Secured Future: Creating Seamless, Sustainable, and Robust Supply Chains
How integrated ecosystems combining digital capabilities, flexible infrastructure, and strategic partnerships can enable supply chains to adapt, recover, and remain competitive.
Lisa ParkArea Managing Director UAE, A.P. Moller - Maersk
Nabil SultanGroup CEO, Dnata
Amadou DialloGroup CEO, Aramex
Sally MousaModeratorSenior Presenter Forbes Middle East
MC Transition & Agenda Highlights
Building the Next Era of Global Trade: DAFZ’s Vision Beyond 30 Years
As global trade is reshaped by shifting supply chains, emerging technologies, and new economic priorities, DAFZ is redefining the role of the modern free zone. Marking its 30-year milestone, this address will reflect on the achievements that have established DAFZ as a gateway for international business while outlining its vision for driving innovation, attracting investment, strengthening resilience, and enabling the next era of sustainable economic growth.
Amna LootahDirector General, Dubai Airport Freezone
Theme 2 · SUSTAINABILITY AS STRATEGY: A ROADMAP FOR NET-ZERO TRADE
The Middle East Aviation Outlook: Growth, Innovation, and the Future of the Industry
This session will explore the trends, opportunities, and strategic priorities shaping the Middle East aviation market, from fleet modernisation and air connectivity to industrial development and technological innovation. Speaker
Gabriel SemelasPresident Africa and Middle East, Airbus
Shereen MitwalliModeratorInternational Moderator, Onstage International
Streamlining the Free Zone Model: From Warehouses to Air Cargo
Explore proven strategies to reduce carbon emissions across warehousing, transport fleets, and last-mile delivery while adapting to the evolving dynamics of global trade.
Kunal NarulaCEO - Vice Chairman & MD, Mercantile PacifiC Group, Singapore
Tobias MalessaCluster Air Logistics Director – GCC+, Kuehne + Nagel 
Matthew StephensonCEO, World Free Zones Organization- Sally MousaModeratorSenior Presenter Forbes Middle East
Theme 3 · THE DIGITAL TRADE REVOLUTION: PLATFORMS, AI, AND BLOCKCHAIN FOR COMMERCE
Digital Marketplaces: The New Engine of Cross-Border Commerce
Delve into the mechanisms of how online B2B platforms are transforming sourcing, payments, and customs in a digital-first economy.
Alastair CrokerCEO, Tradeling
Moussalam DalatiGM - France, Middle East & Africa , Liferay
Iyad KamalBoard Member , Tradeling- Shereen MitwalliModeratorInternational Moderator, Onstage International
Predictive Logistics and Data-Driven Supply Chains: AI Tools That Drive Efficiency and Agility
Experts will highlight how AI-powered forecasting, robotics, route optimization, and demand sensing are reshaping trade hubs to improve accuracy, reduce costs, and enable faster, more adaptive logistics responses in an evolving global trade landscape.
Bremer PauwCCO - Middle East and Africa, DHL Supply Chain
Alan NgFounder & CEO, QuikBot Technologies
Nitin TatiwalaVice President Marketing and Customer Experience Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa, FedEx.- Sally MousaModeratorSenior Presenter Forbes Middle East
Networking Lunch
Theme 4 · INVESTMENT AND INNOVATION: POWERING THE FUTURE OF TRADE AND LOGISTICS
Catalyzing Competitive Advantage: Investments and Partnerships for Next-Generation Solutions
Access strategic insights on how targeted investments and collaborative partnerships deliver transformative projects, cutting-edge solutions, and sustainable growth across the value chain.
Paul KeelyChief Financial Officer, DIEZ
Emmanuel LegrosDirector of Strategy and Marketing, Thales
Aziz KoleilatPresident and CEO—Middle East, Türkiye, & CIS ,GE Aerospace- Shereen MitwalliModeratorInternational Moderator, Onstage International
The New Cost of Trade: Insurance, Risk, and Pricing Volatility
Examine how insurance costs, risk exposure, and pricing volatility are influencing trade flows, investment decisions, and growth strategies.
Thameur ZghalChief Commercial Property & Casualty Officer, GIG Gulf
Neil HaywardManaging Director, Middle East Restructuring & Turnaround Leader, Alvarez & Marsal
Michael RasinDirector & GM , Miebach- Sally MousaModeratorSenior Presenter Forbes Middle East
Empowering SMEs and High-Potential Startups Within Integrated Economic Zones
How integrated, sector-ready zones offer the specialized infrastructure, access to finance, create supportive pathways for emerging ventures and strategic partnerships needed to scale high-impact logistics and tech ventures sustainably.
Nitin ReenPartner, Nuwa Capital
Kamal ReggadCEO, RemotePass
Faisal ToukanCo-Founder & CEO, Ziina
Omar KhanModeratorPartner, Oraseya Capital
Closing Remarks
Networking Reception
Moderators
Moderators
Getting there
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira,Dubai.
Set against a pristine beachfront, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai is a luxury urban resort offering breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai’s iconic skyline, including the Burj Khalifa. Blending contemporary elegance with world-class hospitality, its exceptional beachfront setting and sophisticated facilities provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable event experience.
